Fort Worth Police: Committed to Community Safety & Trust
The Fort Worth Police Department serves the city of Fort Worth, Texas. It focuses on public safety and accountability. The department has a long history, dating back to the early 20th century.
It has grown to meet the community’s changing needs. The department focuses on initiatives that boost public safety.
The Office of the Police Oversight Monitor (OPOM) was set up in February 2020. It oversees the Fort Worth Police Department. Director Bonycle Sokunbi leads the OPOM.
OPOM works to build trust between the police and the community. It addresses concerns and complaints about police misconduct. The Fort Worth Police Department aims to make the city safer for everyone.
History of the Fort Worth Police Department
The Fort Worth Police Department has a rich history, spanning over 140 years. It started small and has grown into a modern, professional force. The department has always aimed to protect and serve Fort Worth’s citizens.
It has evolved significantly, adapting to new times and community needs. This evolution is a key part of its history.
Notable moments include the police collection from 1873 to 1912. It was donated to Tarrant County Junior College in 1969. This collection has around 3,000 to 3,500 items, like wanted posters and newspaper clippings.
The department’s focus on community policing is shaped by its values. It aims to build strong relationships with the community and offer effective services.
Early Days and Formation
In the early days, the department faced many challenges. It had limited resources and no formal training. Yet, it became a professional and effective force, dedicated to serving the community.
Major Milestones
Key milestones include the introduction of forensic science and specialized units like SWAT and K-9. These advancements have helped the department tackle new threats and serve the community better.
Evolution of Modern Policing
Today, the Fort Worth Police Department is a modern, professional force. It focuses on community policing, building strong relationships and providing effective services.
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1873 | Establishment of the Fort Worth Police Department | The department was established as a small, informal law enforcement agency. |
| 1912 | Establishment of the police collection | The police collection was established, including wanted posters, court dockets, and newspaper clippings. |
| 1969 | Donation of the police collection | The police collection was donated to Tarrant County Junior College. |
Service Areas and Patrol Districts
The Fort Worth Police Department aims to serve the community well. It has set up several police service areas and patrol districts. This ensures every neighborhood gets the help it needs.
The department works closely with the community. It helps solve crime and safety issues together. This is part of its community policing approach.
In the Stockyards, police are on the streets more often. They use bikes and feet to be more visible and quick to respond. This area saw more violent crimes than W. 7th Entertainment District from March 1, 2023, to March 31, 2024.
The department is dedicated to community policing. It shows in how it uses its resources. The Stockyard’s Public Improvement District (PID) budget got a boost of nearly $3,000 for better services.
Also, $10,667 was added for more security. This includes more officer patrols. The results are:
- Less noise complaints
- Fewer reckless driving incidents
- Better community engagement and feedback
Fort Worth Police Department is making communities safer and more lively. Its police service areas and patrol districts are key to this effort. They help build trust and cooperation between law enforcement and the community.
Emergency Response Operations
The Fort Worth Police Department is dedicated to top-notch emergency services. They have a 911 dispatch center at the heart of their operations. This center is key for quick action in emergencies. When you call 911, they send the right help fast.
The department aims to respond quickly to every emergency. They set standards to make sure help arrives fast. They also have plans for big emergencies like natural disasters.
Some important parts of their system include:
- CodeRED Mobile Alerts to keep residents informed during emergencies
- The Tornado Shelter Registration Program to keep people safe in bad weather
- Community Connect to give first responders important info during emergencies
Fort Worth Police Department works hard to respond well to emergencies. They team up with other agencies and use new tech. This way, they offer the best emergency services to the community.
| Emergency Service | Description |
|---|---|
| 911 Dispatch Center | Dispatches police, fire, or medical units in emergency situations |
| Response Time Standards | Ensures timely response to emergencies |
| Critical Incident Procedures | Handles complex and high-risk situations |
Community Outreach Programs
The Fort Worth Police Department works hard to build strong bonds with the community. They do this through many community outreach programs. These programs help improve police-community relations and support community policing.
They team up with schools, groups, and organizations to help. This way, they offer education, support, and resources to the community.
They have special programs like fighting youth gun violence and human trafficking. For example, the One Second Collaborative gets funding to fight gun violence in Tarrant County. The Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office also works with other agencies to help victims and catch traffickers.
Department believes in empowering the community to fight crime. They have programs like the Youth Steering Committee. This committee helps young people fight against youth gun violence. Together, the police and the community can build trust and make a safer place for all.
