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September 2024
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Northwest Division conducted a successful late summer crime detail aimed at cleaning up an area just inside NE Loop 820 near N. Beach Street. The area is home to many apartments, hotels and other businesses but often plagued by aggressive panhandling and open-air drug dealing and use.
As part of the department’s Violent Crime Initiative, every police division reviews crime stats weekly to detect trends. Northwest NPO Stevan Velasquez, who’d been assigned temporarily to the area, noticed an uptick in violent crimes including aggravated assault, prostitution and drug activity. He requested a Strategic Operations Fund detail that allowed 10 officers to step up patrols in a concentrated area from July 9 to August 1. The campaign called for higher police visibility with officers driving marked patrol units and making numerous arrests. “We recruited midnight shift officers because that’s when most of the illegal activity was happening, but also because they take initiative and work really hard,” Velasquez explained. Below are just some of the results.
We thank officers from Vice, Narcotics and the Directed Response Unit for assisting. The initiative had a positive impact on the neighborhood and surrounding businesses, resulting in an immediate decrease in criminal activity.
Community Shout-out
We also thank Raising Cane’s for providing free late night meal cards to midnight officers who worked this special detail.
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Register Now for Oct. 1 National Night Out
National Night Out encourages neighbors to get outside and get to know each other. It’s one of the best ways to help prevent crime in your area. It’s also a time to connect with law enforcement under positive circumstances and get to know the officers who serve your community.
It’s not too late to plan a simple, fun celebration and get to know your neighbors. Once you decide the time and location, register your event with the Fort Worth Police Department by filling out a short online form. You’ll be recognized for your efforts, and we’ll provide some goodies for you to hand out, while supplies last. Please register by Thursday, Sept. 26 so we can get you on the schedule.
We'll have many events to attend, so can’t stay for long and can’t tell you exactly when we’ll be there—but we’re looking forward to it! If you have questions or need ideas, email or call Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent at dot.kent@fortworthtexas.gov or 817-392-3537.
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Through social media, word of an unauthorized party travels fast. Before you know it, hundreds of people—many of them underage teens— can converge on a vacant property, bringing alcohol, illegal drugs, traffic, loud music and damage. Fort Worth Police have responded to such incidents as recently as August 2024. We’d rather prevent them from happening at all. Here’s how you can help:
Developers & Owners Secure your property. That includes locking every unit, every door, every window, every gate. Once a house, duplex or apartment has electricity and water service, it’s especially attractive to illegal party planners—even more so in brand new subdivisions with few neighbors to report illegal activity. Once partygoers gain access, they can cause extensive damage.
Sellers Same as above, but if you move out before selling, consider additional steps. Install a portable camera that sends a message to your phone when activity is detected. Keep the property well lit by adding lights with motion sensors. Don’t cancel your homeowners’ insurance and add liability coverage, if you don’t already have it.
Parents Be aware that vacant house parties are “a thing.” Know where your kids are, ask questions and be especially nosy if your teen says they’re going to a party in a nearby city or area you don’t recognize. Talk with your teen about the dangers and potential consequences of attending a vacant house party. One recent party ended with gunfire.
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Previous public artworks created by Project One Studio
Your Input Needed Sept. 16 on Northwest Patrol Building Public Art Project
Artist Adam Buente will share his preliminary design and seek feedback for a public art project at Northwest Division’s new headquarters, expected to break ground next year in the 3600 block of Angle Avenue. We invite you to his presentation at the Fort Worth Public Art Commission meeting 5:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 16 at Diamond Hill Community Center, 1700 NE 37th St. The project is expected to be the first action item on the agenda and will include Spanish translation.
After significant architectural changes were made to building plans, the artist also made design revisions. This is an opportunity for the community, police officers and other stakeholders to give input on the changes before the art commission discusses and votes on his preliminary plans. Learn more about artist Adam Buente and his Project One Studio.
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Northwest Division officers and Citizens on Patrol volunteers helped thousands of children go back to school safely last month, providing extra coverage at dozens of school campuses during the first week of class. Officers patrolled in marked vehicles for higher police visibility. They also walked school grounds, addressed traffic flow issues and made 101 calls, including 13 traffic stops and 12 citations. Among them was the collision (pictured) on a neighborhood street near Kirkpatrick Middle School. There were no injuries. Friendly reminder to obey the 20 mph speed limit and don't text or talk on cell phones in school zones.
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Keep Sidewalks Clear
And please keep sidewalks clear for kids who walk to school. It’s the law: No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle on a sidewalk. (City Code, Chapter 22-178) Blocking a sidewalk forces pedestrians to walk in the street where it’s not as safe. If you can’t fit your vehicles in the carport, garage or driveway without blocking the sidewalk, park on the street. While we’re at it, a reminder of how to park: parallel with the edge of the roadway, headed in the direction of traffic, and with the curb-side wheels of the vehicle within 18 inches of the edge of the roadway. (Chapter 22-166) Learn more about vehicle ordinances.
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We love attending back-to-school events as summer comes to a close. It’s an opportunity to hand out school supplies and safety information but also a chance to build relationships with children and families in each school community.
