Q: When / Why should I call the police?
A: Please read our brochure, "Why Should I Call the Police: A Guide for Citizens" (240K PDF Format)

Q: Where can I find the Arlington County Code of Ordinances so I can find out what laws apply to my situation?
A: Please use the County's central link to the County Code and Zoning Ordinance.

Q: How long will it be before an officer will be at the requestor's location?
A: Calls are prioritized by nature. Life threatening calls will have faster response time than non-life threatening calls. All calls will be responded to as soon as possible.

Q: How many times can I have false alarms before I have to pay?
A. Fines will be assessed for the third false alarm in a twelve-month period in the amount of $100.00. Additional information can be found on the False Alarm Unit's web page.

Q: How do I start a Neighborhood Watch?
A: Please visit the Neighborhood Watch web page for additional information.

Q: How can I help victims of domestic violence and stalking crimes?
A: Report instances of domestic violence or stalking. The Commonwealth's Attorney's office has a cell phone turn-in program. You can turn in your old working cell phone and charger to: The Office of the Commonwealth's Attorney, 1425 N. Courthouse Road, Arlington, VA 22201. Be sure to include your name and address when you drop off the cell phone. Your donation is tax deductible and a receipt for your phone may be downloaded from www.givecellphones.com. Call (703) 228-7273 if you have any questions or would like to arrange to have someone pick up your donation.

Q: What kind of records should I keep on items that I buy?
A: Information on the make, model, and serial number on any items that might bear such information, such as bicycles, camera, audio and video equipment is vital in recovering stolen items. This information should be carefully recorded, kept updated, and stored in a safe place for further referral.

Q: How do I file a compliment or complaint about a police officer or police policy?
A: Instructions to do either are available by clicking on the headings "Commendations" or "Reporting Police Misconduct" areas on the side menu under the section titled "For Citizens".

Q: Where can I get directions?
A: Please verify with your contact beforehand. If you do not have a specific contact, you may call (703) 228-4252 for directions to the Courthouse/Police Headquarters. If you need directions to an address within Arlington County, call the non-emergency line at (703) 558-2222. A call-taker will provide directions if time and call load allows. 

Q: What should I do if I'm pulled over by the police?
A: Please read our brochure, What to do when stopped by the police ... and how you can help things go smoothly (1.1M PDF Format).

Q: How can I tell if I'm an aggressive driver, and/or how can I prevent becoming one?
A: Take the Aggressive Driver Quiz provided by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

Q: How can I report aggressive drivers? How can I prevent aggressive driving?
A: If you have a cell phone and can do it safely, you can report aggressive or impaired drivers to the police by calling #77. To help prevent aggressive driving, read through the study information on the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety web site. In addition, Smooth Operator has a brochure (344K PDF Format) explaining how we, in partnership with Maryland and the District of Columbia, can help stop aggressive driving.

Q: How do I contest or pay my parking ticket?
Visit the Parking Review Office web site. You can contest a ticket online, by fax (112K PDF Format), or in person (112K PDF Format). You may also pay your parking ticket online, by phone, by mail, or in person.

Q: How do I report an abandoned vehicle?
A: They can be reported directly to (703) 228-4144.

Q: My car was impounded! How can I get my car back?
A: Call (703) 228-4252 or visit the Public Information Counter at 1425 North Courthouse Road for more information.

Q: How do I go about retrieving a vehicle not my own?
A: Callers or visitors are advised to have the proper personal identification and certified authorization from the owner to retrieve the vehicle.

Q: A parking meter is malfunctioning/broken. To whom do I report this and what information will be needed?
Please make a note of the date, meter number (if available), ticket number (if you received a ticket), exact street address of the meter, any other identifying landmarks, and what the problem is with the meter. You can call (703) 228-3298.

Q: How do I register my bicycle?
A: You can register your bicycle on line here.

Q: What happens if my bicycle is stolen and/or recovered in another county?
A: If your bicycle is stolen, the serial number (SN) or owner applied number (OAN) is entered into the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) by the jurisdiction in which it was stolen. If a bicycle is pawned or picked up as abandoned in Arlington County, the SN or OAN is used to check the NCIC database to determine if the bicycle is stolen. If no SN or OAN is available, the brand, model and color are used to determine if the bicycle is stolen. When you register your bicycle in Arlington County, you receive a decal to place on your bicycle. The decals acts as a theft deterrent, advising thieves that the police department has all pertinent information to recover the bicycle.

Q: How do I report an abandoned bicycle?
A: You can call 703-228-4057.  You will need to describe the bicycle, note the address where the bicycle is located, and tell us how long the bike has been there.

Q: How often does an Arlington County Police employee get a pay raise?
A: Employees get merit-based step increases on an annual basis in addition to a cost-of-living increase.

Q: How long does the hiring process take?
A: 3 - 6 months depending on the number of applicants.

Q: Do I have to live in the county?
A: No.

Q: Can I stay in the military reserves?
A: Yes, we offer military leave.

Q: How long does it take to become a supervisor or detective?
A: We now have a new step, Grade 9/PII, that you are eligible for after you have completed the academy and you are off probation. This is an increase of approximately $2,500. You are then eligible to take the Corporal's exam after one year. The Sergeant's exam will be approximately two years after that. You must be a Corporal in order to participate in the Detective selection process.

Q: Is the Police Academy like boot camp?
A: No, it is like being in school; Monday through Friday 7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

Q: Do you have a lateral program?
A: Not really. Everyone must complete the entire process. If you are certified in the state of Virginia, you might not be required to attend the police academy. Depending on the number of years of experience, there is a chance that you might start at a slightly higher salary. This is all on a case by case basis.

Q: Is there extra pay for college?
A: Not for college.

Q: Is there extra pay a second language?
A: Yes; Spanish speakers earn an extra $1,300.00 annually.

Q: How long is the Police Academy?
A: 20 weeks.

Q: Do I get a take-home car if I live in the county?
A: Yes, when available. You might be on a waiting list for six months to a year.

Q: If I live in another state, do I have to get a VA driver's license?
A: No.

Q: Do I have to work every shift?
A: Yes, but only while you're in Field Training after that you'll be assigned to a permanent shift.

Q: How long do I have to work before I can retire?
A: In order to be fully vested, you must work for five years.

Q: How long is the Field Training program?
A: 14 weeks.

Q: How long will it take to get results from the initial test?
A: Results are usually available within two weeks.