APD Annual Reports - 2018 Annual Report | Page 17

Universities & Colleges Recruited in 2018 Abilene Christian University Angelo State University Baylor University Hardin Simmons University Midwestern State University Prairie View A&M University (HBCU) Sam Houston State University Stephen F. Austin University Tarleton State University Tarrant County College Texas Christian University Texas State University Texas Wesleyan University Texas Women’s University University of Central Oklahoma University of North Texas University of North Texas – Dallas One of the top priorities that Police Chief Will Johnson has instituted throughout his tenure is a focus on diversifying the overall makeup of the department. Since July 2012, 60% of all academy classes represent either a racial or gender protected class going back to Academy Class 45. Additionally, 25% of hired candidates were female. “You have to be intentional in diversity efforts. Everyone will say that they support diversity but the measure of success is in the final numbers that we see significant gains in,” said Police Chief Will Johnson. Once a recruit officer is hired, they attend an eight-month basic police academy where they receive over 32 weeks of instruction in a variety of topic areas which exceed state mandates and integrate department values and initiatives. Upon graduation, recruit officers are commissioned and assigned to field training with a training officer for approximately 18 weeks before being placed into a patrol capacity by themselves. This nearly year-long training program provides the greatest opportunity to provide exceptional services to our community. University of Texas – Arlington University of Texas – San Antonio University of Texas – Tyler Arlington, Texas Police Department | 17