Central Division encompasses a large, diverse area that includes the Downtown Business community, Near Southside (Hospital District), Texas A&M downtown campus, and many historic neighborhoods immediately surrounding these areas. Included in the boundaries are the major shelters for homeless individuals and families. The business, medical, and educational communities located within this division create a significant transient population commuting to and from work each day. After business hours, the Central Business District transforms to a vibrant entertainment venue consisting of many popular restaurants, bars and events.

“The 28th police chief for the Fort Worth Police Department will be Eddie Garcia,” Fort Worth City Manager Jesus ‘Jay’ Chapa announced via a news release in August 2025. Garcia led the Dallas Police Department from February 2021 to October 2024 and has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement. He is set to step into his new role September 22, 2025. Garcia said he intends to work together with city leaders to make sure Fort Worth is not just safe but thriving.

"To the people of Fort Worth, hear me clearly. I will work tirelessly for you. Every resident in this city deserves to feel safe in their home, in their neighborhoods, and on our streets. Together, we will trot a path that strengthens public safety, builds trust, and ensures that our police department will be the finest in the country."-Chief Garcia

The Fort Worth Police Department Boarding Home Unit is reminding property owners and community members to stay alert and informed about boarding homes operating in their neighborhoods. While many licensed boarding homes provide safe and supportive environments for vulnerable residents, unregulated or non-compliant facilities can put both residents and neighborhoods at risk.

Boarding homes typically serve individuals over 65 or adults living with physical or mental disabilities. When three or more such individuals live together in a residence, the property is considered a boarding home under city ordinance. If the home is not properly managed, the result can be neglect, unsafe living conditions, and a significant strain on emergency services. One such property recently cost the City of Fort Worth more than $2.8 million in calls for service, care, and remediation.

Warning Signs of a Problem Boarding Home May Include:

• A high volume of police, fire, or medical calls to the residence.
• Residents who appear neglected, disoriented, or in need of assistance.
• Visible overcrowding or unsafe property conditions.

The City’s compliance process emphasizes education and cooperation:

• First visit: Officers and code officials provide education and explain the ordinance. Property owners are given 30–60 days to come into compliance.
• Second visit: Officials return to review progress and determine whether corrective steps have been taken.
• Third visit: If violations continue, a warrant is typically issued. This process can take six to eight months, giving owners time to correct deficiencies.

When unsafe conditions are identified, the priority is to protect residents and, whenever possible, reunite them with their families. Officers and city staff keep records of residents and work closely with Adult Protective Services, JPS, MHMR, the Attorney General’s Office, fire officials, and partner police departments to ensure individuals are not left without care or housing.

Homeowners and neighbors with concerns about a potential boarding home are encouraged to contact the Fort Worth Police Department at boardinghomes@fortworthtexas.gov or the call center at 817-392-1234. The compliance application and additional resources are available on the City of Fort Worth’s website at https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/code-compliance/enforcement/boarding-home-facilities

Are You Ready for National Night Out?! Fort Worth will celebrate NNO on Tuesday, October 7th, this year.

Fill out this short online form no later than September 30^th at 5 p.m., and then gather your family, neighbors, and friends to plan the best block party of the year: https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/get-involved/National-Night-Out

Our Crime Prevention Specialists will provide goodies for you to hand out to visitors, while supplies last.  If you have registered with National Association Town Watch (NATW), please also register with us. NATW does not provide us with its registration information. 

National Night Out is about getting to know your local first responders and neighbors, which is one of the most effective tools available to combat crime and drugs in our communities. If you have questions or need ideas, please email FWNNO@fortworthtexas.gov, or contact the Crime Prevention Specialist for your Division (Central- nakeshia.holloway@fortworthtexas.gov).

**The National Night Out News Conference was held on August 21, 2025 @ Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex (pictures below).**

Fort Worth Municipal Court offers VanillaDirect Pay, a simple way to skip the courthouse and pay a citation with cash at local retailers.

Residents can make fast, easy and secure payments at CVS, Walgreens, 7-Eleven and more. No credit or debit card is needed, just cash and a barcode.

How VanillaDirect Pay works

1. Receive a barcode: Residents will receive a barcode (digital or printed) through the court’s payment portal.
2. Visit a participating retailer: They can take the barcode to any CVS, Walgreens, Family Dollar or 7-Eleven.
3. Make the payment: At checkout, the cashier scans the barcode, confirms the total and adds a $1.50 convenience fee.
4. Complete the transaction: Residents approve the amount, pay in cash and receive a receipt as proof of payment.

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While it was a great summer giving out air conditioning units, there are still some left to provide to Fort Worth residents who need them.

These units are designed to fit into open windows and help cool homes during the warmer months.

Interested? Apply for the Beat the Heat Program.

If you’re experiencing HVAC maintenance issues, or don’t have a functioning unit, you can apply for assistance during CAP intake events.

Learn more about the Beat the Heat Program.

For more information on staying cool and safe during hot weather, including details on cooling stations and help for the homeless, check out a recent City News story.