Listen
“We want to send a very strong message to those that are involved in criminal activity in the city of Houston and specifically in these identified districts that if they choose to commit a crime or are wanted for a crime. We’re coming to get them and lock them up in jail.”
That’s Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt announcing to reporters and staff members his new plan to crackdown on crime. The city of Houston is divided into twenty-two districts. Chief Hurtt says most of the city’s crime comes from a half dozen of those — including the Fondren area on the southwest side, a couple in North Houston and a few others on the Westside. So for the next few months that’s where they’re going to put their money. One-point-six million dollars in overtime and extra staffing for patrols and police work. Assistant chief John Treveno says everyone will be involved.
“We are going to utilize our swat detail our swat officers who have special training in some of tactics but also will be part of this effort to have a large number of officers out there visual and out there.”
The plan is to have a high police presence in high density area. Areas with lots of apartments and lots of crime. They say there simply isn’t enough money to put more officers there all the time, so that’s why the funding for this new crackdown is so important. But even with all those extra officers working, police are asking for the public’s help as well.
“If you call crime stoppers you will remain anonymous its completely confidential and you are eligible for up to a 5-thousand dollar cash reward if an arrest is made of a felon.”
Catherine Cabaniss works for crime stoppers and hopes her office will be just as busy as the police the next few months.
Bill Stamps. KUHF Houston Public Radio News.
District HPD Will Focus On
North Division — 6th District
Northeast Division -7th District
Southeast Division — 14th District
Fondren Division — 17th District
Westside Division — 18th and 19th Districts