From July 9 to August 1, the Northwest Division of the Fort Worth Police Department conducted a focused crime detail in an area near NE Loop 820 and N. Beach Street, targeting aggressive panhandling and open-air drug dealing. This region, which includes numerous apartments, hotels, and businesses, had experienced increased violent crime rates.
The detail was part of the department's Violent Crime Initiative, which involves weekly reviews of crime statistics to identify emerging trends. Northwest Neighborhood Police Officer Stevan Velasquez, temporarily assigned to this area, observed a rise in aggravated assault, prostitution, and drug activity. To address this, Velasquez requested a Strategic Operations Fund detail, which enabled 10 officers to intensify patrols.
The operation emphasized high visibility, with officers using marked patrol units and making multiple arrests. “We recruited midnight shift officers because that’s when most of the illegal activity was happening, but also because they take initiative and work really hard,” Velasquez stated.
The initiative, supported by Vice, Narcotics, and the Directed Response Unit, led to a noticeable decline in criminal activity in the neighborhood and nearby businesses. Additionally, Raising Cane’s provided free late-night meal cards to officers working this special detail.
