2021 Annual Report

Annual

Report

2021

Fort Worth Police Department

Contents

Message from the Chief …………………......2

Department Overview ……………………...….3

By the Numbers ………………………………......5

Response to Violent Crime ………....……....7

Crime Control and Prevention District...11

Events and Awards ……………………..........13

Graduations …………………………………….….15

Crime Lab 60th Anniversary …………....….17

Community Initiatives.. ………………….…..19

Youth Initiatives ………..…………………...…21

Facility Updates ………………………….........23

Technology Updates …………………..…..….24

Message from the Chief

I am pleased to present the Fort Worth Police Department 2021 Annual Report. This report highlights our de- partment ’ s efforts to engage and support the community and summarizes our overall commitment to make Fort Worth one of the safest cities in the nation. This year we focused on transparency with the community to continue to build and maintain trust as well as worked on addressing issues that may lead to crime. In 2021, Fort Worth experienced a reduction in the overall crime rate, but some violent crime offenses in- creased including aggravated assaults and murders. The department evaluates and analyzes crime trends on a daily basis to provide the highest level of service. This report includes information about how we are con- tinuing our mission to prevent and solve crime and provides details about various initiatives and updates on police programs that are important to the department and the community. However, this is only part of our story. To see more of what FWPD is doing, visit our website and social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Insta- gram). It is an honor to work with the dedicated and professional staff within the Fort Worth Police Department and serve you each day. On behalf of our officers, professional staff, and volunteers, we look forward to the con- tinued partnerships to provide the best possible service to our residents and community.

Neil Noakes Chief of Police

Department Overview

FWPD Organization The FWPD organization is led by the Chief of Police and consists of the following three bureaus: Patrol, Support, and Finance/Personnel. Each bureau is managed by an Assistant Chief and consists of two or three Commands that include Divisions, Sections, and Units.

FWPD Personnel

5 Deputy

Chiefs

6 Commanders

Chief of Police Neil Noakes

17 Captains

Patrol Bureau

Finance/Personnel Bureau

Support Bureau

50 Lieutenants

207 Sergeants

Assistant Chief Robert Alldredge

Assistant Chief Julie Swearingin

Assistant Chief Joseph Sparrow

252 Corporals & Detectives

As of December 31, 2021, the Fort Worth Police Department employed an authorized strength of 1,743 civil service and 528 civilian staff members. The number of authorized civil service positions are separated by rank on the left. In 2021, there were 1.9 sworn personnel for every 1,000 residents in Fort Worth.

1,203 Officers

4 4

2021By the Numbers

Citywide Crime Rate 2017 - 2021

Homicide

Increase from 2020 4.3%

Aggravated Assault

7.5%

Overall Crime Rate Decreased 20.2% since 2017

2021 Violent Crime Chief Neil Noakes acknowledged over the last year Fort Worth has seen an increase in some violent crimes in our community. Chief Noakes also acknowledged that we must work together and show those who engage in this type of violent criminal activity that it will not be tolerated. As a community, our primary focus should always be on the safety of our city and the well - being of our community and officers. To accomplish this, it is vital that we partner together to make Fort Worth safe for all. To address the violent crime increase, FWPD is continuing to implement intelligence - led policing tools with data driven methods to find those responsible for committing violent crimes. In 2021, the Gun Violence Investigations Team was created to work on solving non - fatal shootings. The #FortWorthSafe initiative was implemented to focus on preventing violent criminals from victimizing residents. Additionally, the Civilian Response Unit was created to respond to non - violent calls such as abandoned cars, loose cattle, burglaries, and credit card fraud in order to free up officers to respond to higher priority calls for service. For more information on these programs and initiatives, see pages 7 - 10.

Increase from 2020

Burglary

0.5% Increase from 2020

19.4% Decrease from 2020 Robbery

View detailed crime reports at https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/crime - information

By the Numbers

Calls For Service

Sworn to Protect

Total Calls

Community Assistance Teams

Homeless Outreach Program Enforcement Team, H.O.P.E FWPD partnered with the Fire Department and My Health My Resources (MHMR) of Tarrant County to create H.O.P.E.

1,279,935

2021 Service Calls Responded to = 5,030.

Crisis Intervention Team The Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) includes specially - trained and Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) certified Mental Health Peace Officers. Officers are accompanied by licensed professional counselors or social workers from Tarrant County MHMR to provide crisis intervention services on scene.

Non - Emergency (non - 911) Calls

2021 Service Calls Responded to = 12,369

421,184 Officers respond to some calls to the non - emergency phone number

Civilian Response Unit The Civil Response Unit answers calls for service and performs other tasks that do not require a Police Officer ’ s presence, authority, or action.

