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Entry Level

Apply at ACPD.JOBS recruitment poster

The Arlington County Police Department seeks qualified entry-level police officer applicants to join our team of dedicated sworn and civilian employees. We serve a diverse, urban and engaged community with an emphasis on community policing and problem solving, in support of the Department’s key initiatives: community engagement, transportation safety, crime prevention and control and employee wellness.

Joining our team as a law enforcement officer has unique benefits and provides challenging opportunities.

Position Highlights

Hiring bonus up to $25,000
$68,503.50 annual starting pay
25 Year Retirement (No Age Limit)
Patrol officers work the equivalent of a 37.5 hour work week with 4 and 5 days off at a time
Academy training paid at full salary

What Sets Our Agency Apart

Work in a Vibrant, Engaged Community

Arlington County, Virginia is a world-class community and tourist destination located across the Potomac River from the nation’s capital. It maintains a rich variety of engaged neighborhoods, quality schools, and enlightened land use. Home to some of the most influential organizations in the world — including the Pentagon — Arlington stands out as one of America’s preeminent places to live, visit, and conduct business.

More about Arlington County.

Comprehensive Pay, Benefits and Retirement Package

From recruit to retiree, the benefits offered by Arlington County are competitive and comprehensive.

More about pay, leave and benefits.

An Agency That Values You

The Department’s flexible schedule lets patrol officers work a fixed shift consisting of only 15 days a month. Additionally, patrol officers have two weekends off per month, giving you more free time to spend with family and friends. The Department takes a holistic approach to officer wellness and has developed programs in partnership with local organizations and other agencies. This programming emphasizes training to provide personnel with the tools and skills to mitigate and manage stress and experiences they encounter on the job.

Learn about our agency initiatives.

We Invest in Your Career

From date of hire, until retirement, officers at the Arlington County Police Department have access to paid training opportunities on leading tactics and emerging issues facing the law enforcement profession.

More about our commitment to training.

Getting Started with the Arlington County Police Department

This is an entry level patrol officer position, with an emphasis on community policing and problem solving. Recruit officers:

Must successfully complete their course of studies at the Northern Virginia Criminal Justice Training Academy and the Field Training Program
Will be assigned to a fixed shift with rotating days off upon successful completion of field training
Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period following the completion of the Field Training Program.

MORE: Read About Our Minimum Qualifications

Start Your Application

Contact the Personnel and Recruitment Unit

Equal Opportunity Employer The Arlington County Police Department makes every effort to recruit qualified individuals from all backgrounds to serve our unique community. We are proud of the diversity across all positions and ranks within ACPD.