[Scan-DC] Arlington County PD Unit Numbering

[Andrew Clegg]

Hi Dave --

I hesitate to reply, because I certainly can't explain the Arlington 
numbering system to the standard of detail that others in this group have 
described numbering for other localities, but since nobody else has replied, 
here's my very simplistic understanding:

Police unit numbers are usually something like Charlie 23, or Baker 31 (or 
even Adam 12 -- I like that one!)

The letter of the unit is the schedule (A = daywatch, B=evenings, 
C=midnights)

The first digit of the unit number is the district (1, 2, or 3) that unit is 
based in. A district map can be found here: 
http://www.arlingtonva.us/Departments/Police/districts/PoliceDistrictsDistrict1.aspx.

The full number refers to the beat within the district.

The smaller the number, the more important the person is (Baker 1 is the 
evening commander, for example).

There are also special identifiers, like "Motor 1". Those are the motorcycle 
officers.

Then there's "P40" like numbers. Those are the meter maids (sorry, parking 
enforcement). They usually aren't on the dispatch channel, unless there's an 
emergency.

There are also designators for DUI enforcement. I can't recall right off the 
top of my head what those are -- sorry. I'll remember as soon as I send this 
email.

I hear unit numbers that I can't explain -- like I just heard Unit 451 on a 
traffic stop. I don't know how those numbers are defined. Maybe those are 
dedicated to traffic enforcement?

That's about the extent of my understanding. I am certain that this is a 
gross oversimplification and someone on this list can provide an entire 
textbook on the topic, but I thought I'd chime in a little instead of 
leaving your question unanswered.

Hope this helps.

Andy

--------------------------------------------------
From: "David Staples" <stapledavid at gmail.com>
Sent: Saturday, January 14, 2012 9:09 PM
To: "Scan DC" <scan-dc at mailman.qth.net>
Subject: [Scan-DC] Arlington County PD Unit Numbering

> Can someone briefly explain Arlington County PD's unit numbering scheme? 
> I
> have been monitoring them somewhat regularly, and still can't make sense 
> of
> it.
>
> - Dave
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