Dallas PD announces coordinated plan with DPS to combat violent crime
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to assist the Dallas Police Department in combating the increase of violent crime in Dallas.
Gov. Abbott made the offer on Tuesday on the same day 13-year-old Malik Tyler was murdered.
Dallas Police Chief Renee Hall announced that she accepted Gov. Abbott's offer of help from DPS at a town hall meeting Thursday afternoon about the ongoing problems.
Dallas police and DPS have organized a plan of attack to work together to fight the recent spike in violent crime.
They announced their coordinated effort Friday afternoon.
MORE: DPS aiding Dallas PD to combat increase in violent crime
This announcement comes after a series of high profile murders in the city that has put the police chief's job under intense public scrutiny.
The chief revealed her plan of attack, with some of it already underway.
“We're standing here before you today to say enough is enough,” Chief Hall said,
Hall spoke directly to the criminals wreaking havoc on the city of Dallas.
“We'll just say were coming to an area near you very soon,” she added.
Flanked by some high-powered counterparts, Chief Hall announced a new joint effort designed to combat a recent spike in violent crime.
There have been more than 90 murders so far this year in Dallas, with 40 of them in May, which the chief says is the deadliest month on record in decades.
“You'll see foot patrols, you'll see mounted, traffic enforcement, you'll see more narcotics enforcement,” Chief Hall said. ”Our gang units will be out. So we are throwing everything at these areas because we know it's important and its where our violent criminals are.”
Chief Hall says they'll be targeting eight high-crime areas in the city, but declined to disclose those areas, as to not tip off the crooks.
South Dallas has seen its fair share of crime. Over the weekend, a 56-year-old woman working at Jim's Car Wash was killed by a group of people involved in a gun fight.
Three transgender women who were murdered also have ties to the area. No arrests have been made in those cases.
And on Tuesday, 13-year-old Malik Tyler was killed by a stray bullet in Pleasant Grove while walking home from a convenience store.
One arrest has been made, and detectives looking for two others.
“Someone watching this tonight knows something about a violent crime. We need you to come forward, we need your help in this effort,” said Jeff Williams, director of Texas DPS Region 1.
By order of the governor, DPS troopers, specials agents, and aviation personnel will be assisting DPD by providing assistance to combat the surge in crime.
Texas Rangers will help investigate homicides. No word on how long they'll be assisting in Dallas.
The Dallas County Sheriff will also lend a hand.
“We are exploring collaborative efforts that will assist the Dallas Police Department and the citizens of Dallas,” Dallas County Sheriff Marion Brown said.
The Public Safety Committee meets on Monday. Chief Hall is expected to brief the members.
Both the Dallas County District Attorney and U.S Attorney for the Northern District of Texas say they stand ready to prosecute cases that come their way.