Category: Incidents | 2016

Incidents | 2016

County Board’s Response to Rape Numbers

by Caroline

In March, the Commission on the Status of Women submitted a letter to the Arlington County Board highlighting the (significantly) increased number of rapes reported to police in 2016.  Here is the Commission’s letter.

In April, the County Board responded to the Commission’s letter and provided explanations for the increase in sexual violence in Arlington.  Here is the Board’s letter.

Incidents | 2016

Rapes in ARL at 5 Year High

by Caroline

Arlington County’s Overall Crime Rate Continues to Trend Downward

May 23, 2017

ARLINGTON, Va. – The Arlington County Police Department has released the 2016 Annual Report, [Finally! This report is usually issued in March, but I reckon publishing these numbers during Sexual Assault Awareness Month would’ve been a public relations disaster] highlighting the many endeavors the men and women of this department undertake to maintain Arlington County as a safe place to live, work and visit. Last year the agency adopted three key initiatives to guide staff as we continue to deliver professional police services to our community. These initiatives are community engagement, transportation safety, and crime prevention and control. In recognition of our commitment to keeping the Arlington community informed and engaged, this annual report reflects accomplishments in each initiative.

Among the information in the annual report is the 2016 crime statistics. Arlington’s overall crime rate, which is comprised of Part I offenses as defined by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, decreased by 2.4% in 2016. The grand total of Part I offenses (homicide, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny and motor vehicle theft) was 3,512 in 2016, down from 3,628 in 2015. Over the last five years, the overall crime rate in Arlington County has continued to trend downward [with the exception of rape, which is at a 5 year high!].

The majority of crimes reported to the Arlington County Police Department are Part II offenses which encompasses various felony and misdemeanor crimes. Part II offenses decreased marginally by 0.34% from 7,313 in 2015 to 7,288 in 2016. Additionally, calls for service received by the Police Department dropped by 4.5% from 87,475 in 2015 to 83,511 in 2016.

Traffic statistics also reflected a decrease in 2016 as there were 140 fewer reportable crashes than in the previous year. Crashes involving bicycles decreased by 30.4% from 46 in 2015 to 32 in 2016. While there were 24 more reportable pedestrian involved crashes in 2016 than in the previous year, the number of reported incidents have remained relatively consistent over the last five years. In 2016, there were zero pedestrian, bicyclist, or driver fatalities investigated by the Arlington County Police Department.

The Arlington County Police Department remains committed to proactively policing our neighborhoods to prevent and reduce crime, building strong partnerships with the community and effectively communicating to ensure the public’s trust. By working together with our citizens, we can continue to maintain the safety of Arlington County.