FWPD West Division Newsletter

August 2026

Positive Connections Made at Camp B.L.U.E. with West Division NPOs and Mounted Patrol

Before the school year begins, up to 40 children served by Alliance For Children, Tarrant County's Children's Advocacy Center, enjoy a week of adventure, learning, and encouragement at Camp B.L.U.E. This unique summer day camp is designed to provide children with memorable experiences they might not otherwise have the opportunity to enjoy while fostering confidence, resilience, and positive self-esteem.

Throughout the week, campers participate in exciting field trips, hands-on activities, and engaging presentations from a variety of community partners. Among the special guests were members of the Fort Worth Police Department's Mounted Patrol and West Division Neighborhood Patrol Officers, who spent time sharing their experiences in law enforcement, answering questions, and interacting with the children in a fun and welcoming environment.

These positive connections help build trust between young people and law enforcement while giving children an opportunity to see officers as caring members of the community. Experiences like these inspire confidence, strengthen relationships, and contribute to safer, stronger neighborhoods for everyone.

Overton Park Hosts Annual Fourth of July Parade Celebrating America's 250th Birthday

In celebration of America's 250th Birthday, the Overton Park neighborhood gathered for its annual Fourth of July Parade, continuing a cherished community tradition. Despite the summer heat, residents lined the parade route to enjoy the festivities, which featured District 3 Councilmember Crain, classic cars, members of the Fort Worth Fire Department, live musical entertainment, and a larger-than-life Uncle Sam who delighted spectators while greeting visitors along the route. The event once again brought neighbors together in a patriotic celebration of community and country.

Ridglea North Residents Celebrate America's 250th Birthday at Bernie Park

West Division Neighborhood Patrol Officer Kuzenka (L12) joined residents of Ridglea North as they gathered at Bernie Park to celebrate America's 250th Birthday. The community enjoyed a day of fellowship and patriotism, with neighbors coming together to relax, visit with one another, and participate in a variety of family-friendly activities planned throughout the celebration. The event provided a wonderful opportunity to strengthen community connections while commemorating this historic milestone in our nation's history.

On August 1, 2026, prospective homeowners participated in Habitat for Humanity's quarterly Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) training. Attendees learned how thoughtful landscaping, well-defined property boundaries, and proper home security measures can help deter criminal activity. The class focused on practical strategies for protecting both the exterior and interior of a home, including the effective use of door and window locks, alarm systems, exterior lighting, and security cameras. Participants left with valuable knowledge and tools they can use to create a safer and more secure living environment for themselves and their families.

Education:

Ridgmar Place Lunch & Learn

The Unseen Threat: Protecting Yourself from AI Voice Cloning Scams was the focus of this month's Lunch & Learn program for the residents of Ridgmar Place. During the presentation, residents learned how scammers use artificial intelligence to clone voices, the most common tactics used to commit these crimes, the growing scope of the threat, and practical steps they can take to protect themselves from becoming victims.

The presentation also included an overview of data broker cleaning services. Residents learned how personal information is collected and sold by data brokers, how these services help reduce an individual's online footprint, and the various service options available for those interested in purchasing additional privacy protection. 

Evergreen at Hulen Bend

Protecting Seniors from Medicare Fraud was the focus of this month's presentation for the residents of Evergreen at Hulen Bend. Residents received an overview of Medicare fraud and learned about common tactics criminals use to obtain personal Medicare information. The presentation highlighted warning signs of potential scams, including fraudulent phone calls, emails, and offers of free medical equipment or services. Residents also learned practical steps they can take to safeguard their personal information, recognize suspicious activity, and reduce their risk of becoming a victim of Medicare fraud.

Crime Prevention Tip of the Month

🎒 Back-to-School Safety Tips 🚸

School will soon be back in session, and that means more children walking, biking, and riding the bus each day. Parents, students, drivers, and neighbors all play a role in keeping our streets safe. A few simple safety steps can make a big difference this school year. ✅

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Parents

• Plan and practice the safest route to and from school with your child.

• Teach children to cross only at crosswalks or intersections and to obey crossing guards. 🚸

• Remind children never to talk to or accept rides from strangers without your permission.

