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Security was foremost on the minds of those who created the District. With the challenges set up by economic development, overbuilding and challenged police protection, the Near Northwest has experienced increased concern about public safety. Plans to bring new investment to every aspect of the District include creating a safe environment in both perception and reality. Sophisticated law enforcement programs and a focus on redevelopment/investment opportunities will enable the Near Northwest area to become one of the safest neighborhoods in the City and Harris County.
The District has made, and hopes to continue to make, great strides in security and public safety. For example, the District has (i) contracted with Harris County for seven (7) Constable deputies to spend the majority of their time within the District, (ii) purchased and installed radios in the patrol cars of the District’s contract deputies so that communications with other law enforcement agencies, including |
the Houston Police Department, are more efficient, (iii) established a multi-agency task force with federal and local law enforcement agencies in an effort to spear head and coordinate the identification and reduction of criminal elements and activity in the District.
Results in this area are dependent on community involvement, improved technology and communications, and cooperation between business employers and law enforcement. The results promise to be a safer Near Northwest area, which will allow the neighborhood and community to grow economically and competitively and be a vibrant place for workers and residents alike.
Goal
Continue to deter and/or reduce crime within the District while making the best use of public and private resources, thereby encouraging commercial activity within the District and creating a market advantage for those properties within the District.
Objectives
- Maintain a proactive role in supporting and bringing together the many public law enforcement agencies within the District
- Continue to coordinate the security efforts of the public and private sectors
- Continue to provide a comprehensive public safety program that includes multifaceted enforcement tactics, and site-specific "zero tolerance" programs
- Continue to minimize the number of crimes committed and the commission of serious crimes, such as those committed directly against the person
- Continue to increase the visibility of crime deterrence measures in the District
- Continue to enhance the District's positive public image as safe area in which to shop, dine, relax and transact business
- Continue to provide a public relations program for information dissemination and improved public awareness emphasizing public safety
- Ensure enforcement of building codes and nuisance abatement statutes when private property owners do not maintain their property and buildings to code
Programs
- Continue the District’s Security Patrol Program, consistently monitor the patrol route schedule and the officer strength necessary to meet the District’s needs so that the District’s contract deputies are deployed to address “hot spots” of criminal activity identified through the District’s crime analysis database
- Continue to provide law enforcement and security personnel, facilities and equipment to ensure pro-active enforcement of the law, including the apprehension and prosecution of offenders
- Continue to provide crime prevention, anti-gang and drug awareness programs and safety seminars for the benefit of the employees, residents, public schools, out-of-school youth and the owners or lessors of property within the District
- Continue to monitor criminal activity within the District and providing periodic security briefings for facility managers, interested citizens, and local security personnel
- Continue to monitor the development of crime deterrence technology and programs in other areas and update the District's programs as needed to provide security services that are effective and cost-efficient
- Continue to maintain the successful website communication program for reporting criminal activity within the District
- Establish and maintain a Super Block program that addresses and maximizes the combined efforts of small, contiguous areas that may include businesses, multi-family and homeowner association properties to jointly improve the safety, appearance, reputation and value of the shared neighborhood
- Establish a crime deterrent task force targeting retail centers and office buildings along the 290 corridor.
Planning and Urban Design |
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