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 FWPD West Division Newsletter
January 2026
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Stronger Together — West Division Highlights from 2025!
What an incredible year 2025 was for the West Division Crime Prevention Unit! We loved every opportunity to connect with our community — from visiting local schools to talk with students, to helping our senior neighbors stay savvy against scams, and hosting fun, family-friendly health and safety fairs. One of the year’s biggest highlights came in October, when 31 neighborhoods across West Division came together for National Night Out!
December was also full of heartwarming moments. We had the joy of hosting several Helpers and Heroes events, where students got to shop for Christmas gifts for themselves and their families. We also partnered with Cook Children’s Medical Center helping to dress and distribute 700 teddy bears for patients spending the holidays in the hospital. In addition, West Division joined the Fort Worth Civic Orchestra’s Annual Teddy Bear Christmas, where stuffed animals are collected to allow officers to provide a little comfort to children in difficult or trumatic situations. Thanks to the incredible generosity of concertgoers, donations have grown so abundant that the Police Department now partners with Alliance for Children to ensure every extra stuffed animal finds its way to a child who could use a little extra comfort.
Each of these events reminded us of the strong partnerships, compassion, and community spirit that make West Division such a special place to live and serve. We’re so thankful to everyone who joined us in 2025 — and we can’t wait to see what 2026 has in store. Let’s keep the energy going and make this year even better, together!
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Health and Safety Fairs
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Educating our Seniors
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Working with our Students
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National Night Out festivities
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Cook Children's Medical Center
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Fort Worth Civic Orchestra's Teddy Bear Christmas
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Handling gift returns after the holidays
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has provided the following tips for returning gifts and making exchanges after the holidays.
The following tips should help to make your holiday returns run more smoothly
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Research retailers beforehand. Look up the business on BBB.org to check its rating, reviews, and complaints before purchasing, especially if you are unfamiliar with the retailer. This can help avoid issues with returns later.
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Get to know store policies. Before you make a purchase, find out if the store has a return policy and, if so, how it works. Understand that many retailers change their policies for the holiday season. If the store allows returns or exchanges, find out if you need to pay a restocking fee. Ask the seller if they offer cash refunds, exchanges, or only store credit. Store policies are usually posted at the check-out counter or printed on the back of receipts.
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Understand online store return policies. If you are shopping online, search for the seller's return policy and read it through before clicking "buy." Find out if they accept returns or exchanges and who pays for the shipping when an item is returned. In some cases, you can save on shipping fees by returning an online purchase to the local brick-and-mortar store. See more of our tips for hassle-free returns for online purchases.
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Get the details on a product's warranty. Most electronics and home appliances come with warranties that are to be fulfilled by the manufacturer, not the retailer. Find out how the store handles returns and repairs if an item stops working or needs replacement parts. Will the retailer ship the item to the manufacturer for you? Or will you need to deal with the manufacturer directly? Knowing the answers will leave you well-prepared for any future issues.
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Use credit cards for extra protection. Paying with a credit card may offer additional protections for returns or disputes, especially if there is an issue with the product or the retailer.
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Keep your receipt and packaging. Most stores will only accept returns and exchanges if you can present the item with its receipt and original packaging. Always include a gift receipt with items you give, and hold on to any gift receipts you receive.
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Know the rules for returning gifts without a receipt. Returning gifts without a receipt can be tricky. Without a receipt, most retailers offer store credit or an exchange rather than a full refund to your original method of payment, especially if the item is marked down or on clearance.
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Bring your ID. Many stores ask to see your ID when you return an item to avoid holiday return scams. Sometimes retailers require you to bring your ID and the original form of payment. If this is the policy of the store where your gift is from, you may need the assistance of the gift-giver in order to be reimbursed.
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Make returns in a timely fashion. Almost all return policies are valid during a specific time period. Some stores modify their return period during the holidays, so don't risk missing your chance to make your return. Take the item back to the store without delay.
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Watch out for return scams. Be on the lookout for fraudulent return policies or suspicious third-party return services that promise to handle the process for you. Always follow official channels and platforms when returning items.
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Scam Alerts
Looking to fix your credit? An illegal credit repair scam isn’t the answer
Need better credit to do things like get a loan, buy a car, or rent an apartment? There are things you can do, but don’t believe a credit repair company that promises to remove accurate and up-to-date information.
Also avoid companies that tell you to knowingly file a false identity theft report — that’s a crime, and it could result in a fine, imprisonment, or both — and companies that promise to create a “new” credit identity or hide your bad credit history or bankruptcy.
Anything a credit repair company can do, you'll be able to do for yourself for little or no cost. The best way to improve your credit is to show over time that you pay your debts when they’re due. It’s also a good idea to regularly check your credit report and dispute any errors you find. Learn more about getting your free credit report.
Here’s how to know if you’re dealing with a scammy credit repair company:
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Scammers insist you pay them before they help you.
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Scammers tell you not to contact the credit bureaus directly.
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Scammers tell you to dispute information in your credit report you know is accurate.
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Scammers tell you to lie on your applications for credit or a loan.
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Scammers tell you to file a false identity theft report.
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Scammers don’t explain your legal rights when they tell you what they can do for you.
QR Code "Brushing Scam"
Unsolicited Packages Containing QR Codes Used to Initiate Fraud Schemes
The FBI warns the public about a scam variation in which criminals send unsolicited packages containing a QR code1 that prompts the recipient to provide personal and financial information or unwittingly download malicious software that steals data from their phone. To encourage the victim to scan the QR code, the criminals often ship the packages without sender information to entice the victim to scan the QR code. While this scam is not as widespread as other fraud schemes, the public should be aware of this criminal activity.
