Seven area pastoral leaders are now part of an elite class of graduates who partner with the Arlington Police Department for a safer community.

The Arlington Clergy and Police Partnership or ACAPP is a coalition of 43 clergy from different faiths and denominations.

This month, seven new members received their graduation certificates after completing 12 weeks of training with the department. Participants met for three hours a week. Classroom lessons covered such topics as patrol procedures, vice and narcotics operations and special investigation. Members were also exposed to the roles of our victim advocates and crime scene technicians.

After graduation, new members will spend the next few weeks riding out with Arlington police officers as part of their continued training in the community.

Ryan Inlow, a minister at Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ, and Bishop Leonard Oldums, pastor of Cornerstone Outreach Church, said the program was enlightening.

"Every week was a different week,' Inlow said. "The entire program made me really proud of the Arlington Police Department and all the work they do in our community.'

Bishop Oldums said the experience "cleared up many misconceptions' he had about police.

"Now, I can help dispel the myths that are out there,' he said. "This experience enlightened and empowered me to get more involved in helping create awareness of what we can all do to curtail crime in our communities.'

With the addition of seven new graduates, ACAPP members have some important work ahead, said Officer Kimberly Fretwell, ACAPP program coordinator.

"They will be called on to help meet the special needs of the department in many non-traditional roles,' she said.

ACAPP launched Community Conversations in October to enhance dialogue in area churches about issues that impact the Arlington community. ACAPP members serve the department in crisis situations, jail ministry and provide spiritual support to youth and victims of crime. Last month, they established a social media presence on Facebook.

Welcome "The Magnificent Seven' - Class #5 ACAPP Graduates: Michelle Clark, First United Methodist Church; Greg Deering, University Baptist Church; Ryan Inlow, Pleasant Ridge Church of Christ; Bishop Leonard Oldums, Cornerstone Outreach; Dr. Burton Purvis, White Stone Fellowship; Chealsea Reyes, Highpoint Church and Karen Rigby, Rush Creek Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).

Enrollment for Class #6 begins in the spring. Learn more at www.Arlingtonpd.org.