Report shows spike in some violent crime in Dallas

Dallas City Council members on Monday called for further progress in the fight against violent crime as they heard a police report saying some categories have increased this year.

They got honest answers from Chief Eddie Garcia.

He said the police would continue to fight, but more officers were needed.

“We are all trying to move these resources around to improve visibility in certain areas so we can continue to reduce incidents,” Garcia said.

The shooting at Deep Ellum on Sunday night is an example of the increase in aggravated assault.

On Monday, planks covered windows that had been damaged by bullets at The Free Man restaurant and bar on Commerce Street.

An employee who provides music and security for the business was caught in the crossfire of gunfire outside, according to a colleague. The victim is said to be recovering on Monday.

A spokesman for the Deep Ellum Foundation, which represents business and property owners, said violent crime in the entertainment district was down 24% last year.

Police said aggravated assaults have increased across the city this year, in part because some incidents have had many casualties over the past month despite a decline in incidents.

“We have fewer incidents, which we are all very happy about, but, unfortunately, more victims, which we are less happy with. If I had to choose, I would choose a different path. I wish there were fewer victims,” ​​council member Kara Mendelsohn said.

From 2023 to Friday, February 10, the number of aggravated assaults that are not domestic violence increased by 24%. Domestic violence assaults increased by 11%. The number of murders increased by 15%.

But crime continues to decline. Business robbery decreased by 45%. The total number of crimes against property decreased by 14%. In general, crimes against the person have decreased, but just under 1%.

City Council members commend the progress made by the police.

Councilman Tennell Atkins said the corner in his far south Dallas neighborhood was notorious.

“Great respect to you and your staff for the crime against Bonnie View and Simpson Stewart,” Atkins said.

Dallas also ran programs separate from the police to help reduce crime in apartments and other high crime areas. Among the programs are better coverage, less blight, and interruption of violence who are not sworn officers. The alternative response to calls from psychiatric social workers has been expanded.

In general, the police commend these programs for contributing to the progress made in the fight against violent crime over the past two years, but problems remain.

“Obviously the work done by men and women is a huge job of reducing violent crime two years in a row, but there are challenges and there are successes,” Garcia said.

Anti-trafficking supporters were at City Hall on Monday for a lunch and briefing on police action to combat these crimes.

The police who handle these cases say victims of human trafficking for sex or forced labor can happen anywhere.

“Trafficking detectives are assigned to vices, so they are involved in gambling and other crimes,” Dallas Police Major Devon Palk said.

This is one area where council members have been asking for more progress.

“We need to grow as a department,” Garcia said. “We need staff, you know? We watch and talk about how we move resources. We need more dedicated employees, that’s number one.”

Garcia said additional technology, such as cameras, could also help.

More officers have quit the force than Dallas has managed to hire in each of the past two years.

Garcia said that as the city attempts to increase hiring, the Dallas Police will continue to make progress with the people they have.