DALLAS (1080)- The new plan for fighting crime, laid out by Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, has a good chance of success, Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot said.
The plan uses data to plot out areas of the city that are likely to see spikes in crime. Known as Focused Deterrence, the chief’s proposal calls for more law enforcement in areas at risk for violent crime. Creuzot says his office is ready to take the ball after arrests are made. Creuzot knows it’s high on the priority list, calling the replacement of former police chief U. Renee Hall with Garcia a decision made because of rising crime on the street “gut retching.”
“We’re the last section of the justice system. And that is where cases go to trial. We do not patrol the streets.” Creuzot said.
The District Attorney’s office is working with cities beyond Dallas, such as Garland, to implement the research-driven reports. Creuzot sees the D.A.’s office as the center-point in a plan that allows police and prosecutors to be proactive.
Creuzot is also looking forward to expanding care for the mentally ill. Creuzot says his office is reviewing past shootings involving police officers to see what percentage could have been resolved if mental health workers had been allowed to step in. A pilot program that includes Carrollton, Farmer’s Branch, Addison and Coppell is has already started.
Another looming problem will be resolving the backlog of cases awaiting trial and the number of violent offenders who are out of jail on lowered bond while awaiting trial. The D.A’s office is working on securing longer sentences in plea bargains to help resolve the overload, said Creuzot.
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