While Dallas continues to grapple with delayed response times due to an ongoing police shortage, over in Fort Worth, private security is stepping up to fill in the safety gaps. As reported by The Dallas Express, the Dallas Police Department's response times for priority one calls, or P1, which include active shooter situations or major accidents, are averaging a worrisome 10 minutes—above their goal of 8. With an officer shortfall of about 1,000 and the department working with only 3,000 officers, the Dallas Police Department is struggling to keep up with its targets, let alone address the crime rates effectively in areas like Downtown Dallas.
In stark contrast, Fort Worth's police force is supplemented by the watchful eyes of private security guards, who according to a WFAA report, are helping to keep downtown areas safe. "There's probably anywhere from six to 12, depending on the time of day," explained Fort Worth police Sgt. Lorne Tracy. These security details, dressed in distinctive uniforms, are not only a reassuring presence for the public but also provide valuable assistance to local law enforcement, as seen last month when they took part alongside the police in subduing a particularly resistant offender.
With Dallas' emergency services stretched thin—a fact demonstrated by excessive response times averaging 74 minutes for P2 calls and even more dismal for P3 and P4 calls—the weight of the officer shortage is felt acutely by residents awaiting assistance. Meanwhile, Fort Worth reaps the benefits of collaboration, as private security guards, trained to work in consonance with the local police, alleviate the strain on public law enforcement resources. This synergy has been crucial, as Andy Taft, head of Downtown Fort Worth Inc., highlighted the sense of discomfort it creates for those with nefarious intentions, bolstering the area's overall safety.
Despite private security's inability to make arrests, their effectiveness as "good witnesses" until the police can take over has been praised by Fort Worth police. The differentiation between the officer and the private guard was further clarified when Fort Worth police recently shifted to blue shirts. This move ensures no confusion about who holds the arrest authority on the streets. The presence of these guards, as bystanders like Laura Koenigs have noted, creates an atmosphere where one doesn't have to be constantly on guard—an intangible yet profound element in the fabric of urban safety.
