WHEREAS, M. Douglas Scott retired as chief of police of Arlington County on March 20, 2015, after 40 years of distinguished service to the community as a law-enforcement officer; and

WHEREAS, Douglas Scott began his career in law enforcement as a cadet with the Fairfax County Police Department in 1975; he rose through the ranks to become chief of the department in 1995 and later served as chief of the City of Fairfax Police Department; and

WHEREAS, in 2000, Douglas Scott accepted a position as assistant inspector general with the U.S. Department of the Interior, then returned to law enforcement in 2003, when he became the chief of police of Arlington County; and

WHEREAS, during his 12-year tenure as chief of police, Douglas Scott helped reduce the overall crime rate in Arlington County to its lowest point since 1961 through goal-oriented initiatives, and he worked to ensure that his officers received cutting-edge training and equipment; and

WHEREAS, in safeguarding the youth of Arlington County, Douglas Scott enhanced police presence at Arlington County Public Schools and created new opportunities for interaction and intervention efforts with students; and

WHEREAS, Douglas Scott implemented community policing efforts to build trust and communication between the department and local residents; he maintained effective relationships with businesses and local organizations through the Citizens Advisory Committee and outreach events; and

WHEREAS, earning the admiration of his officers for his thoughtful and focused leadership, Douglas Scott has been a staunch advocate for the department, working to improve retention rates, quality of the workplace, benefits, and overall morale; and

WHEREAS, deeply respected throughout the region and the Commonwealth, Douglas Scott served as chair of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Police Chiefs Committee, as president and member of the executive board of the Virginia Association of Chiefs of Police, and as a member of the executive committee of the International Association of Chiefs of Police; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend M. Douglas Scott on the occasion of his retirement as chief of police of Arlington County; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to M. Douglas Scott as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his diligent work to serve and protect the residents of Northern Virginia.