Dallas Police say a month-long operation has led to the arrest of 98 people without outstanding felony warrants. They run "Operation Justice Trail" during May and worked with the Dallas County District Attorney and U.S. Marshall.
"The goal was to identify and find all felons who were walking around on the streets of Dallas," says Police Chief Daniel Comeaux. "Any felon who was out free, we wanted to put them in custody. We wanted to get all felons in jail."
Comeaux says the 98 who were arrested had been arrested a total of 700 times in the past. He says charges included capital murder, aggravated assault, aggravated robbery and sex crimes.
"It is our goal to keep everyone safe in Dallas and make Dallas the safest large city in the United States," he says. "In our efforts, I feel like we're going in the right direction."
"This operation was a key component of our comprehensive crime reduction plan," says Assistant Chief Catrina Shead.
This week, Dallas Police presented crime statistics to the City Council. Through the end of May, they say violent crime had dropped 13.5% from the same time last year.
Dallas Police say murder is down 33.7%, business robbery is down 19.8% and aggravated assault is down 16.3%.
Shead says Operation started at the beginning of May but is ongoing.
"Right now, today, there is someone who is getting a violent, felony warrant," she says. "Or there is someone who is committing a felony right now who will soon have a warrant and will soon be on our list."
Acting U.S. Marshal Marco Villarreal says the agency has had an office in North Texas since 1879 and has working relationships with local police and sheriff's departments.
"This operation is a great example of the ongoing collaboration bringing everybody together to locate and apprehend dangerous fugitives," he says.
Comeaux says Dallas Police are using technology to aid investigations and make arrests on major crimes.
"We can see you. We're watching you," he says. "The camera system here is amazing. Officers do an amazing job clearing cases, but trust me, it's because the camera system is there and helps them be able to track you, follow you. We know what you're doing. We know who you are."
