Introduction
Policing and Criminal Justice Subcommittee Chair – Ronnie Goines
Photo credit : Stephanie Swan
I ’ d be remiss without first giving kudos to the best city in the nation ! I ’ ve long been a fan of Arlington since moving here 20 years ago and have immensely enjoyed seeing its rocket growth over the last five years . Forming the Unity Council was a clarion call stating , “ ARLINGTON CARES ABOUT ALL ITS CITIZENS NO MATTER THE RACE OR ECONOMIC STANDING !”
My assignment was to lead the Policing Subcommittee . Though time taxing , this has been a great experience on two levels .
First , I was proud to discover how much APD does right . There are multiple checks & balances to ensure that our citizens and officers have equal treatment . Notwithstanding , touting APD ’ s laurels was not the charge presented to our committee . Second , we discovered glaring disparities in terms of arrests made & citations issued . I ’ ve deduced that departmental racism is not at the core of APD ’ s differences but instead a training or ignorance issue regarding policing minorities .
Further research also revealed that a disservice occurs when our police officers lack the proper tools to be mentally and emotionally prepared to deal with their jobs ’ trauma . An officer can choose a career path where they NEVER take a psychological evaluation . Currently , only one psychological assessment is required , and this occurs BEFORE becoming an officer . In light of recent history , it was unfortunate to discover that the current psychological evaluations , taken before officer status , doesn ’ t account for bias , trauma , depression , or other tension officers might experience .
We also discovered that while officers interface with the patrolled communities is encouraged , it ’ s not required . When officers only exit their vehicles in times of trouble , it conveys a negative stigma .
With this in mind , the policing subcommittee has recommended solutions and is excited to see the continued change in our great City of Arlington . Our Mayor , City Manager , and police administrators seem eager to make the necessary strides to get this right .
Unity Council Report 79