YOUTH INVESTMENT
The Arlington Police Department strongly believes in investing in the young people of our community . Through many programs and initiatives , officers and professional staff give their time to connect and build long-lasting relationships with our young residents .
Hometown Recruiting is a partnership between Arlington ISD and APD to help high school students who have expressed interest in becoming police officers . The Arlington Police Foundation supports the program by funding two scholarships to two students each year .
Coach 5-0 is where Arlington police officers help teens cope with the pressures of being a student athelete . Working with coaches , the officers help to reinforce the messages of perseverance , discipline , and teamwork . The positive results are immediate and nurture long-term relationships .
Bridge Kids is one of APD ’ s most popular initiatives . When parents and neighbors expressed concern about elementary school students being harassed and bullied while crossing a pedestrian bridge walking to and from school , officers began meeting the children and escorting them across the bridge , keeping them safe and becoming caring role models .
The Youth Explorers Program is open to Arlington residents ages 14-20 who is interested in pursuing a law enforcement career . Members receive police-related training and exposure that includes ride-outs with APD patrol officers . Explorer Post members are also involved in many community service projects in Arlington .
At the Boys and Girls Club Event in March 2022 , Medal of Honor recipient Will Swenson , WWE Wrestlers , and Dallas Cowboys hung out with APD in the community at Arlington ISD Ashworth Elementary and Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Tarrant County talking about heroes and healthy habits .
The Take 25 Program is a grassroots safety initiative created by the national Center for Missing and Exploited Children . On National Missing Children ' s Day , observed annually on May 25th , the Arlington Police Department encourages parents and guardians to " Take 25 " minutes to talk with their children about staying safe . The Take 25 campaign serves as a reminder to make child safety a national priority . As the school year draws to an end every year , the Arlington Police Department takes this campaign into area schools .
26 | 2022 Annual Report