When children go back to school in August, you’ll see plenty of police officers. Northwest Police Division will provide extra coverage around school campuses to make sure the return to classes is safe. Code Blue volunteers, in their bright blue shirts or jackets, will assist. The special back-to-school detail will include enforcing 20 mph speed limits and no texting or talking on cell phones in school zones. So please: wear your seatbelt, slow down, pay attention to crosswalks and help us keep the kids safe. See more back-to-school info later in this newsletter.

Northwest Police urge you to be vigilant online and on the phone as we continue to get reports of residents falling victim to scammers. The following scams have happened repeatedly here in Fort Worth. Read on but stay alert: scammers often change up the details based on who they’re trying to scam.

Bitcoin Payments. A caller claims to be with your bank or credit union, advises there’s been fraud on your account and tells you to withdraw all your money and deposit it in a bitcoin machine. Hang up and call your bank directly. It’s a scam.

Rental Property. You see a house or apartment listed online and contact the “owner” to see it. When the “owner” doesn’t show, you call or text and they give you a code to enter the property. You like what you see, accept the deal and pay online. When you return for move-in, the property is locked or someone else has moved in because the person you sent money to doesn’t own the property. Never send money to a landlord you don’t meet in person. Never pay in full until you receive the keys and know they work.

Online Purchases. You buy something on Facebook Marketplace (or similar). The scammer requires full payment before delivery. You send the money, but the merchandise never arrives. The safest way to purchase online is with a credit card. It’s disputable, so you’re more likely to get your money back if something goes wrong. If you must use PayPal, Venmo, Zelle or similar, make the transaction only after you inspect the goods.

Learn more about spotting scams: Federal Trade Commission or Better Business Bureau

National Night Out, held the first Tuesday in October, will be here before you know it! Start planning now for a fun celebration to get to know your neighbors—a fundamental building block of reducing crime.

Hosting a great National Night Out event doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. Here are some ideas to keep it simple and share the costs.

- Email or hand-deliver homemade invitations to every neighbor on your block. Get the kids to help!

- Host a front yard dessert potluck: ask everyone to bring a lawn chair and a treat to share.

- Ask neighbors to turn on their lights and come outside for a walk after dinner.

- Say hello, introduce yourself, help new neighbors meet each other and share contact information.

Once you decide, please register your event with the Fort Worth Police Department by filling out a short online form. You’ll be recognized for your efforts, we’ll provide some goodies for you to hand out while supplies last, and we’ll do our best to stop by on Oct. 1.

MLB Drone Show

A special drone show over the Historic Stockyards capped off Fort Worth's Major League Baseball All-Star Celebration. Drones with colored lights formed a Texas flag, rodeo rider and this awesome image of a player sliding into first base!

4th of July Parade

NPO Moncada helped keep things safe as North Side Neighborhood Association held its Independence Day Parade. Entries included a scouts color guard, several elected officials and the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, followed by bikes and people decorated with balloons.

Business Crime Watch

The NW 25^th Street Business Crime Watch held its second meeting since reactivating after COVID. The group is working to choose a communication tool for sharing information. NPO Skelton provided weekly crime stats, and Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent urged members to report not just crime, but also code violations and city issues via the MyFW app or 817-392-1234, because well-maintained areas generally have less crime. Business owners and managers along NW 25^th Street are invited to the next meeting: Monday, Aug. 12, noon-1 p.m. at Victory Outreach, 2424 Chestnut Ave., to discuss issues related to the homeless.

Invite Us to Your Meeting

City Councilmember Carlos Flores gave an update on a proposed senior housing development during July's Diamond Hill-Jarvis Neighborhood Association meeting. Northwest Police offered free gun locks and safety information. The group meets the third Thursday of the month, 6:30 p.m. at Diamond Hill Community Center. Invite us to your neighborhood or civic club meeting by contacting your NPO or crime prevention specialist Dot Kent.

