Advancing 21 st Century Policing : The Arlington Police Department Report to the Community
PILLAR 1 : BUILDING TRUST AND LEGITIMACY
The Arlington Police Department engages in community policing every day to prevent crime , build trust and strengthen relationships . The department works in partnership with its residents , citizen volunteers and the business community to reduce crime . When it comes to public safety , nothing is more important than trust and mutual respect between police officers and the community we serve and protect .
PILLAR 1
Examples of trust-building and legitimacy :
Procedural justice in policing The Arlington Police Department has made procedural justice an important component of its training curriculum . Procedural justice in policing is the framework that promotes positive change , partnership building and problem solving . Procedural justice exists when there is fairness , voice , transparency and impartiality . Police officers , new recruits , civilian staff and citizen volunteers are all learning how the process can lead to an improved perception of safety , stronger public confidence in the police and an active , more engaged community .
Acknowledging past and present injustices The Arlington Police Department has partnered with Cornerstone Baptist Church and local clergy leaders to host Dr . John Perkins in conversations about the transforming power of positive police / community relations . Dr . Perkins is a world class author and iconic civil rights leader . This was the first in a series of community conversations planned by APD to address racial reconciliation , hate crimes and violence . Arlington officers are actively involved in programs led by the Arlington branch of the NAACP , the UT Arlington student branch of the NAACP , the Dr . Martin Luther King Jr . Celebration Committee and many other efforts that serve to unite and inform the community .
Initiating positive non-enforcement activities Arlington officers are mentors . They have been leading programs like the Police Activities League ( PAL Camp ) and Police Explorers for many years , but a number of new initiatives have more officers involved in non-enforcement activities across the city . The Mentoring Arlington Youth program ( MAY Program ) and the Coach 5-0 program for student athletes are helping to build trust . Officers have also strengthened the Unidos program , an outreach effort focused on serving the Spanish speaking segment of our community . Unidos means “ to unite and serve .” This program along with the success of the Citizen Police Academy , including academies for high school students and Spanish-speaking participants , are other examples of successful non-enforcement activities involving officers .
Procedural justice training is for everyone .
A community conversation on race relations .
Officer connects with student athletes .
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