This is a variation of a "brushing scam," which is used by online vendors to increase ratings of their products. In a traditional brushing scam, online vendors send merchandise to an unsolicited recipient and then use the recipient's information to post a positive review of the product. In this variation, scam actors have incorporated the use of QR codes on packages to facilitate financial fraud activities.
Tips to Protect Yourself
Criminals continue to evolve their tactics to target unsuspecting victims. Precautions should be taken prior to scanning any QR codes received through unsolicited communications or packages.
Beware of unsolicited packages containing merchandise you did not order.
Beware of packages that do not include sender information.
Take precautions before authorizing phone permissions and access to websites and applications.
Do not scan QR codes from unknown origins.
If you believe you are the target of a brushing scam, secure your online presence by changing account profiles and request a free credit report from one or all the national credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to identify possible fraudulent activity.
Report It
The FBI requests the public report these fraudulent or suspicious activities to the FBI IC3 at www.ic3.gov. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
The name of the person or company that contacted you.
Methods of communication used, including websites, emails, and telephone numbers.
Any applications you may have downloaded or provided permissions to on your electronic device.
Individuals aged 60 or over who need assistance with filing an IC3 complaint can contact the DOJ Elder Justice Hotline, 1-833-FRAUD-11 (or 833-372-8311).
Temporary metal license plate thefts increase across the area
Since temporary paper plates are a thing of the past, criminals have started stealing temporary front license plates to mask stolen vehicles or other illegal activity. Front plates appear to be the most commonly targeted.
When you return to your vehicle, take a moment to check that both license plates are still attached. If either plate is missing, call 911 immediately and file a police report.
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By having the Neighborhood Patrol Officers dedicated to specific geographic areas, the officers are not only able to become more familiar with the area than regular patrol officers, but they are also able to serve as a resource for and get to know area residents and business owners, learn about neighborhood concerns, and build working relationships with area Citizen on Patrol volunteers to work hand-in-hand in reducing neighborhood crime and promoting crime prevention tools.
Primary Duties:
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Work with crime analysts to identify crime trends within assigned neighborhoods, maintain open lines of communication with detectives, and assist the Information Management Section and supervisors in planning appropriate actions to address issues.
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Foster positive community leadership as a means to empower citizens within their neighborhoods by encouraging involvement in Citizens on Patrol, Citizen Police Academy, and Crime Watch to work collaboratively to reduce crime and promote crime prevention tools.
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Maintain open lines of communication between residents, business owners and the police department by attending community meetings and events, including neighborhood association and other community meetings.
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Recruit Citizen on Patrol volunteers, schedule them for training, and provide on-going training and correspondence to encourage and retain active memberships.
Enter your address on http://oneaddress.fortworthtexas.gov/ You will find your BEAT and NPO assigned as well as your nearest City Facilities, Services, and Crime Data.
211 Texas
Connecting People and Services
No matter where you live in Texas, you can dial 2-1-1, or (877) 541-7905, and find information about resources in your local community. Whether you need help finding food or housing, child care, crisis counseling or substance abuse treatment, one number is all you need to know.
Personnel Changes
The following staffing updates are now in effect for King District. Lt. Genualdo has stepped into the role of King District Patrol Lieutenant, while Jordan Wilkerson is now the NPO for beat K16 and Byron Wylie is the NPO for beat K15. Brief bios for each of these team members are included below so you can get to know them better.
Lt. Genualdo
I joined the US Army in October of 1991. I spent 7 years active duty as a military policeman, with duty stations in Camp Humphreys, Korea and Fort Hood, TX. My assignments included patrol, field operations, Special Reaction Team member and Military Police Investigator. My final assignment was as Assistant Supervisor for the Military Police Investigations Office at Fort Hood at the rank of E-5 / Sergeant. I was honorably discharged in September of 1998.
I hired on with Fort Worth PD in September of 1998. I graduated as Honor Graduate, Top Gun and Class President of Recruit Class # 98 in March of 1999.
I have been with the Fort Worth Police Department for 27 years. My assignments have included patrol officer in what is now Northwest Division, patrol officer with North Zero Tolerance (now Team 2 DRU), and the FWPD Police Academy as an instructor.
I promoted to corporal in 2007 and worked at the academy as the Training Corporal and then later as a detective in South CIU.
I promoted to sergeant in 2011, and have worked in West Division patrol, South Zero Tolerance (now Team 5 DRU), SWAT, and the School Resource Unit at that rank.
I promoted to lieutenant in 2021 and was immediately assigned to the West 7th Street Rapid Response Team, where I have worked for almost 4 years.
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NPO Wilkerson
I’ve proudly served as a Fort Worth Police Officer for almost six years, spending time on patrol and as part of both the Crisis Intervention and Crisis Negotiation Teams. I truly enjoy connecting with our community, meeting new faces, and learning something new every day. When I’m off duty, you’ll usually find me on the golf course or cheering on my favorite baseball and football teams.
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NPO Wylie
I was born and raised right here in South Fort Worth. After serving four years in the Marines from 2005 to 2009, I joined the Fort Worth Police Department in 2010 and began my career in the West Division Patrol. In 2015, I transitioned to the West Property Crimes Unit, where I spent the next nine years before returning to West Patrol in 2024.
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NPO Roster
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Community News
LVT Rise Community Center
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Thomas Place Community Center
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The FWPD West Division Newsletter has gone digital.
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