DALLAS – There is a multi-pronged approach in Dallas to preventing violent crime.
A mix of officer-targeted hotspots and street volunteers play a role in the crime-fighting strategy.
Crime reduction is a controversial issue in many of Texas’ major cities.
Legislators have passed laws that make it difficult for cities to pay for strategies outside of traditional policing.
A press conference was held on Saturday with some members of the Dallas City Council, the chief of police and violence interrupters to discuss their contribution to combating violent crime.
Mar Butler and Debra Mendoza stand out while wearing flashy orange t-shirts in one of Dallas’ most violent neighborhoods.
“As in this area, in the Overton and Illinois area, it’s mostly gang culture. Both Crips and Bloods, ”Butler said.
But when it comes to their jobs, they say that standing out is a good thing.
“We come here, we know it will be hard work, but don’t panic, we’re here to help,” added Butler.
They are two of a dozen violence breakers.
Dallas City Council approved the full-time positions in the final budget season. You are now in action.
The breakers who once led a criminal life are now leading people on a clean path.
“I know what it’s like to get out of this lifestyle,” said Mendoza.
They’re on call 24/7, wandering the streets of high-crime areas, targeting convenience stores, apartment complexes, and more.
“Hopefully these people will change someone’s heart,” said Eddie Garcia, Dallas police chief.
Garcia believes that interrupters could do what officers cannot because they are embedded in the communities, but he reiterates that it is only on top of the work of his officers.
“We are here to stand and this is just the beginning to say we have an opportunity to change your life,” said Garcia.
Violent crime has been increasing since the beginning of the year, but it was down in June compared to the same period last year. Garcia pointed out his plan to reduce violent crime, which aggressively targets hot spots.
City council members are approaching this budget season. Last year she increased overall police spending, but cut the overtime budget by $ 7 million and redistributed it.
“We never said that no one near the horseshoe had ever said anything about the police defusing. Our focus is on redesigning public safety, ”said Casey Thomas, Dallas City Councilor.
When asked Saturday about the possibility of increasing police funding for more officers and overtime, Thomas did not take a clear stance but said he wanted the neighborhoods to recapture their communities while the police are there to reinforce.
A sign that while the boss wants to continue his aggressive approach, people might see more orange shirts.
“You’re someone you see every day, who looks like you, who speaks like you, who understands what you’ve been through, but we’re sending a different message,” Butler said.
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