APD Annual Reports - 2019 Annual Report | Page 49

reviewed approximately 1,300 use of force reports. Trend analyses are performed and an annual report on force is published by the unit. The team also prepared curriculum for sworn employees to undergo training in the newly acquired force simulator. The department elevated the placement of conducted energy weapons (tasers) on the use of force 156 2017 76 2018 42 2019 Deployments of conducted energy weapons continuum based primarily on trends that the Force and Tactics Unit identified over the past couple of years. As a result of the movement on the continuum, deployments of conducted energy weapons have significantly dropped since 2017. Recruiting is tasked with increasing the applicant pool for positions within the department. The unit utilizes several approaches including advertising on social media, face-to-face contacts with prospective applicants, attending community events and recruiting at universities and schools. In 2019, the department hired 46 police officers, with 56% of Academy Class #56 representing a racial or gender protected class. In addition, 22% of recruits in Class #56 were females; 54% of Academy Class #57 represented a racial or gender protected class with 21% of the class comprised of females. The 5-year average of newly hired officers is 57% for racial and gender protected classes and 23% for female recruits. Diversifying the department is intentional on the unit’s part and comes from the commitment that Police Chief Will Johnson has made to ensure the makeup of the department represents those that reside in Arlington. Arlington, Texas Police Department | 49