- Partnerships with local organizations to address youth gun violence
- Collaboration with law enforcement agencies to combat human trafficking
- Empowering the community to take action against crime and safety issues
Special Units and Task Forces
The Fort Worth Police Department has many special units and task forces. They offer specialized support to the community. These units handle unique situations with their training and equipment.
The SWAT team deals with high-risk situations like hostage cases and barricaded suspects. The K-9 unit uses trained dogs for narcotics detection and tracking. The mounted patrol unit helps with crowd control and patrol in hard-to-reach areas. The air support division aids in patrol duties and special operations from the sky.
Some of the key responsibilities of these special units include:
- Providing support for high-risk operations
- Conducting narcotics detection and tracking
- Handling crowd control and patrol duties
- Providing aerial support for patrol duties and special operations
The department’s special units work together for a coordinated response to complex incidents. They also team up with other agencies for a unified emergency response. This allows the department to serve the community well and handle unique situations.
Special units, including SWAT, K-9 unit, mounted patrol, and air support, are key to the department’s mission. They help keep the community safe.
Crime Prevention Strategies
The Fort Worth Police Department is dedicated to stopping crime. It uses several strategies to do this. By working with the community, the department tackles crime and safety issues head-on. This approach has led to a 63% drop in violent crime from 1995 to 2019.
Some of the department’s main strategies include:
- Community-Oriented Policing, which encourages community involvement and proactive crime prevention measures
- Intelligence-Led Policing, which involves collecting data focused on prolific offenders
- Crime reduction initiatives, such as the Crime Control and Prevention District, which was established in 1995 and funded by a ½ cent sales tax
These efforts have made Fort Worth a safer place. The department’s focus on crime prevention and community policing has been praised. Fort Worth is ranked as the 10th safest city among metropolitan areas with over 500,000 people, according to the City Crime Rankings 2010-2011.
Training Academy and Recruitment
The Fort Worth Police Department has a top-notch training academy. It offers detailed police training to both new and experienced officers. The recruitment process is designed to find the best candidates, focusing on career growth.
The academy provides various programs, from basic training to advanced certifications. The department wants to increase the number of applicants by 50%. Key aspects of the recruitment include:
- Reduced training curriculum duration from 40 weeks to 34 weeks
- Updated physical fitness assessment requirements, such as completing 11 or more push-ups in 1 minute and a 1.5-mile run in 17 minutes, 51 seconds or less
- Opportunities for career advancement, with over 40 types of officer positions available
Department focuses on excellent police training and career development. With many programs and opportunities, the Fort Worth Police Department aims to attract and keep the best law enforcement talent.
| Category | Number of Positions |
|---|---|
| Police Officer Positions | 18 |
| Deputy Positions | 9 |
| Police Trainee Positions | 6 |
Public Safety Initiatives
The Fort Worth Police Department is dedicated to keeping the community safe. It works with the community to tackle crime and safety issues. The department also offers education and resources to prevent crime.
Through community policing, the department aims to build trust and partnerships. This helps reduce crime and improve public safety.
Some key initiatives include the Citizens on Patrol program. This program lets community members patrol their neighborhoods to deter crime. The Police Athletic League supports youth in Fort Worth through community-police collaboration.
The department also has a Victim Assistance Section. It provides aid to victims of crime. There’s also a 24/7 ICARE Hotline for mental health assistance and crisis services in Tarrant County.
Here are some of the main public safety initiatives:
- Community-Based Programs: The department has awarded over $3.1 million in funding to Community-Based Programs through CCPD grants.
- Crime Prevention: The department works with the community to address crime and safety issues. It provides education and resources to prevent crime.
- Community Policing: The department builds trust and partnerships with the community to reduce crime and improve public safety.
Fort Worth Police Department is committed to public safety through various initiatives and programs. By working with the community, the department can make Fort Worth a safer place to live and work.
| Program | Description | Funding |
|---|---|---|
| Community-Based Programs | Provides funding to community-based programs to reduce crime and improve public safety | $3.1 million |
| Citizens on Patrol | Allows community members to help deter crime by patrolling their neighborhoods | N/A |
| Police Athletic League | Supports youth in Fort Worth through community-police collaboration | N/A |
Technology and Equipment
The Fort Worth Police Department is dedicated to using the latest technology to improve public safety. They have a range of tools, including body cameras, to help officers do their jobs well. Body cameras are a key part of their technology.
The department’s body cameras automatically start recording when a weapon is drawn. This ensures that important moments are captured. The cameras are part of a system that manages digital evidence. This system keeps evidence safe and makes it easy to access when needed.
The department also uses automatic license plate readers to identify vehicles involved in crimes. They are planning to upgrade their technology soon. The new upgrades will cost about $6 million a year.
