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May 2025
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After the City of Fort Worth banned gaming machines earlier this year, Neighborhood Patrol Officers began notifying businesses to get rid of them. In March and April, officers tackled a list of 123 locations in Northwest Division alone suspected of having illegal game rooms. In some cases, businesses had already shut down or removed machines. At others, officers documented the presence of illegal machines and issued warning letters to owners to remove the machines within seven days.
Officers used their body camera video to document illegal machines operating at game rooms like this one. In all, officers found 152 machines, with one business having 44.
The city ban took effect in January 2025, after 10 years of legal battles that went all the way to the Texas Supreme Court. Residents complained that gaming rooms attracted illegal activity, including robbery and gun violence, at all hours of the day and night. Any person or company who violates the ordinance can be fined up to $2,000 for each day the devices are present, plus possible injunction and fine or criminal prosecution.
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Chief Neil Noakes got a hug from Mayor Mattie Parker after being recognized at City Council last month by OneCommunityUSA for his years of service and dedication.
Fort Worth Police Chief Neil Noakes will retire in May after more than 25 years of service to the City of Fort Worth. While recognitions and thank you celebrations for Chief Noakes continue, the city has started the process of hiring this replacement. That’s where you come in!
The city and consultant Mosaic Public Partners are seeking community feedback on what qualities and priorities the next Police Chief should have. Your confidential input, along with that of other community members and police, will be considered as part of the overall selection process. The deadline to submit the survey is Friday, May 16. In accordance with the City's hiring rules, the City Manager is responsible for making the final determination of who will serve as the next Police Chief.
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Northwest Division officers and staff pose for a photo after officials broke ground on the new building they look forward to working in.
Construction will begin soon on a new Northwest Police Division patrol headquarters, after an April 8 ground-breaking ceremony at 3900 Angle Ave. Once completed, the nearly 32,000 square-foot facility will consolidate police employees from two locations and feature a community room for Neighborhood Crime Watch and Citizens on Patrol meetings. Construction is expected to be completed in Spring 2026.
Northwest's new building will also feature a public artwork specifically created for the site. The final design by artist Adam Buente of Project One Studio was approved April 21 by the Fort Worth Public Art Commission.
The sculpture’s shape is reminiscent of the longhorn image on officers’ uniform patch. Colors represent our diverse community and history in Northwest Fort Worth. The next step is City Council authorization.
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Officers Emmanuel Perez, John Martin and Dustin Lamb (second, third and fourth from left) recently received Special Recognition from Fort Worth City Council for their lifesaving actions. Also recognized were Fort Worth and Sansom Park Fire Departments and MedStar. All responded to a deadly accident last year.
Oct. 27, 2024: Officer Dustin Lamb had just gotten off duty on a Sunday morning and was driving home on Loop 820 near Marine Creek Parkway when he happened on a vehicle fire—the result of a wrong-way, head-on collision. Officer Lamb blocked traffic, called for firefighters and medics, then tried to extinguish the fire to save two people trapped inside a burning truck. When he couldn’t reach the driver, Officer Lamb used his patrol car to push the still-burning truck away from the wreckage for access. Then, joined by Officers John Martin and Emmanuel Perez, the three risked their own lives, breaking through windows and pulling the driver to safety.
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"We are incredibly proud of these officers. I deeply appreciate and recognize their bravery, sense of duty and service to the residents of Fort Worth.” Councilmember Carlos Flores
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Lifesaving Award
Officer Lamb also received a belated award last month for saving the life of a woman who was suicidal in 2023. She was in her car, on the phone with her family telling them goodbye as she held a loaded gun in her lap. Officer Lamb sneaked up on the car, opened the door and grabbed the pistol away. Chief Noakes said he wanted to make sure and present the award before he retired. Pictured above: Lamb, Noakes and Lamb’s wife Shavonne.
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Exchange zones at Fort Worth Police facilities can be a safer alternative for face-to-face purchases that start online. If you need to meet someone to buy or sell, we encourage you to schedule the transaction inside the lobby of one of these police stations, during regular business hours Monday-Friday:
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No gun sales or exchanges are permitted, and officers cannot act as official witnesses to private business transactions. Police exchange zones are also a safe option for child custody exchanges if parents don’t get along well.
We see it every year when the weather warms—an increase in car and truck burglaries. Most of these crimes are totally preventable. Please, remove all valuables from your vehicle, lock your doors and take the keys—every time. Here’s just a sample of vehicle burglaries reported recently in Northwest Division:
- Purse taken from unlocked vehicle.
- Cash and a firearm taken from unlocked vehicle.
- Bank bag containing $10,000 cash stolen from unlocked vehicle.
- Gun and temporary checks stolen from vehicle. No signs of forced entry.
- Watch and sunglasses taken from unlocked vehicle.
- An iPad stolen from vehicle. No signs of forced entry.
- Suspect entered unlocked vehicle and stole a firearm.
We’ve also seen an uptick in thefts of lawn equipment. Lawn crews: please secure your equipment when not in use. Homeowners: please don’t leave tools out—even when you go inside to take a break!
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Be Weather Aware!
