The city's battle against crime is ramping up with a boosted investment in nonprofit organizations that specialize in crime prevention, in a recent move by the City Council that saw a unanimous vote to increase funding for United Way of Tarrant County's community liaison role, which is pivotal in the effort to bring more such agencies into the fold, the bottom line is that the extra $125,000 brings the total annual funding up to $174,920 for the Police Department, according to the City of Fort Worth.

Putting it, the uptick in bucks is supposed to get more nonprofit heavy hitters swinging at crime and safety issues, backed by the Crime Control and Prevention District (CCPD) which is itself supported by a ½-cent sales tax earmarked for keeping our streets safer, and it's not just throwing money at the problem either — the goal here is for the community liaison to, among other things, educate stakeholders on available funding and coordinate campaigns to get the word out.

With crime and safety concerns high on the agenda, the focus is firmly on measuring the impact of services provided by these nonprofits, ensuring that dollars do indeed make a difference, this approach could lay the groundwork for a community response that's both shrewd and steady in a city that continues to strive for safety and security in every district.

The community liaison's job description is substantial, encompassing everything from mapping local resources related to crime and safety to serving as a co-chair for Partners with a Shared Mission, an expert review panel, in essence, they act as the nexus between the Police Department, available resources, and the community at large, working to advise and guide partnerships that can genuinely tackle crime head-on.

Residents of the city can expect to see a growing array of nonprofit organizations stepping up to the plate, fitted with the knowledge and funding to take a crack at crime and safety priorities, all thanks to a step-up in the City Council's commitment and funding strategy.