The
outbreak of gang violence which occurred during the summer of 1994
revealed how far stretched the resources of the Fort Worth Police
Department had become in bringing about the reduction in crime.
A Crime Response Task Force was formed consisting of the Gang Enforcement
Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics (S.W.A.T.) and Neighborhood Patrol
Officers (NPOs) from throughout the city. While the gang violence
was thwarted, many neighborhoods complained vociferously about the
loss of their NPO. Vehicles were also at a premium during this operation.
In
order to continue with crime response tactics, but without drawing
from NPOs ,
funds were included in the Crime Control and Prevention District
that allowed the formation of four Crime Response Teams, consisting
of 10 officers, one detective, and a sergeant, for a total of 48
positions. There is a team assigned to each Field Operation Division
(FOD), and placed under a commander. The teams work closely with
the Gang Enforcement Unit, SWAT, Narcotics and patrol officers,
and, when necessary, are loaned across FODs to respond to larger
scale violent crime problems. They also work closely with the Gang
Intelligence Unit in suppressing gang activity throughout the city.
Operations
of the various Crime Response Teams are based upon criminal activity
that is occurring within an FOD. Tasks performed by the teams have
included surveillance, saturation patrol, and enhanced traffic and
truancy enforcement.
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