2021 Service Calls Responded to = 3,128

Community Engagement and Training

Calls Officers Responded To

COVID - 19 brought many challenges in how to engage the community as well as receive training. Despite these challenges, FWPD remained engaged in these activities.

253,199

21,297 Hours of Community - Oriented Training for Officers

228

Crime Watch Meetings

(Examples include Interacting with Deaf/Hard of Hearing Drivers, Mental Health, Civilian Response to Casualty Care, and Crisis Intervention)

184,248 Self - Initiated Calls

405

Youth Participated in Police Athletic League (PAL)

Events Attended for Recruitment

View detailed crime reports at https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/crime - information

Response to Violent

Crime

Gun Violence Investigations Team

The Gun Violence Investigations Team responds to shooting calls involving someone who has been injured as well as calls if there are no injuries, but there is a known or identifiable suspect or a suspect in custody. The team was established in February 2021. The officers on this team are dedicated to investigating and clearing shooting calls. Since the establishment of this team, shooting call clearance rates have increased from 20 percent to 60 percent.

5/10/2021 - 9/10/2021 Initiative Totals

Cases Assigned

110

Guns Recovered

Injured Persons

133

Arrest Warrants

Outstanding Warrants

Response to

Violent Crime

Civilian Response Unit

The first ten members of the Fort Worth Police Department ’ s Civilian Response Unit (CRU) graduated March 12, 2021 after six weeks of training. Training included anti - bias training, fingerprint training, training for patrols, de - escalation, and how to write a report. Civilian response specialists do not carry firearms, do not wear a police officer uniform and instead wear shirts with the City's logo. CRU responds to non - violent calls for service such as credit card fraud, abandoned cars or to take reports at burglaries where no suspect is present. The civilian response specialists help reduce the wait time for non - violent calls, which allows police officers to respond to higher priority calls including violent crimes.

Response to Violent Crime

5/10/2021 - 9/10/2021 Initiative Totals Arrests 671

#FortWorthSafe

In 2021, FWPD began #FortWorthSafe, a crime reduction operation focused on violent crimes such as homicide, robbery, shootings, and aggravated assault. #FortWorthSafe includes an enforcement component as well as a community outreach component, which aims to address deficiencies in communities that may increase the likelihood of violent crime occurring.

New Felony Charges

381

New Misdemean- or Charges

303

Some of the enforcement efforts included:

Felony Warrants Cleared

• An intelligence - led approach utilizing all available technology resources

335

• Continually evaluating crime trends and data each day

Misdemeanor Warrants Cleared

• The Gang Unit focused on known gang members and those with prior gun arrests. • Enhanced enforcement on game rooms in the selected crime locations. • Criminal Tracking Unit and Fugitive Unit focused on arresting violent offenders • The Directed Response Units responded to Flock camera activations as well as violent offenses observed on surveillance cameras.

246

Citations Issued

211.28 ounces of Marijuana, 449.12 grams of Cocaine, 1479.04 grams of THC, 60.73 grams of MDMA, 264.10 grams of Meth- amphetamines, 18.90 grams of Heroin, 22 Hydro- codone pills

Narcotics Seized

The Community efforts included:

• Neighborhood Police Officers (NPOs) met with business owners and community members, as well as interacting with young people, to make them aware of our effort and #FortWorthSafe.

Weapons Confiscated

234

• School Resource Officers worked alongside NPOs.

• Solicited community input to address concerns with violent crime and transparency.

Stolen Vehicles Recovered

• To be transparent with our community.

Gang Members Arrested

104

Crime Control and

Prevention District

CCPD FY2021: $86,570,462 Budget by Funding Area

CCPD FY2022: $125,023,634 Budget by Funding Area

The Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) provides revenue from a ½ - cent sales tax dedicated to funding programs aimed at reducing and preventing crime in Fort Worth. The district was established in 1995 following high crime rates that occurred in the late 1980s. On July 15, 2020, Fort Worth residents voted to continue the CCPD for ten years. The FY2021, a new funding strategy was adopted for Community Based programs to apply for funding based in two categories: 1) Development Grants 2) Program Grants. The goal is to assist community based organizations in achieving the mission of CCPD: “ To enhance the Fort Worth Police Department ’ s ability to provide quality service and to work in partnership with the community to reduce crime and create a safe environment for all. ”

Below are the CCPD programs funded in FY2022.

