How do we meet the police officers assigned to our neighborhood?

Arlington police officers are eager to meet the residents within their patrol area. You may meet with your beat police officers by inviting them to a neighborhood meeting. The Police Department maintains an internal computer communication system, which lists all of the upcoming neighborhood and community meetings, occurring within each sergeant’s beat. The system also notes if police representation has been requested. In order to have your neighborhood’s meetings listed and to invite an officer to attend your meeting, contact the Police Department, Community Affairs Division at 817-459-5725 or call the police station in your area.

East 817-459-5802
West 817-451-8439
North 817-459-5607

How do we meet the firefighters assigned to the fire stations in our neighborhood?

While calls for emergency assistance should always be directed to 9-1-1, Arlington firefighters welcome residents throughout the day to neighborhood fire stations. The Fire Department has supported what is known as an "in-district approach" for more than ten years.

The Fire Department has more than 300 ambassadors ready to provide not only first responder services, but free blood pressure checks, educational fire and life safety programs, as well as participation in community-based events.

For large groups, you may request a program or station tour by calling 817-459-5500. Families are always welcome to drop by to see the latest in state-of-the-art apparatus available to serve the needs of Arlington residents. AFD stations are also now a part of the Safe Place program to assist teens. Whether you are looking for a program for your neighborhood association, Crime Watch group, school, or church, the Arlington Fire Department is always honored to participate in citizen activities. The Fire Department also maintains an internal computer communication system and monthly scheduling process that list events and meetings for each fire station.

How can we educate our neighborhood on safety?

The Arlington Police Department offers a variety of programs addressing safety issues. A list of these Adult Programs and Youth Programs are found in a brochure published by the Community Affairs Division. In addition, there is information on the Police Department’s web page, which can be accessed through the City’s website at www.arlingtonpd.org.

For more information or a copy of the brochure, contact the Police Department, Community Affairs Division at 817-459-5725.

The Arlington Fire Department provides a variety of free educational and informative programs addressing fire and life safety issues. Program information and availability may be obtained by calling the Arlington Fire Department at 817-459-5500. A list of general program information is in each Crime Watch Captain Handbook along with an assortment of safety brochures. In addition, this information is on the Fire Department’s web page, which can be accessed through the City’s website at www.ci.arlington.tx.us.

Are there special safety programs for school children?

Yes, special safety programs for children are offered by the Arlington Police Department. For a complete listing of classes, contact the Police Department, Community Affairs Division at 817-459-5725 and request a program brochure. Also, you may contact your child’s school for information about any upcoming scheduled special events about safety.

What are the duties of School Crossing Guards?

School Crossing Guards provide safe crossings for school children at designated crosswalks. Training is conducted regarding safety rules and enforcement of policies and procedures.

Who can apply to work as a School Crossing Guard?

Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, pass a physical examination and criminal history check. Applications are taken in the Department of Public Works, 101 W. Abram Street, third floor, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

What hours do School Crossing Guards work?

2-1/2 to 4 hours per day, depending on the location. School Crossing Guards work on (and are paid for) days that school is in session. School Crossing Guards work two shifts per day, morning and afternoon. There is a third (mid-day) shift at schools that have pre-kindergarten programs.

How are areas selected to place a School Crossing Guard?

At least 10 children must be crossing at an intersection going to and from school for the location to qualify for a school crossing guard.

What about sidewalks in my neighborhood and around the school?

Sidewalk requests are evaluated by the Department of Public Works as part of the Safe Route to School program. If the new sidewalk is approved, the Department of Public Works Services will administer the construction contract to install the new sidewalk.

What neighborhood crime watch programs are available to our neighborhood and how do we get one in our neighborhood?

Neighborhood Crime Watch is a crime prevention program, which enlists the active participation of citizens in cooperation with law enforcement to reduce crime in their communities. It involves neighbors getting to know

each other, taking time to care about each other and working together. Citizens are trained to recognize and report suspicious activities in their neighborhood. Various crime prevention strategies are taught such as home security, Operation Identification and others.

Once the crime watch coordinator has held a meeting with representation of at least 50 percent of the households in attendance, the Police Department will submit paperwork to the Transportation Department for crime watch signs to be placed within the neighborhood at no cost.

Citizens On Patrol is yet another type of neighborhood crime prevention program, which involves citizens actually patrolling the neighborhood. In order to become a member of Citizens On Patrol, a resident must be a member of an active crime watch group, and receive additional police training.

If you are interested in starting a crime watch group or becoming involved with Citizens On Patrol, contact the Police Department, Community Affairs Division at 817-459-5725 to arrange a meeting with a local police officer.

Throughout the year, the Arlington Fire Department is honored to be invited to Crime Watch Meetings. The Arlington Fire Department can provide for your group Escape Plans, seasonal safety information, and informational materials available for group and individual use. To schedule an Arlington Fire Department presentation for your Crime Watch Meeting, call 817-459-5500.

