30-Year Veteran Tapped As New Arlington County Police Chief

ARLINGTON, VA — Charles “Andy” Penn, a law enforcement officer with more than 30 years of experience, will be the new police chief for Arlington County, according to a county release.

County Manager Mark Schwartz announced on Friday that Penn was his choice to lead the Arlington County Police Department. Penn started his career as an ACPD patrol officer in 1992.

“Andy embraces the values and important work that is needed around issues of equity, justice, and safety and will work to advance racial diversity and inclusion in all of our public safety efforts," Schwartz said, in the release “He will bring a balanced approach to leading and understanding the issues of today and their implications for the Department’s areas of growth and opportunity. I am confident that Andy will be instrumental in advancing partnerships across our community and similarly with regional stakeholders.”

Penn will succeed former Police Chief Jay Farr, who retired last September after leading the county's police force since May 2015.

“As a longtime member of the Arlington County Police Department and our community, I am honored and humbled to be appointed to this position,” Penn said, in the release “I am committed to bringing change and transformation to public safety and working collaboratively with the community on a broad range of issues, including racial equity.”

Arlington officials have recently taken a number of steps over the last year to address concerns over racial equity, use of force, and accountability in the police department. Since last December, all county police officers are required to wear body cameras. In addition, the county implemented a bias-free policing policy that went into effect on May 6.

In January, ACPD joined other law enforcement agencies from neighboring jurisdictions in establishing the Northern Virginia Critical Incident Response Team. Made up of 11 participating agencies, NVCIRT will review incidents involving police officers, such as police-involved shootings, in-custody deaths, or officer suicides.

"The efforts to continue to improve our police department will require leadership and collaboration throughout the County on issues that range from mental health response to direct public safety work to our approach to managing 911 calls,” County Board Chair Matt de Ferranti, said, in the release. “I fully support the Manager’s choice of Andy Penn as our next chief as he has earned my trust and the trust of many in our community, and is the right person to lead this important work. His commitment to listening, hard work, honest conversations, and openness will help keep our community safe. I respectfully ask all Arlington residents to give Chief Penn the chance to earn your trust, too.”

Schwartz also announced on Friday that Deputy Chief Wayne Vincent would be leading the newly created Community Engagement Division. Capt. Darrin Cassedy was appointed Deputy Chief of Operations.

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Arlington Police Chief Jay Farr To Retire In September