Northwest Police Division launched a package theft holiday detail in late December, focusing on two beats experiencing increased thefts of delivered packages. During extra five-hour shifts Dec. 16-20, officers in marked and undercover vehicles patrolled neighborhoods and business centers in D14 and D15 beats, areas generally north of Loop 820, west of Saginaw-Main, south of Bonds Ranch Road and east of Eagle Mountain Lake. Citizens on Patrol volunteers assisted.

Police observed package delivery trucks at a distance from unmarked police cars, then waited for possible porch pirates. While no arrests were made, the effort significantly reduced package thefts and other criminal activity within the targeted beats. Officers made a total of 153 calls, which included traffic stops and investigating suspicious vehicles and pedestrians. Officers also gathered intelligence on package theft trends and identified potential suspects.

The detail also included community education, as officers handed out flyers with theft prevention tips. Police continue to need residents' help year-round collecting packages as soon as they're delivered or using secure pickup sites, such as lockers or a work address.

Game Rooms Banned Jan. 21

After 10 years of legal battles, the City of Fort Worth has amended zoning and licensing rules to ban amusement redemption machines, also known as eight-liners or gaming machines. The game room ban goes into effect Jan. 21, 2025. Businesses will have 45 days to remove gaming machines and cease operating. Violators are subject to a fine up to $2,000 day and injunction and fine or criminal prosecution. The long fight began with residents’ concerns over game rooms attracting criminal activity. The case went all the way to the Texas Supreme Court. To report possible game rooms, call the police non-emergency number: 817-392-4222.

Reminder: City Parks to Close Earlier

Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, all city parks will be open to the public 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. The Fort Worth Police Department supports the new systemwide closing time of 10 p.m. After complaints from residents and neighborhood groups about some parks closing at 11:30 p.m., the Park & Recreation Department adopted a unified closing time of 10 p.m. The change will not affect permitted rentals and special events.

Deputy Chief Criado Retires

“RESPECT EVERYONE,” the all-caps sign-off at the bottom of every email from Deputy Chief Pedro “Kiki” Criado, says it all. Criado, who earned his own respect during 31 years with the Fort Worth Police Department, is retiring. He spent most of his career serving residents of Northwest Division, which includes the Diamond Hill neighborhood where he grew up.

Starting in Patrol, he gained experience in Crimes Against Children, Internal Affairs, Public Information, SWAT, Vice, Narcotics and other areas of the department. His promotions included four years as Commander of Northwest Patrol Division and three most recent years as Deputy Chief of North Command, overseeing North, Northwest, West and Traffic Divisions as well as Air Support.

Asked what he’s most proud of during his tenure, Criado said, “I’m proud that I was able to mentor and teach others what I know. Success is not about me, it’s about what I can do for others.” Criado says he’ll miss the “great people” he’s had the pleasure of working with daily but will take some time to relax and enjoy his family before reevaluating what’s next.

It’s one of our favorite annual traditions—helping families shop for their children for the holidays. Northwest officers pair up with kids to cruise the aisles and help them find what they’re looking for. Then, we pick up the tab. Of course, we couldn’t do it without generous donors! Our thanks go to staff and manager Juan Peña at Walmart, 2245 Jacksboro Hwy, as well as Hacienda Bañuelos and the Fort Worth chapter of the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization. We also appreciate FWISD school counselors who help us identify families in need of a little extra help.

Kiki’s Club Christmas

This celebration had it all! Santa, Mrs. Claus, the Grinch and a fabulous balloon-laden gingerbread house photo background. Kiki’s Club, a program at both Northside and North Tri-Ethnic Community Centers, provides activities for special needs adults 18 and older. Northwest Division officers were honored to get a party invitation.

Christmas Parade

A little drizzle didn’t keep folks away from the Stockyards Christmas Parade, including Northwest Commander Randy Molina, who stayed dry hitching a ride in a covered wagon.

COPS for Kids

Northwest Division Police were among many Fort Worth officers who participated in Cook Children's Medical Center Teddy Bear giveaway.

The 2025 CFMH training schedule is out. Property managers, assistant managers and leasing agents in complexes with eight or more units must attend an eight-hour training within six months of their hire date. A four-hour refresher is required annually for the landlord or at least one complex employee. For questions or more information, contact Officer Brittany Jones at Brittany.jones@fortworthtexas.gov or 817-392-4715.

Crime Prevention Apartments Outreach

Our apartment complex outreach includes brief lessons for children in after-school programs. After learning “What to do about bullies,” we reviewed the previous month’s topic—calling 911 for emergencies. We’re happy to report all Reserve at Quebec kids earned a prize for knowing their complete home address—a critical part of calling 911.

Children at the Residences of Diamond Hill had lots of questions for NPO Flores, after getting a look inside his patrol car. Our visit was part of the complex’s after-school program and also allows us to meet and share information with parents at pickup time.

Providence at Marine Creek Apartments collected toy donations and invited NPO Lamb to help hand them out to residents. The complex has a resident services coordinator who also helps families with an on-site food pantry that includes children's vitamins and diapers.

There's still time to nominate your Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO), neighborhood association, or HOA for a Fort Worth Neighborhood Award. Learn more about the awards and apply online. Or, download the form and email it by Jan. 17. Winners of the Neighborhood Awards will be announced Saturday, March 1, at Doxology Bible Church.

Mark IV Business Association

We appreciate the Mark IV Business Association letting us set up an information table at their meeting last month. After a presentation on the main topic, city water and sewer construction in the area, we were able to introduce ourselves and share free crime fighting resources. If your business group has similar opportunities, please email crime prevention specialist Dot Kent: dot.kent@fortworthtexas,gov 

Cesar Chavez Elementary

Officers Gomez and Flores told students at Cesar Chavez Elementary that the best way to prepare to be a police officer is to stay in school and stay out of trouble! Children also got to check out their police cars.

Double Graduation

We congratulate Northwest Division Lt. Kyle Lawrence and former Northwest NPO Sgt. David Deleon on earning Bachelor of Science degrees in Criminal Justice from East Texas A&M University. Lt. Lawrence’s degree emphasized Law Enforcement Leadership. Sgt. Deleon, who’s now assigned to Mounted Patrol, said the degree had been a personal goal.

Snack Donation

Patrol officers work 10-hour shifts, never knowing exactly when they’ll get a chance to eat, so having a few snacks on hand is crucial. Our thanks to Bonnie Brae Neighborhood Association for their recent donation of grab-and-go snacks for officers.

Detective for a Day

Jessica is in high school and considering a career in law enforcement-- specifically detective work. She spent a day in Northwest Division, helping Det. Tyler York gather evidence for a metal theft investigation and talking with several Neighborhood Patrol Officers.