Does the City offer home security surveys?

Free home security surveys are available to determine if your home or business is a potential target for a burglar. A crime prevention officer will survey your home and offer security recommendations. Surveys can be scheduled Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Call the Arlington Police, Community Affairs Division at 817-459-5725 to schedule a free Home Security Survey.

What is "Operation Identification?"

Operation Identification is a burglary prevention program for use in your home and business. Through Operation Identification you mark you property with your driver’s license number to discourage burglary and theft.

The program is free. Simply borrow an electric engraver from any Arlington Fire Station. When the engraver is returned, pick up some free window decals that state that the contents of your home or business have been marked through Operation Identification. It is simple and easy.

For more information, call the Community Affairs Division of the Arlington Police Department at 817-459-5725.

How can I get smoke detectors for my house?

The City of Arlington provides smoke detectors for its residents if they are unable to get them on their own. If you do not have a working smoke detector in your home, one is available to you at no cost. Call 817-459-5500 and make arrangements for a fire crew to install the smoke detector in your home.

Who do we call to get rid of graffiti in our neighborhood?

Contact the Police Department at 9-1-1 and indicate that you have a non-emergency report to file. A police officer will be dispatched to file an incident report and to take pictures of the graffiti, in order to determine gang markings. The City removes graffiti from any public property. The property owner is responsible for removing graffiti from private property. Failure to remove graffiti from private property within 14 days of notice constitutes a violation of city ordinance. There is no formal organization to remove graffiti from private property in Arlington. Your neighbors may want to organize a graffiti clean up team in your neighborhood.

Where do I pay parking and traffic tickets?

Parking and traffic tickets are paid at the Municipal Court, located at 200 West Abram Street. The Court’s hours are Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tickets can also be paid by mail. The check should be made payable to the City of Arlington. Be sure to include the ticket number on the check. Mail checks to Arlington Municipal Court, Mail Stop 02-0100, P.O. Box 231, Arlington, Texas 76004-0231.

What is Deferred Adjudication?

Deferred Adjudication is also referred to as probation. It is an option that allows people who have good driving records or clear criminal records to maintain them while fulfilling their legal obligations to resolve the infractions for which they were charged. If you are eligible for the Deferred Adjudication program you must: (1) Enter a plea of guilty or nolo contendere; (2) Have no similar citations in Arlington for 90 days; (3) Pay the appropriate mandatory court cost and an administrative fee as designated by the judge in the time period specified. (The normal time is 30 days to 180 days upon approval.) If you successfully complete the program, your case will be dismissed. If all terms are not met, your citation will revert back to the original conviction. For more information, please contact the Court Clerk’s Office at 817-275-5970.

For more information, contact the Municipal Court at 817-275-5970 or visit the City of Arlington website at www.ci.arlington.tx.us.

What is an ozone alert?

If an ozone alert has been issued it means that the air quality is low and that individuals with respiratory problems, the elderly, and children should avoid being outside if possible. To see if an ozone alert has been issued, watch the local news or contact the Transportation Department at 817-459-6350.

Who do I contact about homeless people loitering in our neighborhood?

For an immediate problem, contact the Police Department at 9-1-1. For a long-term solution, your organization may wish to meet with homeless service providers to develop options that could alleviate any problems in your neighborhood.

Who do I contact if my neighbor has a home-based business and the traffic or other impacts are causing problems in our neighborhood?

Certain types of businesses are allowed in residential houses. For example: catering; computer based business; day care (six or fewer children); direct sellers; hand crafted arts studios; house cleaning services; instructional art studios; photography studios; private lessons; sale of homemade goods and crafts; tailor or seamstress; and telephone based businesses.

However, even with a valid registration, a business must not become disruptive to the neighborhood and must comply with a number of restrictions. For example: outside storage; parking and on-site advertising

is restricted or prohibited; and only one employee in addition to the resident can be at the business at anytime.

If you are having problems with a neighborhood based business, contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-6777.

How do I report unsanitary conditions in restaurants?

Unsanitary conditions in a restaurant could mean mishandling of food; evidence of bugs and rodents; restrooms unclean or not working; and in general, unclean premises.

To report a complaint or concern, contact Neighborhood Services at 817-459-6777.

What should I do if I hear the Outdoor Warning Sirens?

The Outdoor Warning Sirens are used to warn citizens of severe weather such as tornadoes, winds in excess of 60 miles per hour, or very large hail. When the sirens are activated you should seek cover in an interior room or a well-constructed building away from windows. Do not stay in your car.

You can receive information from television, radio, or a weather radio. Please do not call 9-1-1 unless you need emergency police, fire, or medical personnel to respond to your location. The siren system is tested on the second Wednesday of each month, at 1:00 p.m., when the weather is clear.