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Public Safety Block Party

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The Arlington County Public Safety Block Party, hosted by the Arlington County Police Department, Fire Department, Sheriff's Office, and the Department of Public Safety Communications and Emergency Management, is a free, family-friendly event that provides community members the opportunity to get to know the men and women who protect and serve Arlington County, while enjoying interactive stations, safety demonstrations, entertainment, food and other summer activities. Arlington County’s public safety personnel welcomed the community back to this fun and engaging community event on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 12:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Kenmore Middle School. For information on future community events and engagement opportunities, subscribe to Police News and Updates.

View Attraction Map

Indoor Attractions

Behind the Badge

Back by popular demand, the ‘Behind the Badge’ experience allows participants to step into the role of a police officer as they engage in a simulated roll call and experience live scenarios created by ACPD, the Sheriff’s Office and the Emergency Communications Center. Please note that participants must be 18 years or older in order to take part in this experience.

KidZone - Presented by the Department of Parks and Recreation TEAM Amusements

This family-friendly area has activities designed for our younger community members, including:

Back-to-School Children's Hair Cuts provided by DMV Barber 98
Create Your Own T-Shirt
Try On Public Safety Uniforms
Fingerprinting
Nature Center Animal Presentations
Rock Climbing
Moon Bounces

Learn more about the Department of Parks and Recreations TEAM Amusements.

Adoptable Pet Station

Come and hang out with some of Animal Welfare League of Arlington’s (AWLA) available pets and learn more about how you can support shelter animals.

Information Tables

Stop by and meet with a variety of Arlington County Government departments and private organizations who will be distributing information and providing free giveaway items.

Outdoor Attractions

Distracted Driver Simulation

Conducted by members of the Virginia State Police, test your focus and learn about the dangerous effects of impaired driving as you navigate a golf cart through this cone course with special goggles to simulate intoxication.

Vehicle Expo

Explore vehicles used by law enforcement, firefighters and partner agencies to ensure public safety! Highlights include law enforcement specialty vehicles, fire trucks, police motorcycles, and even a helicopter!

VIN Etching - Presented by the Virginia State Police’s Help Eliminate Auto Theft (H.E.A.T.) Program

Protect your car from vehicle theft by getting your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) permanently engraved on your windshield and windows. To participate, please bring your vehicle and vehicle registration to the designated VIN Etching area off of S. Carlin Springs Road.

Police K9 Demonstrations

During these live demonstrations, K9 handlers will discuss and showcase some of the capabilities of their loyal canine partners.

Police Motorcycle Demonstrations

Meet some of the ACPD motor officers as they demonstrate the riding skills needed to perform their work.

Children's Bike Rodeo

Presented by BikeArlington

Additional Attractions

The Block Party is a family-friendly community event! Attendees can expect a live DJ, raffle prizes, virtual gaming truck, food options and much more!

Attraction Times

The duration of all activities will be 12:00-5:00 p.m. except for the items listed below:

Behind the Badge (12:30-4:30 p.m., occurs every 30 minutes)

Distracted Driving Course (12:30-2:30 p.m., 3:30-4:30 p.m.)

K9 Demonstrations (1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.)

Motorcycle Demonstrations (Once every hour starting at 12:30 p.m.)

Vehicle Expo:

Helicopter Landing/Takeoff (1:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m.)

KidZone:

Children's Back-to-School Haircuts provided by DMV Barber 98 (12:30-4:30 p.m., first come, first serve)

Create Your Own T-Shirt (12:30-4:30 p.m.)

Try on Public Safety Uniforms (12:30-4:30 p.m.)

Fingerprinting (12:30-5:00 p.m., occurs every 30 minutes)

Nature Center Animal Presentations (TBD)

Parking Information

Public parking at the Public Safety Block Party is restricted to those with handicap parking permits. Parking on nearby streets is restricted to neighborhood residents with appropriate parking permits.

Parking is complimentary at the below locations.

Shuttles Running Every 15 Minutes