Executive Summary
While much of the data related to policing and criminal justice demonstrates that Arlington continues to be one of the nation ’ s safer cities , we must remain committed to ensuring that we are fostering strong police and community relationships – grounded upon the tenants of accountability and transparency .
Many of the original Unity Council recommendations focused on initiatives that would build trust between APD and Arlington ’ s minority communities . The Department has engaged in several initiatives focused on this goal . When evaluating Use of Force ( UOF ) data from 2019 to 2022 , the below findings were noted :
• The total number of UOF incidents decreased by 11.2 % ( 1,131 to 1,004 )
• The total number of UOF occurrences increased by 20 % ( 3,044 to 3,655 )
• The number of subjects against whom force was used decreased by 13.9 % ( 1,636 to 1,408 )
• A 26.2 % decrease from 2019 in Calls for Service , including dispatched , Self-Initiated activity and traffic stops
The increase in UOF occurrences can be attributed to increased response to violent offenses . In evaluating the top 10 dispatched calls for service in 2022 where force was applied , Domestic Assaults and Aggravated Assaults
comprise 44 % of the top 10 Calls for Service . This is significant in that our officers are responding to calls which are violent in nature . APD ’ s increased focus on de-escalation tactics involving time , distance and additional officers can be attributed to the increase in the number of occurrences .
Additionally , the nature of offenses being dispatched often requires a multiple officer response , both leading to an increase in occurrences when voluntary compliance is not obtained and force application is warranted . While that data shows us areas where continued effort is required , it also delineates where significant progress is being made .
Unity Council Report 2023 14