DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – Several Dallas leaders are voicing concern about the activity of State Troopers in South Dallas.
Amid an increase in violent crime, the Dallas Police Department called in the Texas Department of Public Safety for assistance earlier this year.
According to DPD, the City of Dallas continues to experience an increase in violent crime in 2019. The escalation of violence spiked during the month of May as murders were up over 100%. The Department created a summer crime reduction strategy to address this increase in violent crime. The strategy utilized crime analysis to identify target areas with the greatest concentration of violent offenses involving guns, gangs and drugs. The analysis identified eight specific target areas in the city. An area in the Southeast Patrol Division had the greatest number of violent crimes and was named as the number one target area for the crime reduction initiative. At the request of the Dallas Police Chief and the direction of the governor, State Troopers have been providing direct support to the Dallas Police Department in their efforts to reduce violent crime and protect communities in and around Dallas.
Now, District 7 Dallas City Councilman Adam Bazaldua, who represents parts of the area, is asking DPD to reconsider the help in his district.
“We need to determine where our added resources will be better served,” said Bazaldua. “We have a situation that is making some of my communities feel not only unprotected, but targeted and profiled.”
Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot said he heard this week from many South Dallas residents who have become uncomfortable in their own neighborhoods.
“These are tax paying citizens,” said Creuzot. They were voicing their concerns and their concerns should be responded to in an appropriate manner.”
Creuzot said that if the same number of traffic stops were made for the same violations in North Dallas by DPS, someone would lose their job.
According to DPD, since Troopers began patrols in the Southeast Division, violent crime has been reduced by 29%. In less than two months, DPS Troopers and Agents have seized more than 70 guns, over 37 pounds of Marijuana, approximately 0.5 pounds of Methamphetamine and over 1.5 pounds of Cocaine. Troopers have made more than 400 arrests and served more than 250 warrants in the concentrated area of operation.
“Although there have been major reductions in violent crime in this area, there is still work to do. Murder and Robbery offenses are still up 33% and 34% respectively in this area compared to 2018,” said DPD in a statement released Thursday. “Further, this area is still experiencing the highest volume of reported violent crime offenses of the targeted enforcement areas.”
The Dallas Police Department emphasized its appreciation for the partnership and efforts of DPS to protect the residents of Dallas by “combating violent crime and criminal activity.”
No plans to end the partnership were mentioned.
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