Enhanced Enforcement Central and West Bike Units, School Resource Unit, Mounted Patrol Parks Community Policing, Special Events, Stockyards Overtime Detail, COPS Hiring Match, Officer Expansion Program Neighborhood Crime Prevention Community Service Officer Program, CODE Blue, Crime Prevention Unit, Graffiti Abatement Crisis Intervention Team, Homeless Outreach Program Enforcement (H.O.P.E.) Team Neighborhood Patrol Officers, Storefronts, Patrol Support Partners with a Shared Mission After School Programs, Gang Intervention, Community Based Programs, Crime Prevention Agencies, Family Advocacy Center, Late Night Program, Safe Haven Programs, Alliance for Children, Program Enhancement Recruitment and Training Cadet Program, Recruitment Program, Police Training Equipment, Technology, and Infrastructure Officer Safety Equipment, Crime Lab Equipment, Technology Infrastructure, Vehicle Replacement, Cameras, Facility Requirement, Radio Tower, Jail Cost Allocation, Mobile Data Computers

For more CCPD information, visit our website: https://fortworthpd.com/CCPD

New CCPD-Funded

Bell Helicopter

In January 2021, Fort Worth city officials and Bell executives celebrated the delivery of a new Bell 505 Jet Ranger X helicopter at the police department ’ s air support hangar at Meacham International Airport. The helicopter was purchased using funds from the Crime Control and Prevention District as well as unused police capital funds. The department currently operates two Bell 206 Jet Ranger aircraft. The addition of the Bell 505 will provide increased exceptional performance that is part of the Jet Ranger legacy. The Bell 505 includes state - of - the art equipment including infrared cameras and a public address system. It was purchased to aid in patrol missions and air monitoring. The video the helicopter can produce in the air can be broadcast back down to the street level, or the officer level, so officers can see what the pilots are seeing. The helicopter carries a pilot and up to four passengers and has a maximum speed of 144 mph.

Events...

COVID - 19 Vaccine Volunteers

The Fort Worth Police Department worked alongside City and County public health officials as well as local community organizations to ensure the safety of Fort Worth residents. FWPD and the Fort Worth Fire Department helped operate a vaccine clinic at the Bob Bolen Public Safety Complex as well as other sites across Tarrant County. Communications Staff Appreciation Police Communications, home to over 150 civilian em- ployees, has the primary responsibility of answering all 911 calls within the city limits. The second week of April is National Telecommunications Appreciation Day where the telecommunications personnel in the public safety community are honored. On April 16, Chief Noakes visited the call center and handed out gourmet cookies while expressing his appreciation. Robbery Investigators of Texas Convention (Riot) Fort Worth hosted the 2021 RIOT convention. The mission of RIOT is to promote and enhance the partnerships that exist between law enforcement and private industry while pursuing a collaborative investigative strategy in criminal investigations. They accomplish that mission by hosting the annual National Law Enforcement and Corporate Crimes Convention in destination locations across Texas.

...And

Awards

Life Saving Award Officer David Barnett III was commended by the State of Texas House of Representatives for saving the life of a Fort Worth resident. On October 17, Officer Barnett was called to the home of a man who was threatening to shoot himself. Barnett spoke calmly with the man and appealed to his religious faith to convince him to reconsider, and he ultimately succeeded in persuading the man to surrender his weapon and consent to receiving mental health treatment. Texas Star Award Fort Worth Police Officer Matt Brazeal received the Star of Texas Award for 2021. The award honors Texas peace officers, firefighters, emergency medi- cal first responders, and federal law enforcement officers who are seriously injured or killed in the line of duty. Brazeal was hit by a car on the shoulder of the road along West Loop 820 as he prepared to deploy stop sticks in June 2020. Other officers had tried to stop a driver because of a traffic violation. During the pursuit, they learned the SUV had been reported stolen.

Recognition from Lake Worth

Thank you to Lake Worth Mayor Walter Bowen and Police Chief Manoushagian who came out to recognize several Fort Worth Police Officers that assisted on a plane crash that occurred in Lake Worth on September 19. A military aircraft crashed into a residential area within the City of Lake Worth seriously injuring two pilots and damaging three homes. Three residents of those homes were treated and released at the scene with minor injuries.

