The Advancing 21st Century Policing Community Report 2017 The Advancing 21st Century Policing Community Repo | Page 9

Advancing 21 st Century Policing: The Arlington Police Department Report to the Community
TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL MEDIA
Shared Network Services
Wide area network services allow the department
to access and search state databases for suspects,
vehicles and property under investigation. This
secured network and database is made possible by
Texas Law Enforcement Telecommunications Systems
and the Texas Crime and Information Center. The
Texas Department of Transportation shares
information using a web-based program called
Crash Reporting and Analysis for Safer Highways,
which tracks, reports and analyzes trends.
Policy management software
Commonly referred to as Power DMS, this software is
saving the department time and money. APD uses this
system to share documents such as General Orders,
department policy and training information.
Internal communication
The police intranet functions as an internal web page that
gives sworn and nonsworn staff access to information such
as reports, arrest records , training history, along with a
digital bulletin board for announcements.
Web site for the public
An external web site at www.Arlingtonpd.org provides
the public with access to everything from crime data and
special reports to news and information about the
department. The public can also review active calls on
the web. This information is accessible 24 hours a day,
seven days a week.
Information-sharing across police districts
SharePoint is an internal webpage that allows the
department to share information across police districts.
This technology gives officers access to training bulletins,
personnel forms and more. The City’s Information
Technology Department manages the SharePoint server
with a content manager who keeps information current.
APD has been using social media since 2011 and
has been recognized for the way we use it to
engage the community.
Records management software
The department uses a Records Management System as a
tool for collecting data and reporting crime. This system
allows the department to process investigations, perform
administrative processes, pull inquires and document
daily tasks that officers perform in the field. The program
has a built-in workflow and e-mail notification system
which allows officers and civilian staff to stay connected
and informed.
Social media networking
Arlington finds immense value in social media networking
sites like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Social media
platforms like these are being used to connect the
community with their police department. Using social
media, we share crime alerts and engage the public in
efforts to prevent and solve crime. We highlight great
police work and community partnerships as well. APD
also benefits from the social media commentary about
the department, its programs and issues. The feedback
we receive via social media allows us to identify and
mitigate safety concerns in the community.
Visit us on the web at www.ArlingtonPD.org
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