Some key features of the proposed contract include:
- Upgrades to the department’s camera system, including body cameras and automatic license plate readers
- Increased storage capacity for digital evidence management
- Improved communication systems, including enhanced radio and mobile data capabilities
The department’s use of technology aims to make the community safer. By investing in these tools, officers can work more safely and effectively. This helps the department serve the community better.
| Technology | Current Cost | Proposed Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Body Cameras | $3.6 million | $6 million |
| Digital Evidence Management | $3.66 million | $5.6 million |
| Automatic License Plate Readers | $1 million | $2 million |
Partnerships with Local Organizations
The Fort Worth Police Department is dedicated to creating strong bonds with local groups. They work with schools and other organizations to offer education and support. This helps build trust and positive relationships between the police and the community.
They partner with LVTRise, a nonprofit focused on building trust between residents and police. This partnership helps the department understand community needs better. It shows their commitment to working together for the community’s benefit.
Some key parts of their partnerships include:
- Providing education and resources to the community
- Supporting local organizations and initiatives
- Fostering positive police-community relations through collaboration and open communication
Focusing on community partnerships, the Fort Worth Police Department aims to create a safer, more supportive place. This shows how important working together is for achieving this goal.
Awards and Recognition
The Fort Worth Police Department has earned many police awards and recognition. Their commitment to excellence is clear in their achievements. These honors show their dedication to the community.
Individual officers have been praised for their bravery and dedication. For example, Officer Sergio Dominguez was given the Medal of Valor in 2022. This award was for his heroic actions in a high-risk situation. The department values its officers and works to create a culture of excellence.
The department’s recognition programs include:
- Honor graduates from the police academy, who are acknowledged with cash awards through the Fort Worth Police Foundation
- Top drivers, who are recognized for their exceptional skills and performance
- Top guns, who are honored for their marksmanship and expertise with firearms
These programs show the department’s commitment to its officers. They aim to promote a culture of excellence and professionalism. This way, the Fort Worth Police Department continues to serve the community well, earning police awards and recognition.
| Year | Award | Recipient |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Medal of Valor | Officer Sergio Dominguez |
| 2018 | Honor Graduate | Class #145 |
| 2017 | Top Driver | Class #144 |
Last Thoughts
The Fort Worth Police Department is dedicated to serving and protecting the community. It has a long history and has grown to meet the city’s changing needs. Through community policing and specialized units, it leads in public safety.
The department’s mission and values guide its work every day. It partners with local groups and uses new technology to improve. Every officer and staff member is key to keeping the city safe.
Fort Worth Police Department will keep being a strong part of the community. It aims for transparency, accountability, and community involvement. The department and the community will keep working together towards safety excellence.
Post-Specific FAQs
What is the role of the Fort Worth Police Department in the city’s infrastructure?
The Fort Worth Police Department is key to the city’s safety. It works hard to keep everyone safe and maintain order.
What is the history of the Fort Worth Police Department?
The Fort Worth Police Department has grown a lot over 140 years. It started small and has become a modern, professional force.
What are the service areas and patrol districts of the Fort Worth Police Department?
Fort Worth Police Department serves the community well. It has many service areas and patrol districts to cover every neighborhood.
How does the Fort Worth Police Department handle emergency response?
The Fort Worth Police Department is quick to respond to emergencies. It has a strong system to handle emergencies fast and effectively.
What community outreach programs does the Fort Worth Police Department have?
The Fort Worth Police Department works to build trust with the community. It has many outreach programs to do this.
What special units and task forces does the Fort Worth Police Department have?
The Fort Worth Police Department has special units for support. These include SWAT, K-9, mounted patrol, and air support.
What crime prevention strategies does the Fort Worth Police Department employ?
The Fort Worth Police Department fights crime with many strategies. It uses community policing to prevent crime.
What training and career development opportunities are available at the Fort Worth Police Department?
Fort Worth Police Department offers great training and career growth. It has a top-notch training academy for its officers.
What public safety initiatives does the Fort Worth Police Department have?
The Fort Worth Police Department focuses on public safety. It has many initiatives, like community policing programs, to keep everyone safe.
What technology and equipment does the Fort Worth Police Department use?
The Fort Worth Police Department uses the latest technology and equipment. This includes body cameras, digital evidence management, and communication systems.
What partnerships does the Fort Worth Police Department have with local organizations?
Fort Worth Police Department works closely with local organizations. It has many partnerships to build strong relationships.
What awards and recognition has the Fort Worth Police Department received?
The Fort Worth Police Department is proud of its achievements. It has received many awards and honors for its service to the community.
