Al Jones
Col. Al Jones — a 25-year veteran of the Baltimore County Police Department — has been named the new police chief in the City of Arlington.
The City of Arlington made the announcement Monday, about five months after previous police chief Will Johnson retired following a 26-year career. Assistant police chief Kevin Kolbye has been serving as interim police chief and will continue in the position until Jones assumes the role on Jan. 11, 2021.
“We have a great police department, and we have identified a leader who can continue ensuring excellent service to our residents and move our city positively forward,” city manager Trey Yelverton said in a statement. “In the true spirit of community policing, I know that our whole community will come together and support Chief Jones and our police department in keeping our community safe.”
Jones hails from Baltimore, where he currently serves as the chief of Baltimore County Police Department’s Community Relations Bureau. Baltimore County — a metropolitan area with approximately 835,000 residents outside of the City of Baltimore and boasting the 18th largest law enforcement agency in the nation — was where Jones got his start, first joining the department in 1995 as a police officer.
In his current role within the Community Relations Bureau, a post he's held since 2018, Jones oversees management with a focus on building trust within communities and diversifying the agency to better reflect the community it serves.
He recently participated in executive leadership training from groups like the Major Cities Chiefs Association Executive Leadership Institute and the FBI-Law Enforcement Executive Development Association, engaging with chiefs across the nation to discuss significant issues affecting policing in America as well as implementation of the 21st Century Policing Report. Groups like the Baltimore Country Branch of NAACP and the Islamic Society of Baltimore have also honored Jones for exemplary service, leadership abilities, and for being an advocate for equal rights.
In Arlington, Jones says he plans to take a data-driven approach to finding solutions to the city's needs, as well as build relationships between police officers and the community.
“Officers can’t be everywhere, which is why it is vitally important for the community to be engaged and help serve as our eyes and ears," Jones said in a statement. "Neighborhood involvement with the police department creates not only a safer community but a stronger community."
According to Yelverton, Jones was chosen for the position due to his experience in the implementation of community-based policing principles, his understanding of the future of policing, and his leadership capabilities.
The hiring process for police chief began in June, with 74 law enforcement leaders applying to lead Arlington's nearly 900-member police force. Arlington consulting firm The Bowman Group, which specializes in police and public practices, assisted in the recruitment and vetting of applicants.
In September, the city narrowed the list to nine candidates, including Jones, who participated in face-to-face interviews with a series of panels that included community members, city executives, and regional police chiefs. In October, Jones and four other finalists completed another round of internal interviews and participated in a forum where members of the community were able to ask questions to the candidates directly.
The City of Arlington plans to host a public event to welcome Jones some time next year. Details will be announced at a later date.
