Arlington Sheriff's Office Makes Historic Appointment

ARLINGTON, VA — Maj. Gretchen Foster was named the Arlington County Sheriff's Office director of corrections Monday, making her the first female to serve in that role in Arlington's history.

“Major Foster has excelled in the many positions she has held throughout her career with the Sheriff’s Office,” said Sheriff Beth Arthur, in a county release. “Her wealth of knowledge, broad experience and demonstrated commitment to our agency and those we serve makes her a valuable member of our command staff.”

Foster began her 22-year ACSO career in March 1998, first serving in the Detention Facility and then Court Security. Her other roles at ACSO have included working as Records Manager, Americans with Disabilities Act Coordinator, Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) and Accreditation Manager.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue to serve our organization, community and inmate populations as Director of Corrections,” Foster said, in the release. “The Arlington County Sheriff’s Office is an esteemed agency that is dedicated to improving the safety of our community. I look forward to continuing to serve both our agency and our inmate population as we continue to strive to provide top-level correctional services to the community.”

A graduate from West Liberty State College in West Virginia with a degree in criminal justice, Foster is also a graduate of the Leadership Center for Excellence Executive Forum in 2017, Leadership Arlington Class of 2020 and the International Association of Chiefs of Police Leadership in Police Organization Program.

Foster received a Purple Star Award in March 2004 for an injury she received in the line of duty.