APD Annual Reports - 2017 Annual Report | Page 26

Spotlight - 21 Century Policing st The Arlington Police Department was selected by the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS Office) as one of 15 law enforcement agencies to lead national efforts on best practices in policing. As 26 part of that process, each agency selected cataloged the way they provide policing services to their community under national task force recommendations which included six pillars for policing in the 21 st Century. In Arlington, the primary responsibility for patrol operations is to provide a visible presence in the community and answer calls for service. The city is divided into four geographic districts with officers and supervisors assigned to beats and geographic sectors. Policing is Annual Report 2017 viewed as a relational business and employees are expected to apply problem-solving methods while addressing crime and quality of life issues. Through partnerships with community members, trust and satisfaction with law enforcement goes up. This affords new opportunities for the community to benefit from a positive relationship with the department. The department completed its final report on Advancing 21 st Century Policing in 2017 which culminated efforts of a committee that cataloged the way our policing principles align with the following pillars.