Police Fire Chief Forum

Alexander (Al) Jones is the Chief of Police for the City of Arlington, Texas, leading the 46th largest law enforcement agency in the country. He was appointed to that role in November 2020 and has more than 27 years of policing experience. Chief Jones began his career with the Baltimore County Police Department in 1995 and quickly rose through the ranks to become the department’s second-highest ranking officer. He served in multiple divisions including Patrol Operations, Safe Schools, Youth and Community Services, and Support Operations. During his tenure in Arlington, Chief Jones has proven to be an innovative leader, enhancing and growing programs supported by officers that not only reduce crime but include the community in ways that increase trust and collaboration. He expanded the department’s Behavioral Health Unit from two full-time employees to 12 full-time employees, both sworn and non-sworn, to more effectively address the challenges that mental health calls present to officers. He created the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) Engagement Team, (NET), a new intelligence gathering unit within the department that seeks to disrupt and dismantle gun violence in the community. NET uses NIBIN technology to create sophisticated profiles that can help detectives identify investigative priorities when working violent crimes. Chief Jones is committed to equality under the law for all persons who live, work, or visit Arlington. He believes that bolstering internal and external trust is essential to successfully reducing crime and understands that the police and the community share the responsibility to keep Arlington safe. Chief Jones lives in Arlington with his wife and son.