APD Annual Reports - 2017 Annual Report | Page 14

Top Recognition H.B. 912 was passed into law that opens a new avenue for home-taught driver education by allowing a parent to designate a relative, family friend, or anyone that is at least 25 years of age that meets all current requirements under the law to teach a driving course for young people. This legislation came into existence based upon the hard work that Detective Nathan Bishop put in related to helping our youth obtain a driver’s license. The department participated in an event, Arlington Conversation on Race, Monuments and Alt- Right at Cornerstone Church, in an effort to discuss recent tragedies across the country. Police Chief Will Johnson fielded questions from the audience and highlighted the department’s commitment to respecting the rights of all individuals and preserving peace within the community. The Victim Services Unit was honored on their 30 th anniversary as Mayor Jeff Williams proclaimed Tuesday, August 8, 2017 as APD Victim Services Unit Day. With a staff of 11, including ten counselors who hold master’s degrees, over 10,500 crime victims are served annually by the unit. The unit provides crisis intervention, criminal justice support and advocacy, information and referrals, assistance with filing forms, protective orders, court accompaniment, and transportation to shelters as part of their core duties. The Mentoring Arlington Youth (MAY) Program entered its third year with adolescent boys. In September, the MAY Program was expanded to include female youth through a partnership with the Junior League of Arlington. Students at Workman Junior High are afforded tremendous opportunities through this mentoring program. 14 Annual Report 2017