Fort Worth Explorers

Thanks to North Beverly Hills Neighborhood Association for inviting families to hear about the Fort Worth Police Explorers program in July. The youth program focuses on character development, decision-making and careers and has inspired past neighborhood residents to become police officers! Explorer applications are open through Aug. 31.

Inspiring Youth

NPO Jesus Flores spoke to Camp Fire Teens in Action about his career and what happens during a traffic stop. He also answered teens’ questions about drugs and how to stay safe. The summer program is part of Camp Fire First Texas.

Birthday Brigade

Officer Brock Atkins made a lot of new friends when he stopped by a birthday party and let several young boys get a look inside his patrol car. Eight-year-old Isaiah and his family live on Atkins’ beat, and the officer had learned that Isaiah really likes police stuff. “I believe it’s important to show the community that you are there for them,” said Atkins. Best birthday ever!

Promotion Ceremony

He's been at the job for more than a month, but now it's official! Chief Noakes presented Commander Molina with his promotion papers at a FWPD promotion ceremony July 25.

Security Assist

Northwest Division NPO Joshua Vanbrunt was among more than 40 Fort Worth officers who assisted with security at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee. In addition to crowd and motorcade traffic control, the team assisted the Secret Service. “We helped secure a corridor that Vice Presidential nominee J.D. Vance could walk through with his security detail. In the picture you can see a line of bicycles, a line of Kentucky State Troopers then another line of bikes,” Vanbrunt explained.

Staying Cool

A thousand thanks to assistant manager Stan Shelton and his team at the Lake Worth Lowe’s, 3500 NW Centre Dr. in Fort Worth. They donated a hot and cold water dispenser for our Stockyards bike unit, to help officers stay hydrated.

Decade of Service

Code Blue volunteers Sherry and Robert Moore were recognized in July for their 10 years with the Northwest Code Blue Citizens on Patrol Program. Lt. Kyle Lawrence thanked them for their outstanding service to the community and presented them with certificates and service pins. Learn more about Citizens on Patrol online or contact COP coordinator Sandra Jones.

 We always need volunteers!

Firefighter Games

NPO Lamb was invited to the 2024 Texas Firefighter Summer Games held in Lewisville, where he placed third in cornhole. The event drew hundreds of firefighters from Fort Worth and across the state.

Fort Worth Offers After-School Programs

Twenty City of Fort Worth community centers offer parents a safe place for children to hang out, do homework and play after school. The city’s After-School Program is available for students ages 5-13. Sessions run Monday-Friday starting Aug. 13, from school dismissal to 6 p.m. Transportation is available at select sites. Snacks are served each day. Price varies by location, and some scholarships and discounts are available. Registration is required and can be paid by credit card or electronic check. Check online to find a local community center near your home or where you work.

Get Ready for School

Get your vaccinations and school supplies at All Saints Catholic Church, Saturday, Aug. 10, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., while supplies last. Enjoy food, games, face painting, caricatures and a raffle for Dallas Cowboys tickets in the Parish Hall at 215 NW 20th St., across from Marine Park.

Drivers Take Note: School Zones in Effect

Whether or not you have a child going back to school, it’s important to get back in the school zone habit. In Texas, that means:

- Slow down! The speed limit is 20 mph in all school zones.

- Cell phone use is prohibited—both texting and talking—while driving in a school zone.

- Stop for school buses that are loading and unloading.

- Do not pass other vehicles, make U-turns or change lanes in a school zone.

- Stop for pedestrians in crosswalks.

- Apply to be a crossing guard at one of more than 150 area schools. It even pays!

Fort Worth police remind you that traffic fines increase in school zones. Mark your calendar now to leave a little early and slow down in school zones.

Baby on the Way

And last, but not least…Northwest Division loves to celebrate! Our most recent get-together was for the anticipated arrival of a baby boy. Receptionist Jessica Vazquez is due in August. We can’t wait to meet him!