Regulations that cracked down on temporary paper license tags have led to a statewide increase in theft of permanent metal plates. Several stolen plates have been reported recently in Northwest Division. Sometimes those plates end up on stolen cars or the car of someone planning to commit a crime. Here are steps to help prevent stolen plates:

• Get in the habit of checking your plates before you drive.
• Keep a photo of your plates on your phone, so you can report them missing or stolen.
• A few drops of solder on the bolts or blurring the threads may deter theft.
• Or, purchase inexpensive license plate security screws at a retail or auto parts store.

If your license plate is stolen in Fort Worth, file a police report and request a copy, in case of legal or identity theft issues. Inform your auto insurer and ask if you need to file a claim or take specific action. Contact your county motor vehicle section (Tarrant County) to apply for a replacement license plate. Monitor your financial accounts and personal information; stolen license plates may be used in other fraudulent activities.

Golf Tourney Will Support Code Blue

The Fort Worth Police Department invites you to the 30th Annual Code Blue Charity Golf Tournament Monday, May 13. It’s the main fundraiser that supports the Citizens On Patrol program, providing training, equipment, supplies and recognition for these dedicated volunteers. Learn more about sponsorships or register for the tournament online.

Code Blue's Citizens on Patrol have been helping Fort Worth police officers since 1991, patrolling neighborhoods throughout the city. Signs on the sides of their vehicles have gotten a refresh—with an updated logo, larger lettering, reflective material and a City of Fort Worth steer image. It’s all designed to help residents better recognize Citizens on Patrol volunteers as they drive through neighborhoods and radio any concerns to police. If you’d like to learn more about being part of this crime prevention team, contact coordinator Sandra Jones at 817-392-3563 or  Sandra.jones@fortworthtexas.gov

Free Yard Signs for National Police Week

We’d be honored if you’d help us recognize our men and women in blue during National Police Week, May 12-18 by displaying a “We Back the Blue” yard sign. If you don’t have one already, you may pick up a free sign at Northwest Police Division, 4651 N. Main St. Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m.

The Fort Worth Police Officers Association will hold a memorial ceremony 6 p.m. Thursday, May 1 at the Police & Fire Memorial, 2201 W. 7^th St. to recognize fallen officers. Northwest Officer Joshua Vanbrunt (pictured far right) will be among members of the Fort Worth Police Pipes & Drums band participating in the local ceremony, as well as events in Washington, D.C.

Calling All Seniors to May 16 Senior Expo

Northwest Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent will give a presentation on Senior Fraud, including how to spot the latest phone, online and impersonator scams that often target people 65 and older. The 1 p.m. workshop is part of Senior Expo 2024, a one-stop resource for older residents to get the latest health and safety information in a fun setting. The free event is 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Thursday, May 16 at North Tri-Ethnic Community Center, 2950 Roosevelt Ave. Check out exhibit tables, door prizes, a cake walk and more workshops. Senior Expo is presented by the Johnnie G Community Project.

Public Safety Telecommunications Week

Northwest Police Division staff signed a card and collected treats for 911 dispatchers, call takers and support staff. Commander Kim and NPOs Salazar and De Los Santos delivered them in person to thank these dedicated workers who help saves lives every day.

Fort Worth residents can vote Saturday, May 4 in the 2024 Venue Tax General Election. The measure would provide funds for development, construction and renovation of the Fort Worth Convention Center. If passed, it would add up to 2% occupancy tax on the price paid for a hotel room. For more information, visit fortworthtexas.gov/elections. 

To find early voting locations and schedules, visit Tarrant County Elections. Also on the ballot are elections for three places on the Tarrant Appraisal District Board. Limited information about those races is on this Tarrant County webpage.

Summer Programs for Kids

School will be out soon, and Camp Fort Worth offers safe, summer fun at a reasonable price for youth ages 5-13. Registration is open now at City of Fort Worth community centers. In Northwest Police Division, Diamond Hill, Northside and North Tri-Ethnic community centers offer structured, entertaining and educational programs. The cost is $65 per week, Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m. from June 10 to August 2. Sign up for the Molly Deal and get one week free, or ask about multi-child discounts and scholarships. For details, visit the Camp Fort Worth webpage. For additional options check out Artes de la Rosa’s Summer Production Camp flyer at the end of this newsletter.

Bike Patrol Boosters

Northwest NPOs Skelton and Massey check in regularly with the All Saints Catholic School after-school running club. In April, they invited Bike Patrol members Officer Wolfe, Officer Torres and Sgt. Solano to stop by and give the kids some extra encouragement.

Juneteenth Celebration in the Works

NPO Massey answered questions as members of Far Greater Northside Historical Neighborhood Association began planning for a Juneteenth Parade and Celebration at Lincoln Park. Stay tuned for details of the June 15 event!

Sensory Friendly Prom

Fort Worth’s Unified Dance celebration offered a fun night to remember for more than 200 general education and special education students in Fort Worth ISD. The event at Diamond Hill Community Center featured dancing, arts and crafts, karaoke, food, games and a red carpet walk for students who may feel left out of traditional high school prom activities. At left, Commander Jason Kim had his picture taken with Prom King Jason M.

Día del Niño / Day of the Child

We enjoyed celebrating kids of all ages at the North Fort Worth Boys & Girls Club, 2000 Ellis Ave. While children played games for prizes, parents could sign them up for summer programs. Thanks to the ladies of Sigma Lambda Alpha who helped with our safety spinning wheel, the long line moved quickly!

ສະບາຍດີປີໃໝ່ລາວ Happy Lao New Year!

Multiple Northwest Division NPOs, Patrol Officers, Sergeants and Corporals worked all weekend to keep things safe at Wat Lao Thepnimith. The temple's Lao new year celebration is one of the largest in the U.S. with food, music, dancing and a huge parade. COP volunteers also assisted.

Northwest Police Division continues its initiative with apartment complexes, encouraging them to adopt successful community policing principles already at work in residential neighborhoods. Apartment managers interested in partnering with us for informal community safety meetings should contact their Neighborhood Patrol Officer or email Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent at dot.kent@fortworthtexas.gov 

Sweet Thanks!

Northwest Code Blue Coordinator Sandra Jones organized an ice cream social to thank all of our Citizens on Patrol volunteers for their service. The ice cream truck served chilled treats on a sunny April afternoon.