SHOWCASE : VIOLENT CRIME UNIT
In September 2021 , the Arlington Police Department combined its Robbery and Gun Crimes units to form a single Violent Crimes Unit ( VCU ), streamlining and enhancing the department ’ s resources to combat violent crime . The team is responsible for investigating non-fatal shootings , aggravated assaults , robberies , and other types of gun-related crimes . The unit is made up of 2 Sergeants , 8 Detectives , 2 ATF Task Force Officers , 1 FBI Task Force Officer , 1 Crime Analyst , and 1 Investigative Assistant .
Several members of the unit are deputized as federal law enforcement agents and are part of regional task forces that promote cooperation between local , state , and federal agencies . The Task Force Officers review APD cases to see if they meet the criteria for federal referral and prosecution .
In 2021 , 41 cases the unit investigated were adopted federally . Federal charges often carry stronger sentences and require those convicted on them to serve out the full duration of their sentence , keeping violent offenders off Arlington ’ s streets . One example – APD officers investigated an aggravated robbery case in which the suspect shot a man multiple times after demanding money from him . The victim survived the attack and the suspect was identified and arrested . Detectives learned the suspect had five previous felony convictions , which meant he was legally prohibited from possessing a firearm . With the help of VCU personnel , the case was adopted federally and the suspect was found guilty of Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm . He was sentenced in September 2021 to 27 years in federal prison .
34 | 2021 Annual Report