Don’t let spring storms catch you by surprise. Download the free Code Red app to get Fort Worth specific emergency alerts. Sign up and manage your account to receive phone, text or email alerts from the City of Fort Worth’s Outdoor Warning System for imminent storm warnings, evacuations and shelter in place orders. If your home is damaged, be wary of door-to-door contractors. Check out companies first with the Better Business Bureau, and never pay until the work is completed.
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Honor Their Memory
The community is invited to the 18th annual Police Memorial Ceremony honoring fallen officers. The event is at 7 p.m. May 7 at the Fort Worth Police and Firefighters Memorial, 2201 W. 7th St. The ceremony recognizes officers who gave their lives serving the community and shows families of the fallen that their loved ones are never forgotten.
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Business Crime Watch groups help managers and owners track crime trends that can affect their geographic area, their type of business and their employees. If your company would like to start a business crime watch, contact your Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO) or Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent.
Mark IV Business Association
NPO Zenteno spoke recently to the Mark IV Business Association about using the MyFW app to report homeless camps as well as street and traffic issues that affect association members.
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What is a PID?
The North Main Business Crime Watch group meets at 10 a.m. the first Tuesday of the month at Artes de la Rosa, 1440 N. Main St. At its upcoming May 6 meeting, the group will hear a City of Fort Worth Economic Development representative explain Public Improvement Districts, or PIDs. Area businesses on both sides of North Main Street, from downtown to the Stockyards are welcome.
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Homeless Toolkit
The Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with police, the city and other local chambers is offering a Homelessness Toolkit for Businesses. Download in English or Spanish to get practical strategies and referral resources.
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Lao New Year Celebration
Northwest Division officers worked to keep visitors safe at the three-day Wat Lao Thepnimith new year celebration at the Wat Saginaw Buddhist Temple, 7105 Marvin Brown St. The annual April event attracts thousands of people for the colorful parades, Laotian food, traditional music and dancing. A highlight of the celebration is the water blessing ceremony, where participants pour water over Buddha statues and each other as a symbol of purification and renewal for the year ahead.
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Healthy Kids Day
At the Northwest YMCA, NPO Herrera handed out junior police badge stickers while Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent gave out prizes for answering safety questions. Check out the Y’s classes and activities for the summer, including a new children’s yoga class.
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After-School Fun
After a quick lesson on “What is a Stranger?” children at the Residences of Diamond Hill met and played catch with NPOs Zenteno and Moncada. Northwest Division supports many apartment complexes that offer on-site after-school programs, keeping kids busy and out of trouble until parents get home from work.
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Career Day
Students at Manuel Jara Elementary learned that police gear is really heavy! NPOs Flores and Briseño let children try out the shield and vest they use for protection.
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Cookin' at the Stockyards
The Syndicate Smokedown had great food, music and raised funds scholarships that support Texas youth, especially those pursuing careers in agriculture and life sciences at Texas universities. In addition to working extra patrols, Northwest Division officers fielded a team for the cookoff. Our brisket and ribs were tasty, even if they didn’t win a top prize!
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50 Years of Latin Express
Northwest Division salutes legendary band Latin Express, founded in 1975 by Northsider Carlos Saenz. He and brother Leo have been playing Tejano, jazz and rock for 50 years. They also mentor young musicians. Councilmember Carlos Flores honored Latin Express with a City Council proclamation April 15. Don’t miss Latin Express on July 5 for a 4th of July weekend block party at Marine Park, part of the Sonidos del Summer concerts.
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Thank you to everyone who attended our spring safety fair at North Tri-Ethnic Community Center! Nearly 800 people registered for children’s Easter egg hunts, visited exhibit tables and played games for prizes. We thank Papa John’s Pizza and Suvida Healthcare for providing pizzas and water, Catering to Love for making 393 snow cones and Artes de la Rosa for providing fun DJ music. Special thanks to the Easter Bunny and staff at North Tri-Ethnic CC and our many police department and community volunteers.
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Prepared for the Streets
The FWPD Bike Patrol ranks grew last month, after nine officers completed the International Police Mountain Bike Association Police Cyclist Course. Officers learned how to use a bicycle in a police setting, including how to fall, dynamic dismounts, night operations and other tactics, plus bike maintenance and on-the-road repairs. Bike patrols are especially effective for policing at large public events where cars can’t go. Northwest Officer Rachel Warren (back row center) taught the class with four previously certified officers assisting.
Dispatchers Recognized
Northwest officers delivered Chick-fil-A meals and snacks to the folks who handle emergency calls for the city’s Police and Fire Departments, during National Public Safety Telecommunications Week. We thank Barbara Campos and Chick-fil-A Saginaw, 4500 W. Bailey Boswell, for providing 50 boxed lunches for two shifts of 911 dispatchers. Officers also delivered snack baskets to call-takers on the overnight shift. We’re grateful for all who perform these life-saving jobs!
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The annual Citizens on Patrol Ice Cream Social is an opportunity for volunteers and officers to get together casually with no agenda. This year’s social included corn hole and axe throwing games, in addition to cold treats from the ice cream truck. For more information about volunteering with Citizens on Patrol, email COP coordinator Sandra Jones-Hunley.
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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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