North Texas

Fort Worth officials propose budget changes to improve law enforcement capabilities

Fort Worth, Texas – As Fort Worth continues to experience rapid growth, city officials are taking proactive steps to ensure public safety keeps pace with rising demands. The Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the Crime Control & Prevention District (CCPD), which was approved last fall, includes significant investments in various safety initiatives. These investments will enhance police presence, improve public safety infrastructure, and provide critical resources for schools and high-traffic areas.

Expanding Safety Measures Across the City

The CCPD budget supplements the Fort Worth Police Department’s funding, providing additional resources to fight and prevent crime. Established in 1995, the CCPD receives a half-cent portion of the city’s sales tax, which was renewed by voters in 2020 for another ten years. Currently, police funding accounts for nearly 32% of the city’s General Fund.

The new budget focuses on several key areas, including increased spending on police vehicles, expanded bike patrols in the Magnolia Street and Fort Worth Stockyards entertainment districts, and the hiring of additional school resource officers and crossing guards. These measures aim to enhance law enforcement presence in high-traffic areas and ensure the safety of students and pedestrians.

Proposed Amendments to Address Additional Needs

City officials have proposed several amendments to the existing CCPD budget to address critical needs for public safety. The proposed changes include:

  • Recruit pay increases to attract and retain qualified officers.
  • Renovations at the Real-time Crime Center to improve technological capabilities in monitoring and responding to crime.
  • Crime Lab Outsourcing/Study to enhance forensic capabilities and reduce case backlogs.

Additionally, CCPD is exploring options for establishing a new Central Patrol Division. Initially, plans were in place to utilize the old City Hall building at 200 Texas St., but due to logistical challenges and the high cost of constructing a parking garage, officials are seeking an alternative site. The proposed new facility would provide space for approximately 250 personnel and include parking for 300 vehicles. Relocating to a new property would also allow the city to end two expensive leases, resulting in an estimated annual savings of more than $800,000.

The next CCPD meeting, scheduled for Tuesday, February 25, will focus on reviewing these proposed amendments and discussing strategies to optimize the remaining budget. Officials will assess how best to allocate funds to provide comprehensive protection for residents as Fort Worth’s population continues to grow.

With public safety being a top priority, the CCPD’s strategic investments aim to ensure that law enforcement has the necessary tools and infrastructure to effectively serve the community and maintain a safe environment for all.

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