Fort Worth was selected as one of the six pilot sites for the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice, a program designed to help fight crime and enhance trust between law enforcement and the community.
Attorney General Eric Holder announced the selected cities in March. They include Stockton, Pittsburgh, Minneapolis, Gary and Birmingham. The cities range in population from 298,000 in Stockton to 792,000 in Fort Worth. Crime rates affect the cities in varying degrees. Stockton reported 1,548 violent crimes per 100,000 residents two years ago, while Fort Worth recorded only 587 violent crimes per 100,000 that same year.
In a statement to the Star-Telegram, Police Chief Rhonda Robertson said: "The Fort Worth Police Department is honored to be selected as one of the six pilot sites for this groundbreaking study. Upon learning about the project, we immediately realized the opportunity it would present to strengthen our existing community partnerships and to develop new relationships built upon trust within the community."
The $4.75 million partnership with criminal justice experts will include training that will cover reducing bias, enhancing procedural fairness and supporting reconciliation in communities nationwide. A board of advisers made up of national leaders from law enforcement, academia and faith-based groups, along with community leaders and civil-rights advocates will lead this initiative.
Mayor Betsy Price said, "Fort Worth historically has an excellent track record of encouraging diversity as a city. This study will be a valuable tool to open the discussion on equitable treatment in major cities across the nation, including Fort Worth. This study gives us a tool to strengthen our partnership with the justice system and to continue building relationships in the community." -FWTX Staff
