What is the District J Patrol Initiative?
The District J Patrol Initiative is a three-pronged approach to community management that bridges the gap between law enforcement officers in District J and the communities they serve. This new public safety initiative includes community patrolling by the Houston Police Department’s Differential Response Team (DRT), the use of two new Polaris vehicles, and the community-led District J Patrol Task Team.
What types of residential issues will the patrol address in this initiative?
The (DRT) is a group of officers specially trained to use problem-solving strategies in community policing. On this patrol they will be addressing “quality of life” concerns and neighborhood violations. Some examples of these types of concerns are as follows: junk motor vehicles, pan-handling, prostitution, illegal parking, graffiti abatement, and several other neighborhood violations that affect the quality of life of the residents of District J. These officers undergo departmental training for certification every year to seek the root causes of community crime issues. Members of the DRT will work in collaboration with the District J Patrol Task Team to tackle these issues and concerns.
How does this patrol differ from normal police patrol?
This patrol is different in a couple ways. First, the patrol is strictly dedicated to “quality of life” concerns and neighborhood violations, and that means that the DRT officers will only be addressing these types of issues during this initiative. Second, because on this patrol we have limited resources to utilize; therefore, while on this patrol their approach will be very specific and targeted based off the requests that are submitted on the portal and by the Task Team members.
What is the purpose of using Polaris vehicles?
Two new Polaris vehicles for DRT officers to use while patrolling are reserved for District J, and they allow officers to patrol the area in unique ways by giving them access to areas that are unavailable to regular patrol cars. The fully equipped Polaris vehicles, which can go up to speeds of 60 mph, can go off road for patrolling in parks and bayous, vacant lots, within apartment complexes, and they’re designed in an “open” concept, allowing officers to fully engage with residents while patrolling. The vehicles also have a distinct look which will ensure increased presence awareness. District J is the only district in the city of Houston with these dedicated vehicles for a dedicated patrol.
What areas will this initiative patrol?
The goal is for the District J Patrol to serve the entire district, which is anticipated to happen when additional funding and resources are identified. As the program gets underway, the patrols will mainly focus on residential areas.
What days and times will they be patrolling?
The days and times will vary according to accommodate the needs of the District and to align with law enforcement strategy.
Will apartment complexes be included in this patrol?
As additional funding and resources become available, DRT officers will serve in these areas as a part of this over time initiative. Apartment complexes will continue to receive regular HPD patrol for the time being.
How do residents submit a request or issue?
District J residents may submit a request via the District J Patrol portal, which can be accessed at www.districtjpatrol.com.
How does this differ from 311?
The District J Patrol portal was developed and created for the issues that will be addressed by the DRT officers on this OT program, which primarily focuses on “quality of life” concerns and neighborhood violations. The 311 system is for everything that needs to be addressed city-wide.
How long will this initiative last?
The initiative will last as long as funding is available.
How is this initiative funded?
The District J Patrol Initiative, including the Polaris vehicles and officer patrol shifts, are completely funded by District J’s Council District Service Fund dollars. Patrol shifts will begin with officers using overtime pay, several days a week, and will increase as the program evolves