• Make sure younger children know their full name, home address, and a parent’s phone number.

• Encourage children to tell a trusted adult right away if something feels unsafe. 🛑

🚶 Walking to School

• Use sidewalks whenever possible.

• Cross streets only at marked crosswalks or intersections.

• Look left, right, and left again before crossing. 👀

• Avoid distractions like cell phones and headphones near traffic. 📱🚫

• Wear bright or reflective clothing during early morning hours. ✨

🚲 Bicycle Safety

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet. 🪖

• Ride in the same direction as traffic and obey all traffic signs and signals.

• Use hand signals when turning or stopping. ✋

• Equip bicycles with lights and reflectors when riding in low-light conditions. 💡

🚌 School Bus Safety

• Arrive at the bus stop a few minutes early.

• Stand at least 10 feet away from the curb while waiting.

• Wait until the bus comes to a complete stop before approaching.

• Never walk behind a school bus.

• Cross in front of the bus only when directed by the driver and after making eye contact. 👀🚌

🚗 For Drivers

• Slow down and stay alert in school zones. ⚠️

• Obey posted speed limits and crossing guards.

• Stop for school buses with flashing red lights and an extended stop arm. 🛑

• Put away cell phones and avoid distractions while driving. 📵

• Watch carefully for children who may enter the roadway unexpectedly.

🛡️ Stranger Awareness 

• Stay with friends whenever possible.

• Never go anywhere with someone they do not know without a parent’s permission.

• Trust their instincts and leave any situation that feels unsafe.

• Seek help from a teacher, police officer, crossing guard, or another trusted adult if they feel threatened or lost. 👮‍♂️

💻 Online Safety

Back-to-school also means more time on computers, tablets, and smartphones.

• Talk with children about appropriate online behavior.

• Remind them not to share personal information online.

• Monitor social media use and privacy settings.

• Encourage children to report cyberbullying or suspicious online contact immediately. 📱🚨

Working together, we can help make this school year safe and successful for every student. The Fort Worth Police Department wishes all students, teachers, school staff, and families a safe and productive school year. 🎉 

August is Gun Safety Awareness Month

Secure Your Firearms. Protect Your Family. Protect Your Community.

August is Gun Safety Awareness Month, and the Fort Worth Police Department West Division Crime Prevention Unit encourages all firearm owners to take a few simple steps to help keep firearms out of the hands of criminals and protect those they love.

One of the most effective ways to reduce firearm theft and prevent accidental shootings is by practicing safe firearm storage. Every year, firearms are stolen from unlocked vehicles, unsecured homes, and other locations where they are easily accessible. Many of these firearms are later recovered during the commission of violent crimes, burglaries, robberies, and other criminal offenses.

Safe Storage Saves Lives

Responsible firearm ownership means ensuring that firearms are inaccessible to children, unauthorized individuals, and criminals. Proper storage also reduces the risk of accidental shootings and helps prevent firearms from being used in acts of violence.

The Fort Worth Police Department recommends the following safety practices:

• Always treat every firearm as if it is loaded.

• Store firearms unloaded in a locked gun safe, lockbox, or secure cabinet.

• Use a cable lock or trigger lock for an additional layer of protection.

• Store ammunition separately in a locked location.

• Never leave firearms unattended or unsecured.Teach children that if they find a firearm, they should Stop, Don't Touch, Leave the Area, and Tell an Adult Immediately.

• Report any lost or stolen firearm to the Fort Worth Police Department as soon as possible.

Help Prevent Vehicle Burglaries

West Division officers continue to remind residents that firearms are one of the most frequently stolen items during vehicle burglaries. Criminals often check parked vehicles for unlocked doors or valuables left in plain sight.

To reduce your risk:

• Whenever possible, leave your firearm secured at home instead of in your vehicle.

• If you must leave a firearm in your vehicle, place it inside a locked vehicle gun safe that is securely attached to the vehicle and out of sight before you reach your destination.

• Always lock your vehicle, close all windows, remove valuables from view, and never leave your keys or key fob inside.

A few extra seconds spent securing your firearm can help prevent it from being stolen and used to commit another crime.

