Starting July 1, 2026, new Arlington County police officers will be making $90,012 a year—the highest starting salary for law enforcement in the entire D.C. region. Lateral hires, meaning officers transferring from other departments, can start at $103,330.
The move is part of a new collective bargaining agreement aimed at tackling a persistent staffing shortage and boosting retention. The department is also offering up to $25,000 in hiring bonuses for new recruits and lateral transfers.
Chief Andy Penn called the changes “very impactful,” pointing to the ongoing struggle to maintain staffing. “This new agreement makes smart investments focused on retaining our exceptionally dedicated sworn officers while also taking steps to ensure we attract highly qualified applicants,” he said.
What Else Is Changing?
This isn’t just about bringing in new faces. Officers already on the force—up through the rank of lieutenant—will also see percentage-based raises to keep salaries competitive as careers progress.
What Do You Get With the Job?
Besides the base pay, the department is also putting a spotlight on quality-of-life benefits:
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Officers work an average 37.5-hour week with 4 to 5 days off at a time.
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Full salary is paid during academy training.
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The department promotes a robust wellness program.
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Retirement after 25 years.
They’re clearly betting that a strong compensation and benefits package will draw both new recruits and experienced officers looking for a department that’s willing to invest in its team.
Here’s How to Apply
If you’re interested, Arlington is already accepting applications, and pay will automatically jump to the new level on July 1, 2026.
There are two Virtual Career Expos coming up:
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Thursday, November 13, 6–9 p.m.
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Thursday, November 20, 6–9 p.m.
Both events will be hosted on Microsoft Teams. Recruiters will walk you through the job and kick off the hiring process, including a qualifying interview. Candidates who move forward will get a voucher to take the Law Enforcement Written Exam.
You can learn more and apply at joinarlingtoncountypd.com or reach out directly at 703-228-0988 or ACPDRecruiting@arlingtonva.us.