ARLINGTON, VA – Arlington County is dramatically raising the starting salary for police officers to $90,012, making it the highest law enforcement starting pay in the National Capital Region. The change takes effect on July 1, 2026, the beginning of the next fiscal year.

Under the county’s new collective bargaining agreement, lateral transfers—officers joining Arlington from other departments—will start at a salary as high as $103,330. All new officers and laterals are also eligible for signing bonuses up to $25,000.

The increase is part of a broader strategy to attract and retain qualified officers amid nationwide recruitment challenges. Current ACPD officers at the ranks of Officer, Corporal, Sergeant, and Lieutenant will also see raises to ensure pay remains competitive throughout the

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