Gov. Greg Abbott Directs DPS Resources To Combat Violent Crime Spike In Dallas
AUSTIN, Texas (CBSDFW.COM) - Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday, Nov. 18, directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to provide direct support to DPD in their efforts to reduce violent crime.
The move comes at the request of the Dallas Police Department, the Governor's Office said.
As a result, DPS will be deploying multiple resources to support this operation, including Special Agents, State Troopers to support DPS gang and drug investigative operations and a team of Intelligence Analysts.
DPS will also provide two helicopters and two patrol planes to provide direct air support and a team of Texas Rangers to support Dallas Police homicide investigations.
"The rise in violent crime in the city of Dallas is unacceptable, and the Texas Department of Public Safety will assist the Dallas Police Department in their efforts to protect the community and reduce this surge in crime," said Governor Abbott. "Every Texan deserves to feel safe in their own community, and the State of Texas will continue to provide the city of Dallas with the resources they need to crack down on this heinous activity and protect Dallas residents."
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson Fuming Over Violent Crime Spike: 'I'm Tired Of It, I'm Sick Of It'
Additional resources will be made available should they be requested by Dallas Police.
DPD's effort to target the city's rising murder count includes the search for suspects who may be responsible for killings last weekend, that appear to be random attacks.
On Monday, Nov. 16, the Dallas Police Department called upon the FBI to assist in a series of violent and deadly shootings, defined by law enforcement authorities as "rapper conflict."
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson issued the following statement Wednesday following Gov. Abbott's announcement:
"I am grateful for the Governor's willingness to assist Dallas as we combat the unacceptable increases in violent crime in our city. As I said today, this ongoing situation requires an all-hands-on-deck response, and I will continue to push for strategies and partnerships that will reduce crime in our neighborhoods. The people of Dallas deserve our unwavering commitment to their safety."
Last year, DPS sent resources to Dallas and some residents complained about the interaction with State Troopers.
The Dallas Police Department released a statement Wednesday evening:
"The Dallas Police Department is working in conjunction with our state and federal partners to address the increase in violent crime in our city. Their involvement will be from an investigative capacity and not from a field operation or enforcement standpoint. Recently, there has been an uptick in violence surrounding entertainers that cross multi-jurisdictional boundaries. The top priority in this joint effort is the safety and well-being of our residents in the city of Dallas."
MORE FROM CBSDFW
- Texas County Sends Emergency Text Alert To 4.7M Residents Requesting They Cancel Holiday Gatherings During COVID-19 Surge
- Second $1,200 Stimulus Check Still Likely, But Chances It Arrives For Holidays Quickly Fading
- Boy In Hospital After Shooting Himself Outside Weatherford High School