FWPD Graduations

#BeTheChange

Recruit Classes 149 and 150 Graduation Congratulations to the graduates of Recruit Classes 149 and 150 for a job well done. On March 26, Recruit Class 149 graduated from the FWPD Acade- my, putting 22 new officers on the streets of Fort Worth, and on Decem- ber 17, Recruit Class 150 graduated from the FWPD Academy, putting 47 new officers on the streets of Fort Worth. The recruits were assigned to patrol divisions to begin phase one of their field training. FWPD wants to be more reflective of the community we serve. Assistant Chief Julie Swearingin recently estab- lished an initiative called Be The Change. The initiative intentionally con- nects with people who apply to become a police officer and provides additional assistance to recruits already in training if needed. As part of the initiative, acad- emy testing shifted from mainly focus- ing on IQ, to more focus on Emotional Intelligence (EQ). FWPD believes it is on track to have the most diverse class of recruits we ’ ve ever had. That is how we are going to change to more accurately reflect the citizens we serve.

Other Graduations

Citizens Police Academy Graduations The Fort Worth Police Department hosted two Citizens Police Academy (CPA), a twelve - week class where participants attended weekly three - hour trainings from police officers and investigators who present and explain their roles within the City of Fort Worth and the Police Department. The goal of the CPA is to provide information and to establish long - term relationships with the citizens of Fort Worth. On April 6, 11 participants graduated and on November 19, 15 participants graduated. To find out how to get involved click here.

Certified Emergency Response Team (CERT) Class

Certified Emergency Response Training pro- vides participants basic skills to respond to their community ’ s immediate needs in the aftermath of an extreme disaster when emer- gency services are not immediately available. By working together, CERT members can assist in saving lives and protecting property using the basic techniques in this course. This train- ing is free of charge and open to anyone living, working, or has a vested interest in the City of Fort Worth. For more information, contact Officer Thomas DeLong at 817 - 392 - 4250 or visit: http://www.certfortworth.org/

Happy 60th anniversary

FWPD Crime Lab!

The Crime Laboratory celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2021. The lab first opened its doors in 1961, at 1030 Burnett, which was previously a dispatch center for a local cab company. At the time the Lab only had a few positions and tested drugs, fingerprints, firearms, and toxicology. After a couple of moves to other locations, the Lab moved into its current location at 3616 E. Lancaster, a 20,000 square foot building on June 14, 2010. The Crime Laboratory now has 29 authorized positions and has five operational units: Chemistry (performing testing for controlled substances and blood alcohol concentration), Biology (examining for the presence of biological fluids and performing DNA testing), Firearm & Toolmarks (conducting firearm functionality testing, the comparative microscopic examination of bullets and cartridge cases, serial number restoration, muzzle to target distance determination, and non - firearm toolmark examinations), Latent Prints (latent print development and comparison), and Evidence Handling/Photography Unit (evidence control and photo requests). The Lab is nationally and state accredited and the personnel are licensed and certified in their disciplines. The Crime Laboratory prides itself on effectively utilizing law enforcement databases to provide FWPD officers and detectives with investigative leads. In 2009, the Laboratory transitioned from a paper documentation process to a Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) system. Since that time, more than 91,000 case records have been completed. In 2014, the Biology Unit began participating in The FBI's Combined DNA Index System (CODIS), a database of DNA profiles. To date, 1,089 samples have been entered into CODIS. These samples have resulted in more than 1,250 matches. These matches provide detectives with ‘ hits ’ to convicted offenders, arrestees, and links between different cases. In 2019, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF) recognized the Firearm & Toolmark Unit for its dedication, hard work, and outstanding contribution to the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) program. In 2020, the Firearms Unit entered 2,621 items into NIBIN with 424 leads: 16.1% hit ratio, and in 2021, the Unit entered 3,355 items with 658 leads: 19.61% hit ratio.

Above : Crime Lab Then

Below: Crime Lab Now

Community

Initiatives

Community Events Neighborhood Police Officers (NPO) partnered with neighborhood associations and community groups to provide services and community support. Events included several parades, community lunches, safety fairs, movie nights, National Night Out, vehicle displays, Coffee with Cops, Kolaches with Cops, Snow Cone Pop ups, and Trunk or Treat. Thank you to all the Volunteers and Donors that make these events a success!

Code Blue 30th Anniversary

Happy 30th anniversary Code Blue!! Going strong, 30 years later! Be the extra eyes and ears and patrol your neighborhood to keep it safe. The program has been credited with being a primary factor in decreasing crimes, especially overall theft, burglary, and auto theft. For more information on the program, please email shirley.zertuche@fortworthtexas.gov AC Unit Installation On August 12, Neighborhood Police Officers (NPO) joined the Fort Worth Fire Department and Tarrant County Sheriff ’ s Office to install air conditioners inside local residents ’ homes in Fort Worth. It is a pleasure and honor to assist members of our community.

