Page 145 - Fort Worth City Budget 2019

General Fund

On February 7, 2018, the FWPD received the official approval of “Recognized” agency and is the largest
department in the State of Texas to receive such an honor. Being “Recognized” means that the agency has proven
that it meets or exceeds all of the identified best practices for Texas law enforcement. The best practices cover
aspects of law enforcement operations such as use of force, protection of citizen rights, pursuits, property and
evidence management, and patrol and investigative operations.

The City Council approved the addition of six commander positions to the Patrol Bureau ranks on November 25,
2017, allowing the department to select officers who possess the leadership skills, intellect, experience, and
dedication to build and maintain relationships in the community.

The department established a new Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team (CIT). The primary purpose of the team
is to reduce the hazards associated with interactions between law enforcement and people with mental illness,
to proactively engage those with mental illness that pose a threat to the community as a whole, and to connect
those with mental illness with support services as appropriate. The secondary purpose of the CIT is to reduce
return calls for service related to mental health, ultimately freeing patrol officers to provide additional service to
the community.

On April 3, 2018, exactly one year after the ground breaking, the new North Patrol Division headquarters located
at 8755 N. Riverside Drive facility officially opened with a grand opening celebration. The headquarters serves as
a command center for Citizens on Patrol volunteers, includes community meeting space, and improved
accessibility to police staff for the area.

March 2018, the Fort Worth Police Department moved the Property and Records Management Division, Criminal
Investigations Division, and Community Programs Division, which includes the Youth Unit, from 350 W. Belknap
Street to 1000 Calvert Street, which is the former Police and Fire Training Academy. The Calvert facility was
renovated to include office space to accommodate more than 150 personnel and a records counter where
customers can obtain accident and offense reports. The 350 W. Belknap facility was sold to Tarrant County in
2017.

The department provided procedural justice and de-escalation training to all officers.

The department expanded Wi-Fi infrastructure to support the expanded camera, in-car video systems, and Mobile
Data Computer (MDC) connectivity to the city network.

The department issued 358 body cameras and installed 342 in-car video systems.

The department website was redesigned, expanded and improved to serve as a dynamic, user-friendly, and
transparent tool.

FY2019 DISCUSSION

The FY2019 Adopted Budget includes an adjustment to the FY2018 AP and FTE counts. The counts decrease by 33
APs and 8.165 FTEs due to the elimination of nine data analysts and the addition of six police commanders and a
further decrease by 25 APs due to erroneously including temporary positions in the FY2018 AP count. In addition,
the counts decrease by 5 AP and 5.165 FTE due to incorrect FY2017 beginning balances. There is no financial
impact to the General Fund.

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