Message from the Chief
I am pleased to present the Fort Worth Police Department 2018 Annual Report. This report highlights our continuing efforts in building for our future and summarizes the overall Department commitment to make the City of Fort Worth one of the safest in the nation. In 2018, the department celebrated many accomplishments: we achieved Recognized status with the Texas Police Chiefs Association Recognition as the largest agency in the State of Texas earning that honor, and opened new patrol division facilities. The continued commitment of the department to maintaining transparency as an open and honest organization that earns trusted and sustainable partnerships with the community was evident in 2018. Internal and external efforts like the redesigned functionality and modernization of the police department website, the success of the Policy Advisory Committee, Chief’s Advisory Board meetings, Crime Lab advancements like NIBIN, on-going mandatory Procedural Justice and De-escalation training, and completing more than 50 additional goals in the FY17-FY21 Strategic Plan are just a few examples.
This year was perhaps the most difficult of years during my time as a police chief. Our Department and the community lost a brave and courageous officer in the line of duty. Corporal Garrett Hull epitomized selflessness on the night of September 13, and no one can extinguish the fire that he lit in our hearts within this department. Garrett’s commitment to law enforcement should serve as a reminder to all never to lose hope or faith in the men and women who choose to serve all races, colors, creeds, and preferences as peace officers. Corporal Hull’s death left a scar on all of our hearts, but we shall never forget the tremendous outpouring of support received from across the country, and will honor Corporal Hull and his family in our hearts forever. We held numerous community events throughout the year that continued to focus on education, and providing our local youths and others with important supplies needed to be successful in school and in life. Our heroes visited several local schools and read or helped students with their reading skills in Read-to-Win events. The Fort Worth Police Athletic League (FWPAL) officially opened its first gym in 2017, and expanded in 2018 to include boxing, cheerleading, football, and additional mentoring opportunities. Although this report includes more details about initiatives and updates on other programs that are important to the department and the community, it is only part of an entire story. There is more work to do, but in 2018, it has been an honor to work with the dedicated and professional staff within the Fort Worth Police Department. Know that while in our city, you are always in good hands.
Joel F. Fitzgerald, Sr., Ph.D. Chief of Police
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