All Saints Catholic School
NPO Skelton handed out pencils with erasers shaped like police hats at the All Saints’ Catholic Church back-to-school event.
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Diamond Hill-Jarvis area schools
Northwest NPOs had a blast handing out backpacks to kids at Diamond Hill Community Center. The event featured supplies donated from businesses throughout the community as well as FWISD staff to answer questions.
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Northside Community Center
NPO Velasquez, Cmdr. Molina, Northside Community Center’s Lupe Leon and NPO Vanbrunt pose with children holding their brand new school supplies.
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Police Athletic League
In addition to school supplies, Fort Worth barbers and hair stylists provided free back-to-school haircuts for children. The event was organized by PAL, the Fort Worth Police Athletic League.
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WJ Turner Elementary
WJ Turner’s after school program invited us to their first parent meeting. Kids lined up for a photo, before NPOs Skelton and Massey handed out Junior Officer Badge stickers. Northwest Neighborhood Patrol officers drop in on many after school programs throughout the year.
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Business Plan
Northside crime prevention group Comunidad 27 drew more than 40 business owners on and near Azle Avenue to hear ideas from Northside Community LLC on how to market the area as a cultural and business destination. The neighborhood is already known for its “Convivio” mural depicting a bigger-than-life mariachi group.
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Crime Watch
NW 25th Street Business Crime Watch heard from a HOPE Team member about the police department’s response to homeless persons on public and private property. The team is trained on resources for the homeless, including those with mental illness. Officers urged businesses to use the MyFW app to report homeless issues. The group’s next meeting is noon Monday, Sept. 9 at Boyo's Barber Shop, 1423 NW 25th.
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Community Partners
Walmart Manager Juan Peña presented a $1,000 check to Northwest Division officers during a community celebration at the store, 2245 Jacksboro Hwy. The money will help NW Bike Patrol member put on a fundraiser later this month for Sgt. Billy Randolph’s family.
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Bowl for the Blue
Our thanks to Bike The Blue, Stanton & Co and Cowtown Bowling Palace for hosting a “Bowl for the Blue” fundraiser. The Hollywood-themed event helped raise money for specialized bikes to various police departments, including ones like our Stockyards Bike Team rides.
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Starbucks 820 & Marine Creek
Congratulations to Manager Leo Moore and staff on their grand opening of the Starbucks at 2453 NW Loop 820 and Marine Creek Parkway. Check out their new café, and let Northwest police officers serve you 9-11 a.m. Sept. 11 for Coffee with a Cop.
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Touch-a-Truck Storytime
A chance to learn about community helpers at Diamond Hill-Jarvis Library brought out kids and their families. After a librarian read to children, they got a special treat! NPO Flores gave children a tour of his police cruiser.
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Apartment Crime Watch
Officer Sinclair greeted children, and NPO Lamb helped hand out snacks at Providence Marine Creek Apartments. Management hosts a monthly crime prevention meeting for adults that’s followed by snack time for children as they arrive home by school bus.
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Fort Worth COP Program on News
WFAA-TV reporter Scoop Jefferson featured Fort Worth’s Code Blue Citizens on Patrol Program in August, explaining how some 400 volunteers throughout the city patrol their neighborhoods and serve as an extra set of eyes and ears for the Police Department. In case you missed the story, here’s the YouTube link. If you’d like to know more about Citizens on Patrol, visit the webpage or contact Northwest Division COP coordinator Sandra Jones.
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Welcome Aboard!
At its August meeting, Northwest Code Blue welcomed a new Citizens on Patrol volunteer. Michael Hill, pictured with Sgt. Bohlin, Cmdr. Molina, Lt. Sutherland, NPO Herrera and Lt. Lawrence, patrols with the Remington Point COP group.
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Preparing for Disaster
Members of CERT, the Community Emergency Response Team, shared what they do to help Fort Worth residents before and during disaster. Speaking to Northwest Citizens on Patrol, CERT volunteers detailed the training they receive for disaster preparation, response, light search and rescue and other emergency operations. If you’d like to know more about volunteering with CERT, visit www.certfortworth.org/ or email Officer Matt Thomsen.
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Sgt. Billy Randolph (Aug. 14, 1967-Aug. 12, 2024)
Long-time member of the Fort Worth Police Department Sgt. Billy Wayne Randolph, Jr. died last month while working an accident scene. He had 29 years of dedicated service. Sgt. Randolph worked out of South Division, but many Northwest officers knew him well and will remember his commitment to service and love of family, community and country. A video of the funeral procession shows the community-wide outpouring of love and respect for Sgt. Randolph.
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Bea Hipp (Jan. 3, 1936-Aug. 16, 2024)
Northwest Division Police mourned the passing last month of Beatrice Perry Hipp, 88, after a long illness. Bea was a Citizens on Patrol volunteer for 22 years in the Crestwood neighborhood. She was very proud to make a difference and help deter crime in her community. We will remember her dedication and service always.
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If you don’t know your NPO’s name, visit OneAddress. Type in your street address, click search, then click the "+" sign in front of the word “Neighborhoods.” Your NPO’s name and number are listed.
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This newsletter is published by Northwest Police Division Crime Prevention Office. |
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