Community

Initiatives

FWPD Giving Back A police officer ’ s duties go beyond protecting and serving. An act of kindness by a person in uniform helps improve the life of the person being helped and improves the relationship between law enforcement and their community. Events included a coat drive, toy drives, book drives, food drives, Metro Turkey giveaways, Back to School events, and Santa ’ s Bags. Thank you to all the Volunteers and Donors that make these events a success! Spokes for Hope In the fall, the Keller, Southlake, Watauga, and Fort Worth Police Departments joined forces to host a motorcycle rodeo in a #BacktheBlue event in Grape- vine. The event was dedicated as a special tribute to the 9/11 20th Anniversary Remembrance Ceremony. Other activities included ax throwing and raising do- nations for Spokes4Hope. Each year Spokes4Hope distributes between 1,500 to 1,700 bicycles and helmets to local residents. National Association of Mental Illness (NAMI) Run The NAMI is a grassroots organization geared towards providing advocacy, education, support, and public awareness about mental illness with the goal of allowing all individuals to live fulfilling lives in a supportive community. On October 9, 2021 (the United Day of Hope), NAMI hosted a 5k virtual run where the Crisis Intervention Team participated.

Youth Initiatives

Police Athletic League (PAL) The Fort Worth Police Athletic League (FWPAL) is a 501(c)(3) non - profit organization through a collaboration between police and the community that works to serve Fort Worth ’ s youth. Since all of the programs are run by police officers and volunteers from the community, it improves community stability and builds lasting relationships. Major events in 2021 included a May 13 boxing event and a September 4 basketball camp.

Youth Initiatives

Beyond Change, Hope Initiative

The HOPE Initiative provides a unique system of support and partnerships to carry out its mission to provide equal access to educational and workforce opportunities for individuals living in under - resourced communities. FWPD partnered with the HOPE Initiative Beyond Change and spent two days in July with student athletes from Dunbar High School In Fort Worth. Guest speakers/supporters included Police Chief Noakes and several officers, NFL Hall of Famer LaDainian Tomlinson, former NFL player Oren O ’ Neal and Tony Covington, Veteran NFL Players Carl Miller, Byron Williams, and Mr. Willie Davis, and Veteran NBA Player Dallas Chapter.

Police Explorer Youth Program

The Explorer Program provides assistance to the Fort Worth Police Department and the City of Fort Worth by participants volunteer- ing their time at various community events and activities. Participants give back to their community by completing hundreds of hours of community service each year. They be- come role models for their peers and friends and serve as catalysts for positive police rela- tionships within our communities. Open en- rollment occurs between July 1 - August 31. For more information click here.

Facility Updates

Crimes Against Children Unit New Facility Alliance For Children (AFC) partners with 31 Tarrant County law enforcement agencies (including FWPD), the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, Cook Children ’ s® Health Care System, JPS Health Net- work, the Tarrant County Criminal District Attorney ’ s Office, and Tarrant County Juvenile Services. AFC sold their property at 908 Southland to Cooks Children's Hospital in 2021 and purchased a new property at 3609 Marquita Drive, Fort Worth, Texas 76116. FWPD leases a space in the new facility for the department ’ s Crimes Against Children Unit.

Technology Updates

The following technology was implemented by FWPD in 2021.

Everbridge Notification System Critical event mass messaging system that enables FWPD to connect and inform the entire department in an emergency. With this system, a user can facilitate two - way communication and mobilize a response team. Watch Systems Sex offender software that helps ensure compliance and increases efficiency while protecting the public with accurate, timely, and complete information. The offender ’ s record is uniquely associated with an agency based on an address. As offenders move outside of the agency area, ownership of that record is transferred to the new agency. Haystax Cyber Threat Mitigation Software This product provides a proactive instead of reactive approach to detect cyber threats. Haystax applies its Cyber Risk Analysis tool to rapidly assess and prioritize information security assets. Once the assessment has been completed, Haystax provides the risk profiles of the systems and helps identify gaps, optimally allocates resources, and provides a cybersecurity strategy. OWL Solstice Pod Wireless Video Conferencing This system is similar to Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This technology uses a 360° rotating camera equipped with microphone and speaker and focuses on who is speaking in the room at a certain moment, allowing for a full round - table experience in a virtual format.

Thank you Technology Services for your tremendous work that went past normal working hours to make sure FWPD ’ s technology needs were met. It is your commitment, creativity, and high standards that help this department thrive!

#BeTheChange

Visit https://police.fortworthtexas.gov/Recruiting/ for more information!

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