Mid City Times

New bike patrols have been introduced in two busy entertainment districts in Fort Worth as part of the Fiscal Year 2025 Crime Control & Prevention District (CCPD) budget. The initiative aims to enhance police presence and visibility, allowing officers to respond promptly to service calls and address observed violations.

In the Police Department’s Central Division, bike patrols commenced in the Magnolia/Hemphill area approximately four weeks ago. Feedback from community members and business owners has been positive, with many noting that the bike officers are effectively reducing problems in the area.

For emergency services, contacting 911 is recommended, while non-emergency requests can be directed through a neighborhood police officer.

Fort Worth's other entertainment districts, West 7th and Downtown, already have established bike patrol units. To assess the effectiveness of these new patrols, crime statistics and complaints will be analyzed. Additionally, neighborhood police officers will engage with local businesses to evaluate their satisfaction and sense of safety.

The CCPD fund was established to support crime prevention efforts by supplementing the Police Department's budget. Approved by voters in 1995, it receives a half-cent from the City’s sales tax. In 2020, voters renewed this district for another ten years. For the current fiscal year, the CCPD budget stands at $127.5 million. Combined with the Police Department’s General Fund budget of $335.7 million, a total of $461.8 million is allocated to ensure Fort Worth's safety.