By Kaley Johnson
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
ARLINGTON, Texas — The Arlington police chief was sworn in as the vice president of the largest law enforcement organization in the world on Tuesday.
Chief Will Johnson is the first Arlington police chief to hold the vice president position for the International Association of Chiefs of Police, according to a press release from the department.
The IACP is a nonprofit, professional police organization based in Alexandria, Virginia. Founded in 1893, the group has about 36,000 members in 150 countries across the world, according to the group’s website.
Johnson has been an IACP member since 2008 and served as the Chair for the IACP Human and Civil Rights Committee and on the IACP Board of Directors, the release said.
“For over 125 years, the IACP has been the leader in guiding the law enforcement profession into the future despite the myriad of social challenges that are present,” IACP President Lou Dekmar said in the press release. “Will brings a wealth of experience and commitment that will undoubtedly assist our organization as we continue to be the gold standard in training and leadership development.”
According to the press release, Johnson plans to focus on addressing social justice issues, mental health reform and ensuring equal protection under the law for all people.
“I am grateful to serve in a supportive community where our elected officials and the City Manager seek to use Arlington’s influence to positively enhance the policing profession and to contribute to national policy dialogue. On behalf of the entire Arlington PD team, I am humbled to represent them in this new role,” Johnson said in the release. “There are many opportunities to continue the extraordinary work that is being completed by police agencies internationally and to replicate these best practices to promote stronger and healthier communities across the nation and beyond.”
According to the release, Johnson received formal endorsements from many law enforcement organizations including the Texas Police Chiefs Association, California Police Chiefs Association, Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association and Utah Chiefs of Police Association.