May is Bicycle Safety Month 

Spring has sprung and now is a great time for outdoor activities like bike riding! Bicycling is a great way to commute, exercise or just have a fun time. Before you hit the road or trail, make sure you know how to safely get around. In 2023, an estimated 49,489 bicyclists were injured in traffic crashes nationwide. By following these safety tips, you can increase your safety when riding a bike, or ensure the safety of bikers around you.  

Bicyclists 

- Follow the same rules of the road as drivers. 

- To make it easier for other travelers to see you, have reflectors and lights on your bike, and wear retroreflective and bright clothing. 

-Wear a helmet. Just like seat belts help save lives in a motor vehicle crash, bicycle helmets save lives, too. When biking, always wear a correctly fitting helmet. In Arlington, childer under the age of 14 are required to wear helmets, but they are recommended for all. 

Drivers 

-Traffic safety is a shared responsibility. When driving, look out for bicyclists, never drive distracted, and look left-right-left and behind when turning right on red. Yield to bicycles as you would other vehicles. 

-Always follow the rules of the road. 

-If you see a bicyclist, maintain a safe distance. 

For more information on bicycle safety, visit the NHTSA website. 

Don't forget to register your bike(s) with ACPD through Bike Index!

Arlington County Announces New Alarm Administration Vendor 

Arlington County has begun using a third-party vendor, Alarm Program Systems, LLC, to administer the Arlington County Alarm Program overseeing the registration of security alarm systems and enforcement of false alarm activations. The program has launched a new website using CitySupport software to facilitate alarm registrations, annual permit renewals, billing and appeals.

The transition is intended to provide community members and businesses with an upgraded, user-friendly website experience while improving the efficiency and communication of the Arlington County Alarm Program. 

For additional program information, read our press release.

Last call for ACPD Summer Camp Applications! 

The applications for ACPD’s three Summer 2026 Camps are closing on Sunday, May 3! Claim your child’s spot and finalize your summer plans with these exciting and educational opportunities for various youth age groups: 

• Kids Community Police Academy (formerly ‘Summer Safety Patrol Camp’), open to rising 5th graders 

• Arlington First Responder Co-Ed Summer Basketball Camp, open to rising 6th-8th graders 

• Teen Police Academy, open to rising 10th-12th graders 

For more camp details and links to begin your application(s), visit our Newsroom. 

NOTE: Camp applications may be subject to close earlier than May 3 if all spots are filled. 

Remembering Officer John Buckley   

On April 15, 1977, Officer John Buckley was shot and killed while responding to a silent alarm at the Virginia National Bank. As the two bank robbers were leaving the bank, Officer Buckley confronted them at the bank’s entrance. Shots were exchanged, and Officer Buckley was struck in the chest. He later died from his wounds at Arlington Hospital.   

Please take a moment to honor Officer Buckley’s sacrifice in service to the Arlington community.

To learn more about the bravery and legacy of the seven Arlington officers who gave their lives in the line of duty, we invite you to visit our Hall of Honor.