Houston's Third Ward is bracing for a beefed-up police presence after a spate of shootings has left residents on edge, as promised by the city’s police chief. Houston Police Chief Troy Finner, addressing community concerns at a recent meeting, announced that more officers will patrol the streets, a move aiming to stem the violence that has shaken this historic neighborhood, the Houston Chronicle reports.

In the face of mounting crime rates and repeated cries for help, locals gathered at the Third Ward Multi-Service Center, laying out their angst directly before the authorities, expressing frustration over what they perceive as a lack of action on the part of the police; others cited the revolving door of repeat offenders as a part of the problem with no solution in sight, per KHOU 11 News.

Residents hope the increased patrols will help alleviate the disorder, with one long-time Third Ward citizen, Melanie Miles, stating, “[Authorities] did say we would see an increased police presence ... I’m hoping that will actually happen and that we will see more police officers because, frankly, we don’t see police officers in the neighborhood.” as she told the Houston Chronicle. Meanwhile, the Riverside Civic Association has called for additional measures, such as late-night patrols, new surveillance cameras, and noise meters near local bars, where residents have long blamed the bulk of criminal activity.

Finner's presence at the meeting did offer some reassurance to frustrated locals; Rayven Moore, president of the Riverside Civic Association, found a silver lining, noting, "I think the best thing I heard from Chief Finner was that, you know, he was actively wanting to listen," according to a statement to the Houston Chronicle. Finner urged residents seeking lasting change to the judiciary's handling of suspects to exercise their right to vote, this sentiment echoed during an emotionally charged town hall encounter.

The tension in Third Ward is not solely born of violence but also the disruptions posed by short-term rentals, which residents claim are contributing to the chaos – community members were educated on how to report problematic properties to Airbnb, to regain some semblance of control over their besieged environment.