The Maryland Chiefs of Police has named Howard County police Officer Gabriel Arias as the state's police officer of the year for 1998, eight months after he was recognized as the county's officer of the year. Arias has been on the force since April 1993.

Officials looked at a number of criteria, but focused on community policing, said county Police Chief Wayne Livesay.

Arias -- who usually patrols west Columbia -- was recognized locally for his work in community policing initiatives in Harper's Choice. He was also recognized for developing a stronger liaison between police and the county's Foreign-born Information and Referral Network.

Arias speaks Spanish and worked as a translator at the Sexual Trauma Treatment, Advocacy and Recovery Center.

He was noted for "all the things we recognized in Gabe when we selected him police officer of the year," Livesay said. The Maryland Chiefs of Police committee was looking for "someone who represented law enforcement ideals," he said. Arias will be honored in Ocean City Sept. 13.

Pub Date: 8/26/99