TITLE: Congratulating the Arlington Police Department on its accomplishments in crime reduction.

SUMMARY: Congratulating the Arlington Police Department on its accomplishments in crime reduction.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, The Arlington Police Department has achieved outstanding results in its efforts to decrease crime; and WHEREAS, From 2013 to 2014, the overall crime rate in Arlington has dropped nine percent, and the historic decrease from 2009 to 2014 was 33 percent; particularly large reductions were seen in 2014 in homicides, which fell by almost 28 percent since the previous year, and burglaries, which shrank by about 22 percent; and WHEREAS, The Arlington Police Department is committed to a geographic-policing philosophy that proactively addresses crime and the fear of crime by building positive relationships between citizens and beat officers in the neighborhoods; during 2014, the department collaborated with numerous volunteer groups, including the Arlington Citizens Police Academy Alumni Association, the Hispanic Citizens Police Academy Alumni, Citizens on Patrol, and 225 Community Watch groups; and WHEREAS, Under the skilled leadership of Chief Will Johnson, the Arlington Police Department works tirelessly to protect and serve the public, and its most recent statistics reflect an unyielding dedication to the safety, security, and well-being of area citizens; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 84th Texas Legislature hereby congratulate the Arlington Police Department on its accomplishments in crime reduction and extend to its officers, staff, and administration sincere best wishes for continued success in their vital endeavors; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for the department as an expression of high regard by the Texas House of Representatives. Tinderholt Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 1734 was adopted by the House on May 7, 2015, by a non-record vote. Chief Clerk of the House