APD Annual Reports - 2013 Annual Report | Page 12

Noteworthy Accomplishments Certified Forensic Computer Examiner English as a Second Language Detective Vy Phan completed a rigorous 8-month process to become certified as a Forensic Computer Examiner by the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists. There are fewer than 800 people worldwide who have attained this certification. Officers in the East Police District regularly participate with LULAC #4353, Wesley United Methodist Church, Mujeres Unidas de Arlington, and Tarrant County College in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL) to Arlington residents. In November 2013, approximately 30 students graduated from the program. Through our ESL program, APD is able to partner with various organizations and residents to come together for a common purpose and engage in greater dialogue with communities in East Arlington. Center for Problem-Oriented Policing The South Retail District Unit was selected from agencies across the country to present their retail area crime reduction plan that has been very successful in Arlington around our commercial shopping venues. Departments from around the world had an opportunity to hear from Sgt. Steve Winchester on how to replicate what APD has been able to accomplish through our continued commitment and partnership with the Parks Mall and the Arlington Highlands shopping centers and surrounding businesses. Santa Cops Sgt. Donald Fulbright and Crime Analyst Alex Schneider were selected to teach at the International Association of Crime Analysts and the National Gang Crime Conference about the methods that APD employs to investigate gangs at a local level. Their presentation was heard by hundreds from across the world on gaining a better understanding of non-traditional gangs. In 2013, APD celebrated the 27th Annual Santa Cops Christmas Party. Over 377 Arlington families were provided assistance with toys and gifts which equated into 1,062 children being served. The partnership includes the Arlington Police Association, Arlington Children’s Toys Inc., Mattel Toys Corporation, Arlington Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, Girl Scouts, Arlington Music Hall, The Margarita Society of Arlington, and Six Flags Over Texas. International Association of Chiefs of Police Distracted Driving Crashes Down 61% APD was selected to teach a host of topics during the 2013 IACP annual conference in Philadelphia based upon the department’s international footprint and commitment to the policing profession. Chief Will D. Johnson presented to police executives around the world on Arlington’s small unmanned aircraft systems, procedural justice, and social media risks for department heads. Lt. Christopher Cook and Officer Zhivonni McDonnell taught agencies across the globe on how to start a police presence with social media and keep citizens engaged with enriching content. APD created a wellness campaign designed to reverse crash trends related to officers being distracted in their cars. The goal was to teach officers how to balance technology in the cars, with the focus on driving. The campaign included hosting regular meetings on this topic, mandatory 2-hour training curriculum, corporate communications sent from Chief Johnson, and development of educational posters to capitalize on officer-safety issues. Since 2011, crashes related to distractions have dropped a staggering 61%. International Association of Crime Analysts 10