Our sincere thanks to residents, officers and businesses who donated to the Police Department’s supply drive for Fort Worth and volunteer firefighters assisting victims of devastating brush fires in counties just west of Fort Worth. We send a special shout-out to Walmart for their generous donations of water and Gatorade and allowing us to use a store parking lot for collections. The supplies will help those battling what’s become one of the largest brush fires ever in North Texas, at 90,000 acres.

We hope you’ll help organize a National Night Out event in your neighborhood on Oct. 6. Every year, on the first Tuesday of October, residents come out to get to know their neighbors and meet the first responders who serve their neighborhoods. National Night Out is an annual community building campaign that also helps prevent crime.

Be sure to register your event with the Fort Worth Police Department, so we know where and when to drop by. Event locations are shared with your Neighborhood Patrol Officer (NPO), police brass, firefighters, code officers and council members. If you have questions or need ideas, please email Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent. 

Fort Worth Police Chief Eddie Garcia says Flock automated license plate reader cameras have assisted in more than 2000 arrests since the city began using them in 2020. “I believe these cameras are an invaluable tool in helping us fight crime, find bad guys quickly and help keep our citizens safe,” Garcia said, adding that the technology helps police do their job effectively and efficiently. “Having said that, it’s just as important that we use these crime prevention tools professionally and ethically, Garcia said. 

“We’re currently reviewing our Flock policy and auditing measures to ensure our use of the system has the proper safeguards and to root out policy violations.” In light of nationwide questions about law enforcement use of Flock cameras, Garcia said, “We’re not here to invade people’s privacy, use for personal reasons or abuse the rights of our citizens who expect and demand that we use these tools professionally” in the way they’re meant to be used.

A recent series of armed robberies should serve as a reminder for anyone buying or selling online: meet in a public place during daylight hours and have someone with you during the exchange.

Last month, Fort Worth officers arrested two men for aggravated robbery in connection with Facebook Marketplace transactions. Through a coordinated effort involving the Real Time Crime Center, Directed Response Unit, Flock technology and robbery detectives, officers identified a silver Honda sedan matching a suspect vehicle description. Later that day, officers detained two men believed involved in three e-commerce robberies and the stolen property was recovered. If you use online marketplaces to buy and sell goods:

- Schedule the transaction at a public place.

- Avoid meeting at night.

- Never conduct business inside a vehicle.

Consider using a designated safe exchange location such as a police station. No gun sales or exchanges are permitted at police stations, and officers cannot participate in private transactions. Trust your instincts and remember no sale is worth putting yourself in danger.

Scammers are posing as law enforcement—police officers, sheriff’s deputies or marshals—demanding payment of “legal fees” to clear warrants or missed jury duty. These calls do not come from the City of Fort Worth Municipal Court and are fraudulent.

Fort Worth Municipal Court never calls the public to take payments over the phone. Do not provide payment or personal information to these callers. If you’re concerned about possible tickets, contact the court directly online or 817-392-6700.

If an emergency arises that prevents you from reporting for jury duty, call 817-392-7633 or email the court as soon as possible. There’s no cost to have a jury service date reset, so don’t fall for scammers’ scare tactics.

Bars and restaurants in the Fort Worth Stockyards and other entertainment districts are encouraged to join the city’s Golden Lasso program. The voluntary safety accreditation certifies businesses that implement enhanced security, safety policies and employee training, including:

- Responsible alcohol services

- Security measures against drink-spiking

- Lifesaving medical skills (CPR, Narcan & Stop the Bleed)

- Active shooter response and crowd management

Participating venues display a Golden Lasso decal to assure patrons that ownership and management are committed to strict safety standards. For questions about the program, email GoldenLasso@fortworthtexas.gov

Boat Club Road Traffic Update

Police urge everyone to continue to drive with caution on and near Boat Club Road, as a major Water Department project lays miles of 54-inch pipe on both sides of the road. The contractor has made substantial progress in phase one of the four-part project. However, traffic is restricted to one lane in each direction. Once the pipeline is installed by the end of this month, road repairs will follow into November.

Safe Crossing

The city will use $500,000 in Historic Marine Neighborhood Improvement Program funds to install a "pedestrian hybrid beacon" at the intersection of NW 14th Street and North Main. The pedestrian safety project will include overhead mast arms with flashing red lights to help stop traffic when people on foot need to cross North Main Street. Learn more here. Construction is expected to begin in December with completion around May 2027. 

