ARLINGTON (WBAP/KLIF)- Arlington Chief of Police, Alexander Jones, recently completed a thorough review of the department and has implemented a restructure of the operational command bureaus. The reorganization will ensure that employees are in the best position to address community needs, respond to emerging crime trends, and build genuine, positive relationships with community members. Several divisions and units will be realigned to better manage information flow, sharing of intelligence with area law enforcement agencies, and affording officers better ways to connect directly with residents, visitors, and businesses.
“This restructuring will allow us to progress forward and meet future challenges,” said Al Jones, Chief of Police. “Our goal is to become better at serving our community and enhance public safety in everything we do.”
The highlights of the reorganization include:
•Addition of another Assistant Police Chief bringing the total to three.
•Appointment of a Chief of Staff to serve the Office of the Chief of Police.
•Restructuring of operational commands with the addition of another Bureau bringing the total to four. The department will be divided into the Patrol, Investigations, Support and Administration Bureaus.
•Renaming, realignment and restructuring Bureaus, Divisions and Units.
The following appointments to Chief Jones’ Executive Team will be effective April 5, 2021:
•Osbaldo Flores appointed to Assistant Police Chief to oversee Patrol Bureau.
•Christopher Cook appointed to Deputy Police Chief to serve as Chief of Staff.
•Tracie Baker appointed to Deputy Police Chief to oversee West Patrol District.
The department will be hosting a promotion ceremony on Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 4 p.m. The details and venue location will be released soon. Chief Jones will also promote five sergeants and two lieutenants, in addition to the three executive appointments.
On Friday, March 19, 2021, Chief Jones was commissioned as a Texas Peace Officer. He began his employment with the City of Arlington as Chief of Police on January 11, 2021 after a rewarding 26-year career with the Baltimore County Police Department. Over the past couple of months, Chief Jones conducted a detailed assessment of the department including interviews with labor groups, executive command staff, employees, and community members. As part of this review, operational efficiencies along with reinvigorating community policing initiatives will be the focal point of emphasis moving forward.
