Page 36 - Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council

included in the Capital Facilities Fund to replace and to upgrade the City’s jail door system.

Funds are included in the 2018-19 Police Department Budget to continue programs that serve to improve the quality
of life within Benbrook. These programs include: National Night Out, VIN-Etching, Neighborhood Watch, Operation
Child ID, Operation Identification – Mark Your Territory, Residential and Business Security Surveys, Bicycle
Registration, Child Gun Locks, Project L.E.A.P., the Way Home Program, and CrimeReports.com.

National Night Out

The Police Department’s Crime Prevention Officer organizes Benbrook’s National Night Out. This program is designed
to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs,
strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships, and send a message to criminals that Benbrook’s
neighborhoods are organized and are fighting back against crime. Benbrook’s National Night Out takes place at the
Benbrook Community Center/YMCA and includes activities for the young and for the old; activities include: KID Print
ID kits for children; live multi-agency mock disaster scenarios; demonstrations with helicopters, police cars, SWAT
vehicles, and fire trucks; special exhibits; and presentations by the Benbrook Police and Fire Departments. National
Night Out is scheduled for October 2018.

VIN-Etching Program

During the October 2018 Household Hazardous Waste Event, the Tarrant Regional Auto Crimes Task Force is teaming
with the Benbrook Police Department to offer free VIN-etching services for Benbrook residents. VIN-etching is a
countermeasure to prevent motor vehicle theft. It involves the use of a stencil and glass etching paste to etch a
vehicle’s vehicle identification number (VIN) onto the windshield and windows. If the vehicle is stolen, the thieves are
forced to replace the glass prior to selling the stolen vehicle; this process effectively reduces or eliminates the profit.
VIN-etching also increases the odds of recovery of stolen vehicles by the police. This services has proven to be highly
effective as a theft deterrent and in returning stolen vehicles to their rightful owners.

Neighborhood Watch – Benbrook’s Most Effective Crime Fighting Resource

The Crime Prevention Officer in the Benbrook Police Department helps neighborhoods organize and conduct
Neighborhood Watch Groups. The Officer describes crime reporting procedures, explains the 911 emergency call
process, recommends proven crime-prevention techniques, shares crime prevention tips, arranges expert speakers,
and provides statistics on a regular basis.
CITY OF BENBROOK 2018-19 ANNUAL BUDGET
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