Working Together for a Safer Fort Worth

Crime prevention begins with each of us. By practicing responsible firearm ownership and secure storage, residents can help reduce theft, prevent accidental injuries, and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

If your neighborhood, homeowners association, apartment community, church, or civic organization would like a free crime prevention presentation on firearm safety, vehicle burglary prevention, or other public safety topics, contact the Fort Worth Police Department West Division Crime Prevention Unit. Together, we can build safer, stronger communities through education, awareness, and partnership.

Scam Alerts

What is the Kali365 Phishing Scam?

The Kali365 phishing scam is a sophisticated Phishing-as-a-Service (PhaaS) platform that targets Microsoft 365 users. It is unusual because it does not steal your password. Instead, it tricks you into granting the attacker access to your Microsoft account through Microsoft's own legitimate authentication process. The FBI issued a public warning about Kali365 in May 2026 after it began appearing in attacks worldwide.

How the scam works

1. You receive a convincing email or message

   • It may appear to come from Microsoft, SharePoint, OneDrive, Teams, or even a coworker.

   • It often claims someone has shared a document or needs you to review a file urgently.

2. The message provides a device code

   • Instead of asking you to click on a fake login page, it tells you to visit a legitimate Microsoft website (such as the Microsoft device login page) and enter a short code.

3. You log in to the real Microsoft site

   • Because the website is genuinely Microsoft's, many people assume the request is legitimate.

   • You complete your normal sign-in, including multi-factor authentication (MFA).

4. You unknowingly authorize the attacker's device

   • By entering the code, you are actually granting the attacker's device permission to access your Microsoft account.

   • The attacker receives OAuth access and refresh tokens that allow continued access without knowing your password.

Why it's so dangerous

Unlike traditional phishing scams:

• The login page is real, not fake.

• Your password is never stolen.

• Even multi-factor authentication (MFA) is effectively bypassed because you unknowingly approve the login.

• Attackers can continue accessing:

  • Outlook email

  • Teams

  • OneDrive

  • SharePoint

  • Other Microsoft 365 services until the stolen tokens are revoked or expire.

What criminals can do

Once they have access, they may:

• Read confidential emails.

• Search for banking or financial information.

• Send phishing emails from your account.

• Download files from OneDrive or SharePoint.

• Attempt business email compromise (BEC) fraud.

• Maintain persistent access for weeks or months if the tokens remain valid.

Warning signs

Be suspicious if you receive an unexpected message that:

• Tells you to enter a device code.

• Claims you must verify your identity to view a document.

• Creates urgency ("Your account will expire today.")

• Appears to come from someone you know but seems unusual.

• Asks you to authorize a login you didn't initiate.

How to protect yourself

• Never enter a Microsoft device code unless you initiated the login yourself.

• Verify unexpected document-sharing requests with the sender by phone or another trusted method.

• Review your Microsoft account for unfamiliar devices or sign-ins.

• Sign out of all sessions if you suspect compromise.

• Change your password if you believe you've authorized an attacker.

• Organizations should consider restricting or monitoring Microsoft device code authentication where practical.

If you think you've been affected

Act quickly:

1. Change your Microsoft account password.

2. Sign out of all active Microsoft sessions.

3. Revoke unauthorized devices and app permissions.

4. Review recent email rules and forwarding settings.

5. Notify your organization's IT department (if applicable).

6. Report the incident to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). 

Cook Children’s and West Division NPO Partner with Congregation Ahavath Shalom to Teach Essential CPR and Emergency Skills

On July 16, 2026, NPO Janzen (K17) partnered with Cook Children’s Medical Center to bring hands‑on emergency preparedness training to local residents. Community members of all ages gathered to learn practical lifesaving skills, including hands‑only CPR, proven Stop the Bleed techniques, and confident AED use. Instructors provided step‑by‑step demonstrations and personal guidance, creating a welcoming environment where participants felt at ease asking questions and practicing new skills. The event not only equipped neighbors with vital tools to respond in an emergency but also strengthened the sense of connection and shared responsibility within the community.

What are NPO's?

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: 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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. 

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