The Arlington Police
Department launched an initiative
on October 1, 2015 to provide an
alternative path to incarceration
for low level theft offenders who
were apprehended by Walmart
loss prevention associates. The
program includes an eight-step
approach to reducing criminal
offenses and enhancing store
crime prevention measures inside
retail locations.
1. Asset Protection staffing of
entrances/exits
2. Signs in key locations with key
messaging
3. Public view monitors in high
theft locations
4. Recording in progress
monitors at exits
5. Restorative justice option for
first-time low-level offenders
6. Application of criminal
trespass laws in some
instances
7. Increased officer visibility
8. Use of decoy patrol cars
When preventive measures
did not deter the individual, the
restorative justice program was
utilized to provide an alternative
path to incarceration for low
level theft offenders who were
apprehended by Walmart loss
prevention associates. This affords
offenders an opportunity to take
an educational course.
This functional portion of
the program assists with the
prevention of labeling someone
for the remainder of their life
with a permanent criminal history.
In certain circumstances, the
diversionary program also allows
offenders an opportunity to
obtain employment with Walmart
in lieu of criminal prosecution.
Experience has demonstrated that
obtaining a stable job is one of the
greatest components to reducing
the likelihood of turning to the
commission of thefts to support
one’s lifestyle.
The initiative has three major
partners – Walmart, Corrective
Education Corporation and the
Arlington Police Department which
seeks to reduce offenses, enhance
crime prevention strategies for the
retailer and create a sustainable
program that builds stronger
communities.
Arlington, Texas Police Department
“Walmart and CEC have
been incredible partners in
looking at innovative ways to
reduce criminalization and look
for alternative methods in dealing
with the ongoing issues related to
misdemeanor thefts,” said Police
Chief Will Johnson. “We believe
the success of this program has led
to positive outcomes for the City
of Arlington and can certainly be
replicated in other communities.”
Since the inception of
the program, Arlington has
experienced more than a 50%
reduction in theft calls for service
and overall arrests. These figures
translate into saving more than
12,000 police resource hours which
is equivalent to putting more than
four officers back in the community
annually.
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