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December 2025
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Happy Holidays, Arlington! On behalf of the men and women of the Arlington County Police Department, we wish you a happy, joyous and safe holiday season! In this month’s News and Highlights from Across the Agency, Chief Penn shares safety tips to help keep the season merry and bright. The publication also features investigative highlights, crime and crash statistics, community engagement efforts and department news.
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Announcements and Updates
Stories Behind the Badge – Responding to Retail Theft Trends
In the department's December installment of Stories Behind the Badge, Master Police Officer Williams details strategies ACPD continues to implement to address retail-related crime including enforcement, deterrence and education.
The department works each day to ensure retailers and community members alike feel safe and supported — from proactive outreach and collaboration with businesses to swift investigative efforts that help keep our commercial corridors secure.
Watch the video here.
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Currently Underway: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Campaign
Holiday celebrations and gatherings are happening all month long and ACPD is raising public awareness about the importance of finding a sober ride home before the celebration begins. As part of these efforts, ACPD is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the annual Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign. The campaign, which runs from December 12th through January 1st, aims to warn community members of the dangers of drinking and driving while making our roadways safer by apprehending those driving under the influence.
Tragically, December can be a dangerous time for travelers. According to NHTSA, during the 2019-2023 December months, there were 4,931 people killed in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes nationwide. In December 2023 alone, 1,038 people died in alcohol-impaired-driving crashes. More parties and festivities celebrating the season can lead to more people making the dangerous decision to get behind the wheel after drinking. That is why ACPD is working with NHTSA to remind drivers of this potentially lifesaving message: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over. Getting home safely is the best gift.
Before the celebration begins, plan a sober ride home whether it is a sober designated driver, public transportation, taxi or ride share. The Washington Regional Alcohol Program’s 2025 Holiday SoberRide® program will run from nightly from Friday, December 19 through Thursday, January 1. Visit SoberRide.com for details.
For more information on the dangers of drunk driving, visit the NHTSA website.
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Thank You for Supporting the 2025 Fill the Cruiser Toy Drive!
The 11th Annual Fill the Cruiser Toy Drive was a tremendous success, thanks to the overwhelming generosity of the Arlington community. One of the true highlights of our holiday season was connecting with community members at each of our in-person events at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Arlington Assembly of God, Lee Harrison Shopping Center and “A Very Village Holiday” in Shirlington.
Word of Arlington’s holiday spirit even reached the North Pole—prompting Santa to join us in Arlington with support from ACPD, ACFD and ACSO as he made his way to our final collection event.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to all of our stationary donation box partners for helping us gather toys to support as many children in need as possible this holiday season: Haute Dogs, Westover Market Beer Garden, Compass Coffee, Cathedral of St. Thomas More, Office Building at 200 N. Glebe Road, Central Library, Arlington Courthouse Administrative Support Unit, Ireland’s Four Courts, Celtic House Irish Pub, Shirlington Library, Ruthie’s All-Day, Long Bridge Aquatics & Fitness Center, Freddie’s Beach Bar, Porsche Arlington, Courthouse Public Library, NEC Corporation, Captains of Commerce, Walter Reed Pickleball Club, Piedmont Realty, Arlington Adult Day Program, Ballston BID
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Connect with the Community Engagement Division
The Community Engagement Division (CED) works across Arlington to build and maintain strong partnerships with those we serve through proactive engagement. The CED is comprised of three units – Business Outreach, Youth Outreach and Community Outreach – which work with their respective stakeholders to address public safety concerns and further the Department's efforts to improve transportation safety and implement crime prevention and control initiatives.
Additional Ways to Engage
Engage with ACPD | Request a CED Service | Make a Transportation Safety Enforcement Request | View All Services
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