by Mark Russell, Neighborhood Patrol Officer
Happy Holidays everyone! Wow what a fast paced year it has been. It seems like just yesterday people were taking down their Christmas lights and celebrating the New Year. 2014 is almost here and our little part of the city is making such great improvements. Many dilapidated houses have become beautiful new homes; worn out old buildings are now homes to new, businesses, eateries, taverns and specialty shops. Many of the streets themselves have been improved or are in the process of being renewed. New decorative city street lights have found their way back into the neighborhood. New residents have found us and now call the Near South Side home. So many improvements and too little space to fit them all in this article. Thank you to everyone who has had a part in the revitalization and those of you who strive to continue to make it better. You all are what make this part of the city such a great place to live, eat, shop, socialize and work.

Throughout the year we did see a small spike in crime over the summer time. It was just a little over 20 more crimes from the same time last year but 60+ less than that in 2011 and even significantly less than 2010. Overall crime has seen a steady decrease not just in the Near South Side but the entire city as well.

I strongly believe that decrease is not totally the result of our police department but the total community effort to make our city a safer and inviting place to live. We are now getting more crime watch groups involved, our Citizens On Patrol numbers are increasing and the communication amongst neighbors has seen tremendous growth. Instead of allowing everyone to fend for themselves you all are watching out for one another. The way it used to be, the “ALL FOR ONE AND THE ONE FOR ALL” mentality. As long as we all work together towards the same goal; to make our community safer, we will continue to see crime decrease and the quality of life increase.

Thank you ALL for what you do to make these things happen day in and day out. I hope and pray that each and every one of you have a great holiday season and look forward to an even better 2014.

Mark Russell
Cell: 817.944.6152
Office: 817.392.3964
Marcus.Russell@fortworthtexas.gov