Safer City

Dallas crime hits historic lows thanks to engaged communities and better technology

According to police chief David Brown, overall crime in Dallas is at its lowest rate since 1966, and there's been a significant decline in violent crime — including murder — in the past decade.

Brown presented a series of crime statistics to City Council members October 2. Data from 2003 to 2012 shows how far Dallas has come. In 2003, the first year that Dallas compared its crime rate to other large cities, Dallas ranked dead last at No. 10.

"It's hard to fathom that we were behind Detroit," David Brown said. "We were in a deep hole."

"It's hard to fathom that we were behind Detroit," Brown said. "We were in a deep hole."

Since 2003, Dallas has managed to climb out of that hole thanks to a larger police force, expanded community engagement and increased reliance on technology. Brown credits the turnaround to "data-driven decision making," which identifies hot spots for criminal activity.

Brown said crime statistics thus far into 2013 are basically flat and mirror the historically low 2012 numbers, when Dallas earned its highest safety ranking at No. 6. Dallas ranks ahead of Chicago, Houston, San Antonio and Detroit. Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Diego, Los Angeles and New York are all considered safer big cities than Dallas based on crime rates.

"We're not just trying to arrest our way out of crime," Brown said. "We're trying to engage communities."

Brown praises citizen-run crime watches and the time he and his officers spend with youth through the police athletic league, the junior police academy and other programs. Brown even plays pickup basketball with kids to build relationships.

"I lost, by the way, to a 10-year-old. It's kind of embarrassing, but that's a big chunk of crime reduction, engaging the youth," Brown said.

Mayor Mike Rawlings thanked council members past and present as well as Brown and other officers, including former police chief David Kunkle, for their dedication to changing the crime landscape in Dallas.

"History rarely takes place in a day or in a year. It really does happen over a decade," Rawlings said. "It has been a team effort, and I think it is a day of celebration for the City of Dallas."

Dallas police chief David Brown.

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Copper Wire News

AT&T offers up to $10K reward for info on copper cable theft in Dallas

Amazon

Copper wire, a favorite item for thieves to steal.

Dallas-based AT&T is offering a reward of up to $10,000 to those who can provide information on the theft of copper cable.

According to a release, the company will issue a reward for "specific and detailed information" that leads to arrest and conviction for copper cable thefts or the attempted sale or purchase of stolen copper cable in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

“Theft and vandalism of critical communications infrastructure are serious matters that affect public safety and the community at large,” said Michael Peterson, Assistant Vice President - External Affairs, AT&T Texas in a statement. “Maintaining high-quality service is a top priority, and we’re working closely with law enforcement to investigate any incidents.”

On October 4, AT&T met with Dallas-area leaders to share examples of the community impact and discuss next steps.

Copper cable theft has been a recurring problem for more than a decade but has surged around Dallas and Fort Worth this year, with repeated high-profile thefts that have had an impact on power and internet, and have represented costly repairs for AT&T.

"When thieves target copper wiring, they often damage critical infrastructure, leaving our residents without essential services or a way to contact loved ones during an emergency,” said Tennell Atkins, Dallas Mayor Pro Tem. “It’s a serious issue that impacts everyone. That’s why we need to spread awareness and work together to stop those responsible.”

The public should report any unmarked (non-AT&T) vehicles or individuals cutting and removing cable.

Tipsters with information can remain anonymous and should call local law enforcement and AT&T Global Security & Investigations at (800) 807‐4205. The reward is valid for leads received by November 1, 2025.