Arlington Police Receive Award For MAY Program
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) – Arlington's MAY Program has been awarded the 2016 Sutin Civic Imagination Award. This annual award is bestowed by The Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) to a collaborative team of law enforcement and community members whose innovative civic interactions have transformed public safety in their community.
The MAY Program began in July 2015 as a partnership between the Arlington Police Department, the City of Arlington Municipal Court, and the Arlington Independent School District. The idea of MAY was that of Lieutenant Tarrick McGuire as an opportunity to serve young African-American and Hispanic male students in the 7th and 8th grades.
Working with Ms. Inelda Acosta, Principal in the Arlington Independent School District, is able to bring together law enforcement, educators, faith-based groups, and community leaders and a group of 10 students at Workman Junior High School.
Through interactive workshops on leadership, team building, education and career development, along with community service-learning modules, the program helps to foster relationships between youth and positive adult role models. Its goal is to enhance confidence by supporting academic achievement, while increasing social and cultural awareness and promoting personal development.
With the support of Arlington Police Chief Will Johnson, the MAY Program continues to gain momentum and the second group of students is currently underway, along with a similar program for at-risk middle school-aged girls led by female officers. The MAY Program, started as one person's idea, has now transformed into a vital community program with lasting impact on Arlington youth.
"It is a great honor to present the 2016 L. Anthony Sutin Civic Imagination Award to the Arlington Police Department and the Arlington Independent School District," said COPS Office Director Ronald Davis. "I applaud the specific efforts of Lt. McGuire and Ms. Acosta in creating this program that provides a safe space for law enforcement officers and young men of color to interact in positive non-enforcement activities. Initiatives like the MAY Program are critical first steps in building trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve."
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