Office of Professional Responsibility

The Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR) supports the mission of the police department by influencing and establishing sound regulations and policies and ensuring integrity between the police department’s actions and our governing laws, regulations, policies and professional standards.

Above all else, the Arlington County Police Department is committed to the principle that all individuals will be treated with dignity and respect. We adhere to the protections afforded by the Constitution to assure everyone‘s rights are safeguarded. Employee actions are regulated by departmental policy, practices and the law. To maintain community trust, the department actively investigates all allegations of officer misconduct to ensure we are holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of professional law enforcement.

It is the policy of the Arlington County Police Department to provide members of the public with a fair and effective avenue for redress of complaints and allegations of misconduct. OPR is responsible for recording, registering, and controlling the investigation of complaints against, or alleged or suspected misconduct of employees of the Arlington County Police Department. 

The Department takes all allegations of misconduct seriously. Members of the public are encouraged to report incidents for investigation if they believe the actions of a police officer or civilian staff employee were inappropriate or violated the law or department policy.