Arlington Police Union Calls for Increased Staffing and Competitive Wages Amid City's Booming Entertainment District

As the city of Arlington celebrated the MLB All-Star Week festivities, the Arlington Municipal Patrolman's Association (AMPA) seized the opportunity to draw attention to their longstanding concerns regarding police staffing and compensation. The union's public campaign, which included the display of an electronic billboard truck outside Globe Life Field, highlighted the fact that the Arlington police department has not added more patrol officers in 16 years and currently ranks 15th in starting pay among North Texas law enforcement agencies.

Advocating for Arlington's Finest: AMPA's Plea for Improved Working Conditions

Unmet Needs and Unfulfilled Promises

The AMPA has brought forward several issues to city management, including concerns about pay, mass casualty event preparation, and the need for greater police presence at the Arlington Municipal Airport. However, the union claims that their requests have not been adequately addressed. Chris CeBallos, the AMPA president, expressed frustration, stating, "They work hard to get companies to come here, they give them all kinds of subsidies, tax breaks, but they aren't working hard to get officers to come here and stay here."

Contrasting Priorities: City's Investment in Entertainment vs. Police Department

The union's public campaign highlighted the stark contrast between the city's investment in the booming entertainment district and the perceived lack of attention to the police department's needs. The electronic billboard truck displayed messages that questioned the city's priorities, particularly in light of City Manager Trey Yelverton's recent pay raise.

Seeking a Crime Control and Prevention District

Earlier this year, the AMPA members had requested that the city consider a ballot measure to create a Crime Control and Prevention District, citing the city's growing tourism and entertainment industry as a contributing factor to the need for increased police resources. However, the union's efforts to secure this additional funding source have not yet been successful.

Comparing Arlington to Fort Worth: Differing Approaches to Public Safety

During a budget preview presentation, City Manager Yelverton stated that Arlington has similar amounts of officers per capita as Fort Worth, despite Fort Worth's collection of a half-cent crime tax. Yelverton argued, "We don't have that and our investment in the police department rivals what they're doing on a per capita basis." This comparison has done little to assuage the AMPA's concerns about the perceived lack of investment in the Arlington Police Department.

The Promise of Additional Officers: A Glimmer of Hope?

The AMPA did acknowledge a recent development that provided a glimmer of hope. Yelverton had previously stated that 22 of the 24 officer positions added through the federal COPS Hiring Program would be dedicated to patrol duties. However, CeBallos expressed uncertainty about the long-term commitment to this allocation, stating, "We just had those 22 that came out that luckily are going to get to stay on patrol — we hope."The AMPA's public campaign, which included the electronic billboard truck's presence during the MLB All-Star Week festivities, underscores the union's determination to bring attention to the pressing issues facing the Arlington Police Department. As the city continues to invest in its thriving entertainment district, the AMPA is calling for a more balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being and resources of the men and women who serve and protect the community.