Public Safety
 Continue to Increase the Number of Police Officers
We deserve to be safe in our homes and on our streets.
I support the City Council goal of growing our police force from about 3500 to 4000 which will equal about 3 officers per thousand residents. This should be done over the next several years.
During the past three years we have hired about 600 officers. This is largely responsible for the decrease in crime throughout Dallas. There are currently about 300 new officers “in the pipeline” who have completed their training but are not yet fully integrated into their new positions. As they come online and gain some experience there should be even more impact on crime.
Focus Crime Fighting on High Crime Areas
About one third of crimes are committed in or near certain apartment complexes. The highest-crime complexes have been identified.
The police are working with code enforcement and the city attorney’s office to force owners and managers to make needed changes. In Houston, this high concentration of resources significantly reduced crime in these areas. This has recently begun in Dallas and is being closely monitored by the City Council.
Get Rid of "Rogue" Clubs
I will work to rid the areas bordering on District 13 of "rogue" clubs and sexually oriented businesses that negatively affect the quality of life for residents of District 13.
I will continue to serve as a member of Rep. Rafael Anchia's Northwest Community Task Force that is coordinating representatives of the TABC (TX Alcoholic Beverage Commission), city, county and state to see that clubs that flout the law lose their licenses.
Encourage Neighborhood Involvement
 I support our "beat" system with patrol officers dedicated to specific neighborhoods -- where neighbors and officers know each other.
District 13 is extremely well organized with virtually the entire district included in a crime watch or neighborhood association. There are many wonderful ideas and programs that can be shared. Some groups have exceptional VIP (Volunteers in Patrol) programs while others are exploring the use of cameras.
I will be sponsoring periodic meetings with neighborhood leaders so that we can learn from each other.
Reject Intrusive Zoning
It is important that neighborhoods be respected even as development is encouraged. Strong residential neighborhoods are the backbone of our city. Growth in development must always be balanced with preservation of and respect for neighborhoods.
Also review how I plan to deliver:
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