Arlington Police Department Implements Temporary Changes to Some Services Due to COVID-19

By Arlington Police Department

Posted on March 25, 2020, March 25, 2020

Editor's Note: This article was originally published March 17, 2020 and updated March 25, 2020.

The Arlington Police Department is committed to protecting the public health of its citizens. Therefore, as part of the department’s ongoing efforts to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, in consultation with local, state, and federal health authorities, several temporary policies and procedures have been implemented.

Police Substation Lobbies

• The lobbies at the West, East, and South Substations are closed to the public until further notice

• There are signs posted at the front door of each substation with a phone number citizens can call to speak to someone inside the building

Community Meetings

• All scheduled community meetings that involve APD members and / or programs have been cancelled

• Community rooms at all police substations are now closed to the public until further notice

Volunteer Programs

• All APD volunteer programs, including Citizens on Patrol, have been suspended

Fingerprint Services

• Fingerprint services for the public have been suspended

Ride-Alongs

• Public ride-alongs with APD officers have been suspended

The lobby and Records Office at the Ott Cribbs Public Safety Building (620 W Division St) remain open at this time. Citizens who enter the building are asked to observe the 6-foot rule. Only one person will be allowed inside the Records Office at a time. If you are feeling sick, or believe you may have been exposed to the coronavirus, we ask that you do not enter any APD facilities – and instead, call our non-emergency dispatch at (817) 274-4444 to make a report or (817) 459-5700 for general information. We encourage all citizens to conduct their business with the department over the phone to the extent they can.

Coming into Contact with Officers

As officers respond to field calls, there are times when they may initiate telephone contact with citizens depending on the type of call. In addition, please remember to maintain social distancing with officers by maintaining at least 6 feet between you and the officer and managing conversations outside in the open when possible unless directed otherwise by the officer.