The Arlington Police Department was recognized for our tourism based policing philosophy that is employed throughout the city and at our entertainment venues. Officers can regularly be seen interacting with visitors and fans in an informal, friendly manner. It's no surprise that the agency was named the 6^th Most Friendly Police Department in the nation in 2013. Police Chief Will D. Johnson does not believe that this happened by chance. "We have made significant investments in our ambassador training program that all officers undergo before working any of our special events or venues," said Chief Johnson. The training program teaches officers how to be ambassadors to the city in addition to performing their public safety roles. Officers are taught everything about the venue and city so that they can provide friendly information that visitors routinely ask for including restaurant locations, restroom facilities, directions and the list goes on.

This informal interaction builds trust within the community and makes fans want to return to Arlington. Whether its handing out police officer badge stickers to kids, posing with fans for pictures at games, providing directions to a parking lot, or simply engaging in casual conversations about where a visitor is from, all of this dialogue is essential for a healthy and vibrant community. By adding the fan experience to our social media accounts and partnering with the Convention and Visitor's Bureau, APD is able to humanize our officers and build a story board about the great events going on in the Entertainment District.

This most recent award came from the Center for Digital Government and recognizes the agency as the Most Innovative Use of Social Media for a third consecutive year. In 2012, the department won the award for our "tweetalong" concept which provides a virtual ride-along experience through social media. In 2013, the department was recognized with the award for our bi-weekly video program, "Inside APD," which showcases various units and officers around the department. The department is humbled for receiving the award for the third consecutive year and looks forward to future innovation in the area of social media. APD now boasts over 50,000 followers across its social media platforms.