Arlington's first police substation has opened in the Menotomy Manor neighborhood in a effort involving the Arlington Housing Authority and the police department. Authority Executive Director John Griffin and Police Chief Frederick Ryan have announced the opening today.

This substation enhances the long standing partnership between the Arlington Police Department and the Housing Authority and serves to boost the police department’s community policing philosophy, a police news release says.

The substation, in the old maintenance building on Fremont Court in East Arlington, is the first to open in the town. It has been completely renovated and is equipped with security systems, a network link to the police department’s report-writing system, telecommunications, and full office work space. Police officers assigned to this substation will be able to perform administrative tasks or be deployed as they are at police headquarters.

The substation was funded through in-kind donations from the Housing Authority and will serve to reduce crime and positively affect the quality of life at Menotomy Manor.

“This substation will add visible police presence in this neighborhood without adding a financial burden on the community,” Ryan said.

The new location allows police to be more accessible to the community while providing a convenient location to meet neighborhood groups and other citizens. The substation will also enable the police to identify and examine neighborhood problems and develop problem solving strategies to prevent crime and disorder rather than react to it. 

“I commend the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners for taking the safety of their residents seriously and for being leaders in the development of community partnerships,” Ryan said.

This project exemplifies the commitment of the Arlington Housing Authority and the Arlington Police Department to ensuring the safety of their residents and willingness to partner with other community stakeholders to maximize limited public safety resources, the news release said.

Brian Connor, Arlington Housing chairman, thanked Arlington police and Ryan for their “continued cooperation and proactive approach to public safety.”  Connor continued, “We are also pleased that the men and women of the Arlington Police Department will not only deter crime, but also and equally important, for the positive role models they provide for our youth.”