DPD News

Dallas Police Department expands high-tech crime-fighting program

Crime has dropped by 35 percent at this Texaco station since the new equipment was installed.

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The Dallas Police Department is expanding a crime-fighting program that has already seen great results.

The program is Starlight, which uses software and a camera system to prevent crimes at stores, gas stations, and convenience stores.

The program was first introduced in 2019 as a pilot, with installations at three crime-ridden locations: two 7-Eleven stores and the Ferguson Food Mart and Texaco Gas Station, at Ferguson Road and I-635.

According to a release from the DPD, the installation has reduced criminal offenses at those locations by 35 percent since its inception and has led to a nearly 40 percent reduction in calls for police services.

Now it will be installed at four new locations which have also experienced a high volume of calls:

American Dollar Plus Store at 9770 Forest Lane in District 10
EZ Trip Food Store at 9798 Forest Lane in District 10
Chevron Gas Station at 9791 Forest Lane in District 10
Chevron Gas Station at 2944 N. Buckner Blvd in District 7

Dallas Chief of Police Reneé Hall says in a statement that this initiative, which is a collaboration with Safer Dallas Better Dallas — an organization that raises money from Dallas foundations, businesses, and citizens to purchase equipment for Dallas police officers — and Motorola Solutions, has led to a meaningful reduction of crime.

The equipment shows what's happening in real time, providing what they call a virtual patrol, with a connection to the DPD's Real Time Crime Center. Each store is equipped with cameras, signage, and a blue light, to indicate that the store is being monitored by the DPD.

"The technology has also improved efficiency by giving our officers additional insight when responding to events at participating locations," Hall says. "They know what to expect before they arrive on the scene, so they can resolve incidents quickly and spend more time in the community, where they have the greatest impact."

Their hope is that the expanded Starlight program will allow the Dallas Police Department to be more proactive in identifying and responding to potential criminal activity, with potentially more expansion if it keeps working.

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Animal News

Dallas animal shelter invites residents to host a pet during holiday

DAS

Husky at Dallas Animal Services

Dallas Animal Services (DAS) is inviting the community to help bring pets “Home for the Holidays” by adopting or fostering during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year.

DAS has achieved strong positive outcomes this quarter, including adoptions, foster-to-adopt placements, and underage foster placements, with 1,377 in October and 1,378 in November. The department is now working toward a December goal of 1,400 positive outcomes, with 588 completed so far this month.

“We are grateful for the support our community continues to show,” said Victoria Chittam Bennett, Assistant Director. “Every adoption opens a kennel for another pet in need, and the holidays are an especially meaningful time to welcome a new companion.”

This season, adopters will also have the chance to participate in the Friends of Dallas Animal Services (FODAS) 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways, fully funded and supported through donations from generous community supporters. For more information about this initiative, visit friendsofdas.org and watch out for announcements on social media.

Holiday staycations
Residents who may not be ready to adopt can still support DAS pets by participating in Silent Night Holiday Staycations, a short-term foster opportunity that gives dogs a relaxing break from the shelter during the holiday period.

Pickup dates are scheduled for December 20-21, with drop-off options on December 27-28 or January 3-4. Participants typically spend 1-3 hours at the shelter selecting a foster match, and contact with pets outside the home should be limited. Questions may be directed to DASFtA@dallas.gov.

“Holiday Staycations allow our dogs to decompress and show their personalities in a home environment,” said Amanda Earl, Assistant Director. “The insight we receive from these foster stays is invaluable in helping pets find permanent homes.”

DAS encourages the community to adopt, foster, volunteer, or share adoptable pets to help meet December’s lifesaving goals.
“Together, we can bring home the holidays for the pets relying on us,” said Director Paul Ramon.

For more information on adoptable pets, holiday programs, or ways to get involved, visit https://bedallas90.org/ or stop by the DAS Shelter at 1818 N. Westmoreland Rd.

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