Arlington Police Receive National Award, $2 Million Grant for Additional Sergeants

By Arlington Police Department

Posted on October 03, 2016, October 03, 2016

This week has been designated National Community Oriented Policing Week by the Department of Justice and the observance kicked off in Arlington on Monday with an award.

Ronald Davis, the Director of the Department of Justice and Office of Community Oriented Policing Services presented the 2016 L. Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award to Lt. Tarrick McGuire of the Arlington Police Department and Inelda Acosta, Principal of Workman Junior High School. These award recipients were recognized for the exemplary work they are doing with the Mentoring Arlington Youth Program. This program involves Arlington police officers and adult role models from the community mentoring adolescent boys at Workman Junior High School.

Along with the award come the national spotlight and a nearly $2 million grant, Davis said.

Police Chief Will Johnson said the additional funding will be used to add 15 sergeants to support the 21^st Century Policing Initiative.

'What we have here are relationships being built on trust, ' said AISD Superintendent Marcelo Cavazos during Monday 's pep rally at Sam Houston High School where the award was presented. 'Working together, we can all thrive in the community we love. '

Johnson said Arlington officers are making great investments in youth. On the stage, he also touted the success of the Coach 5-0 Program and Hometown Recruiting, which is preparing students for careers in law enforcement.

'The investments we are making with our young people are essential building blocks to create positive relationships between police officers and teens. We are honored that the MAY Program has been selected for this award, ' Chief Johnson said.

Davis said the award is a community achievement.

'We are here for much more than an award. This is a community of Arlington award, ' said Davis. 'We are making progress, but there is still much work to be done. '

Participating in Monday 's pep rally and award presentation were Rock T from the Rickey Smiley nationally-syndicated radio show along with the Sam Houston High School cheerleaders, football team and marching band.

The L. Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award recognizes the efforts of collaborative partnerships within the community. This annual honor is bestowed upon a team of law enforcement and community members whose innovative civic interactions have transformed public safety in their community.