community initiatives impacting low crime rate in Arlington VA

Safety

A Safe and Well-Informed Community

Safety is key when it comes to choosing a place to live and work. And you can be confident in that safety in Arlington, one of the safest localities in the nation. The crime rate in Arlington, VA is well below the national average.

Residents and workers can feel secure in their surroundings, whether walking home after work or when enjoying an evening out with friends or coworkers. In addition to Arlington’s own robust public safety agencies, the region is also served by numerous federal, state and local partner agencies. These partners collaboratively ensure community safety and provide added capabilities to ensure the well-being of the community.

Collaboration

Community Commitment to Safety

promoting safety in Arlington VA

The Arlington County Police Department is dedicated to providing high quality police services that reflect the community’s values and objectives. It works closely with the community to understand its vision for police services and mitigate community safety concerns.

Arlington’s public safety agencies work collaboratively with community and neighborhood groups, including nonprofit organizations and its Business Improvement Districts (BIDs). Together, these organizations collaboratively ensure community safety and improve quality of life for residents, businesses and visitors.

In addition, the BIDs also have their own dedicated staff, and many commercial entities in Arlington’s urban corridors also employ dedicated security to monitor buildings, parking garages and sidewalks.

Living

Is Arlington VA Safe?

Arlington ranks as one of the safest counties in the D.C. region, with AreaVibes ranking Arlington VA safety as A+. Data from a variety of sources cites Arlington as achieving safety scores higher than the average for Virginia, as well as for the U.S. as a whole. Living in Arlington comes with a wide range of benefits, and safety ranks at the top of the list.

Engagement

Safety Initiatives, Programs and Trainings

Arlington is known for its innovative programs that leverage best practices in public safety. Arlington actively engages with those they serve and works with local partners to offer unique community training opportunities.

The Police Department’s Business, Youth and Community Outreach Units work with the community to address safety concerns, conduct proactive outreach and lead safety training.
In partnership with Virginia Hospital Center, the Fire Department leads Hands2Hearts Community CPR Training, which helps individuals recognize the signs of cardiac arrest and initiate hands-only CPR.
The Arlington Restaurant Initiative is a voluntary accreditation program designed to raise the standards of restaurants that serve alcohol, streamline processes within the County Government and maintain Arlington as a safe destination for nightlife and entertainment.

Transportation Safety

Vision Zero in Arlington

Arlington’s County Board adopted its first five-year Vision Zero Action Plan in May 2021. This action plan provides a framework to work towards eliminating all traffic fatalities and severe injuries, while increasing safe, healthy and equitable mobility for all. Arlington will work to implement its Vision Zero strategy through educational efforts, partnerships with community groups, law enforcement, commissions and advocacy groups, and engineering improvements.