Thread: Arlington County

Arlington is an excellent department to work for. It has about 350 officers, and is well-funded. One of the advantages of a 350 man department is that you will eventually know everyone and can build a good reputation. This makes a big difference in getting specialized assignments. On the same note, if you screw up, everyone will know.

In patrol you work a fixed 4 day, 10 hour shift. You earn better days off with seniority. The benefits have changed for the better recently, and they are as competitive with any department in the region. For the most part, the management style is less paramilitary and more laid back. The officers tend to be professional, so the management doesn't micro-manage too much. (There are some exceptions.)

Depending on the shift/beat assignment, action can vary widely. On a pay-day friday night in the summer, you can be running from fight call, to stabbing, to DWI wreck all night long. On dayshift in north Arlington, count on working false residential alarms.

Overall, I would recommend giving Arlington a look. It's a good place to start or even make a career out of. Also, it has traditionally been a good resume builder for the feds.

Is 350 officers considered small? If that is the case my department is TINY!

K9

I went to the Calibre Press seminar hosted by Arlington Co PD in February 2000, and got a chance to speak with some officers. They all seemed happy with the department and the work they do, but I did hear some complaints about the cost of living (it is NoVA after all).

350 officers is a good size for a department. It's big enough to have a decent budget and multiple opportunities for advancement and special units, but it's not so big you get lost in the shuffle.