Marine Park

Work to improve lighting in Marine Park continues, but a city spokesperson says completion of the $750,000 project has been delayed. Workers have installed new light  posts near parking areas and the park’s stage. Work is now expected to be finished by the end of October.

NB Comfort Solutions

At its most recent monthly meeting, Historic Northside District welcomed a new business to the Main Street corridor. Among other services, NB Comfort Solutions, 1549 N. Main Street, Suite 103, offers 24/7 virtual medical consultations through memberships starting at $25 a month per family, with no sign-up or cancellation fees. Client Services Manager Ramon Hernandez says he and his family are excited to return to Northside Fort Worth.

Stockyard Bollards

Following their use during the FIFA World Cup, the Stockyards bollards will continue to be used strategically during scheduled cattle drives. The bollards will be raised during cattle drive events to help enhance safety and pedestrian movement, then lowered when cattle drives are not taking place to allow regular access throughout the area.

Federal Grants to Fund Northside Rail Safety

Fort Worth will receive $98 million in federal grants to eliminate several railroad crossings on the city’s Northside. The NE 23rd Street-Decatur Avenue Grade Separation Project, would elevate NE 23rd Street and Decatur and Samuels Avenues, eliminating seven current street-level railroad crossings. “Council District 2 has major rail crossings for freight and passenger transport, some of which cause heavy traffic congestion,” said Mayor Pro Tem Carlos Flores. “As a member of the Regional Transportation Council, I fully supported and advocated for this funding.”  Construction could begin late 2028, after environmental review and design.

Kay Granger Memorial

Northwest NPO Josh Vanbrunt was among members of the Pipes & Drums and Honor Guard units serving at the funeral for former Congresswoman Kay Granger. She dedicated her life to serving and was also the first woman elected Mayor of Fort Worth. Family, friends and loved ones paid their respects at an Aug. 22nd service.

October Move-in Expected

Northwest Division anticipates moving into its new headquarters building in October. While construction is on schedule at 3900 Angle Ave., there are still many tasks ahead including IT, landscape, irrigation, furniture and public art installation. And, of course, we all have to pack up our offices! It won’t be long though, so stay tuned…

Invite Us

Neighborhood Patrol Officers (NPOs) attend neighborhood association and HOA meetings regularly, when invited. NPOs provide crime reports and identify crime trends to watch out for. Please reach out to your NPO or Crime Prevention Specialist Dot Kent to let them know about your next meeting.

Pictured: NPO Starratt attended the Diamond Hill Jarvis NAC last month. They meet at 6:30 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month at Diamond Hil Community Center, 1700 NE 37th St. and all residents are welcome.

Senior Share

NPO Briseño helped load sacks of groceries as part of Northside Community Center’s Senior Share program.  Every 2nd Wednesday of the month, starting at 10:30 a.m., older residents are welcomed to take fresh fruits, vegetables and other staple foods home to help stretch their budget.

Job Fair

Sgt. Joe Pittman and NPO Briseño enjoyed greeting job seekers at a big job fair last month sponsored by Workforce Solutions, District 2 Councilmember Carlos Flores and Northside Community Center. More than 400 people registered for the event, which featured some 800 jobs of all types. Next up at the community center—a resource fair specifically for veterans. See details at the end of this newsletter.

City Budget Nears Final Vote

In City surveys, residents ranked police response, fire and EMS services and streets as their top three priorities. After multiple public meetings in the community, City Council is scheduled to hold its final public hearings on the proposed FY2027 budget during the first week of September. If you can’t attend in person, watch online.

Tuesday, Sept. 1 – 2 p.m. at Fort Worth City Hall

Wednesday, Sept. 2 – 6 p.m. at R.D. Evans Community Center

Thursday, Sept. 3 – 6 p.m. at Compass Church

The City Manager has proposed a property tax increase. However, property tax bills still could decrease because property values have declined. City Council will vote on the final budget and tax rate Tuesday, Sept.15 during its 6 p.m. meeting at City Hall.

Are You Registered?

The Texas Secretary of State has suspended about 1.2 million people from voter rolls because local election officials believe they may no longer live at the address they’re registered under. Are you one of them? The only way to know for sure is to check with election officials.

If you live in Tarrant County, here’s the Voter Lookup link. You should see “Voter Status: Active.” If not, contact the Tarrant County Elections Administration as soon as possible at 817-831-8683. Election Day is Nov. 3, but the deadline to register is Oct. 5. It’s wise not to wait until the last minute!