Residents  Visitors  Businesses  County Government  Online Services Información en Español

Police

Arlington Virginia Auxiliary Police Unit

 

The Arlington County Auxiliary Police Unit supplements the regular county police force.

Auxiliaries are responsible for a wide range of responsibilities, ranging from crowd and traffic control to community policing initiatives that improve the quality of life in Arlington County.

Role of Auxiliary Officers

All Auxiliary officers are assigned to the Special Operations Section (SOS).

Uniformed Patrol

Auxiliary officers receive training in patrol techniques upon their acceptance into the program. Auxiliary officers assist full-time police officers by:

  • Performing patrol duties
  • Providing traffic and crowd control during special events
  • Writing reports
  • Providing support during emergency call-outs
  • Performing other related work as necessary


Community Policing Initiatives

Auxiliary officers participate in parking and traffic enforcement, bicycle registration, shopping mall security details, foot patrols, as well as many other community policing initiatives.

Bike Patrol

 The bike patrol is a key component of the auxiliary police program's community policing efforts. Trained bike officers provide a police presence in county parks, along the bike trails, and in other key areas. The bike patrol
  • Promotes bike safety
  • Assists cyclists and others with medical and other emergencies
  • Fosters positive relationships between area residents and the police department

Criminal Investigations

Auxiliary officers are eligible to receive training in interview techniques and other related topics upon their acceptance into the program. Auxiliary officers may assist detectives by:

  • contacting crime victims
  • interviewing crime victims
  • obtaining critical information
  • writing reports

History of the Auxiliary Police Force

The Arlington County Auxiliary Police Unit was formed in 1942 to provide uniformed patrol within Arlington County as a supplement to police officers whose numbers were reduced because of military service. During World War II approximately 75 citizen volunteers served in the unit. Since then the Auxiliaries have continued to assist the police department with both special events and daily activities throughout the county.

Training

Auxiliary officers receive on-the-job training from a field training officer during their first few months of duty. All Auxiliary officers receive frequent defensive tactics training. Other training includes police driving techniques and in-service training on various police-related topics. Additional specialized training may be available depending on police needs and Auxiliary interest.

Requirements

Requirements to become an auxiliary police officer include the following:

  • A resident of Northern Virginia
  • Minimum 21 years of age
  • Must have completed sixty semester hours or ninety quarter hours of college work at an accredited college or university.  No substitution is allowed for this requirement
  • U.S. Citizen
  • Good physical condition
  • Valid driver's license and good driving record
  • No criminal record

Additionally, each candidate must successfully complete the police interview process and pass a background investigation, polygraph examination, physical and drug screening.

All members of the Auxiliary Police Force are required to devote a minimum of 180 hours a year to the program.

For further information on opportunities available as an auxiliary police officer, please contact:

Aux. Lt. Heather Hurlock
Arlington Co. Police Dept.
1425 N. Courthouse Road
Arlington, Virginia 22201
Phone: (703) 228-4057
E mail: hhurlock (at) arlingtonva.us


Last Modified: October 08, 2009
2100 Clarendon Blvd. Arlington, VA 22201 Tel: 703-228-3000 TTY: 703-228-4611