One Safe Houston

Dear Houstonians,

The City of Houston, not unlike all major cities in our nation, has experienced an increase in violent crime as theCOVID-19 pandemic tightened its grip on our city, state and nation. Other factors contributing to the nationwide spike in violent crime include widespread social anxiety, economic uncertainty, mental health concerns, the increased presence of illegally owned firearms, and a strained court system plagued by criminal case backlogs that impact the pretrial, release, and prosecution of violent offenders.

In 2021, the city launched a Violent Crime Initiative that resulted in the reduction of crime in many identified hot spots. By the end of the initiative, all violent crime categories were reduced except homicide. Sadly, the increase in homicides during the first months of 2022 and felonious assaults on police officers and fellow Houstonians is a sobering reminder that we must collaborate, as one community to combat our current crime challenges.

Houstonians, it is time to take our city back! To realize this vision, we are launching the One Safe Houston crime reduction initiative, which focuses on four (4) key areas:

1. Violence Reduction and Crime Prevention
2. Crisis Intervention, Response and Recovery
3. Youth Outreach Opportunities
4. Key Community Partnerships

Much work is already underway within these primary focus areas, but additional work and commitment is needed to have the greatest impact and measure of success. One Safe Houston is a comprehensive violence reduction initiative that links research-based strategies to improve public safety and reduce the harms caused by violent crime. With the collaboration of all stakeholders, I am confident that we will reduce violence and emerge as One Resilient City – One Unified City – One Safe Houston.

Sincerely,

Sylvester Turner
Mayor

Funding Breakdown

As a result of a project funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), the One Safe Houston initiative was launched as a $44 million investment that was later increased to $53 million.

$23 million has been allocated towards Behavioral Health Programs
$9.6 million has been allocated for Domestic and Sexual Abuse Responses
$10.7 million has been allocated to increasing Overtime for HPD
$3 million has been allocated for the implementation of the CURE Violence and Credible Messengers Programs
$1.9 million has been allocated to Increase the Number of Park Rangers by 15
$1 million has been allocated for the creation of a robust Gun Buyback Initiative
$1 million has been allocated to expand the existing Community Re-entry Network Program
$3 million for the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) to address backlog

Given the success of One Safe Houston additional funding has been allocated in its continued success increasing to $72 million to date.

$23 million has been allocated towards Behavioral Health Programs
$9.6 million has been allocated for Domestic and Sexual Abuse Responses
$20 million has been allocated to increasing Overtime for HPD
$3 million has been allocated for the implementation of the CURE Violence and Credible Messengers Programs
$1.9 million has been allocated to Increase the Number of Park Rangers by 15
$1 million has been allocated for the creation of a robust Gun Buyback Initiative
$1 million has been allocated to expand the existing Community Re-entry Network Program
$4.9 million for the Houston Forensic Science Center (HFSC) to address backlog
$974,533 has been allocated to for the purchase of tactical support equipment (Technology Enhancement)
$7.2 million has been allocated for cadet retention

Click graphic above for a full-sized .pdf version.

For a breakdown of programs under these funding categories, click here for a brief funding breakdown summary (.pdf).

Public Safety Initiatives

Youth Outreach Opportunities

Click the link above to read more about: HIre Houston Youth, Gang Prevention Outreach Program, Greater Houston Police Activities League, Explorers, Youth Police Advisory Council, and Teen & Police Academy Service

Bond Company Protocols and Best Practices

The City Legal Department drafted an ordinance for consideration by the Houston City Council, which would require that a bail bond company to charge a premium equal to at least ten percent of the amount of the bail bond set by the court. This will require that the cost of a bail bond be equal to what the public generally believes to be the cost of such a bond rather than some lesser amount. On March 9th, a recommendation of the Harris County Commissioners Bail Bond Board to require that bonding companies collect a minimum percentage of bail before posting a surety bond did not secure enough votes to pass. The breakdown of votes was 4-4, where five votes were needed to pass the proposal. On April 13th, after continued public pressure, the 10% requirement was again considered before the Bail Bond Board, this time receiving six votes from members of the board. The policy is now in effect for all criminal courts in Harris County. In just over 2 months, Mayor Turner was able to rally public support for this best practice, which is now the official policy for all of Harris County and with momentum to becoming a statewide law.

Court Backlog

The City of Houston is poised to work collaboratively with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office to address these challenges; but the fact remains that the criminal court backlog is impacting the County’s ability to bring violent offender cases to completion. Accordingly, it is imperative that all criminal justice stakeholders work together to design a plan to clear the criminal case backlog, especially those involving offenders charged with violent crimes and who pose the greatest risk of harm to our community.

Identify and Address Nuisance Locations

Investigative Divisions within HPD and other city departments will work together to address night club and convenience stores where repeated crimes of violence have occurred.
The City Legal Department drafted an ordinance for consideration by the Houston City Council, which would require strategically placed cameras to survey the immediate and surrounding areas, designate the images to be maintained for a reasonable period, and grants law enforcement access to view images in connection with any criminal investigation. On May 4, 2022, Mayor Sylvester Turner and the City Council approved the proposed amendments to Chapter 30 of the City of Houston Code of Ordinances related to noise and sound level regulation.

Identify Top Hot Spot Crime Neighborhoods

HPD will continue to provide added safety to our shopping areas, synagogues, mosques and other faith-based institutions.

Technology Enhancements

The City of Houston supports the use of data driven, evidence-based law enforcement response strategies. Accordingly, HPD will enhance our crime fighting capabilities by leveraging the following technologies:

Expand the deployment of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) in high crime areas to identify vehicles associated with criminal acts.
Leverage and expand gunshot detection technology for a more rapid response to gun crime related incidents thereby enhancing investigative leads and the possibility of quickly apprehending violent offenders in the commission of crimes involving firearms.
Increase community partnerships to leverage available real time video through programs such as Community Connect, Ring, Nest and other video security platforms.
Enhance the technology capabilities of the Real Time Crime Center (RTCC) and move it toward a true Strategic Decision Support Center.
Improve tactical support equipment upgrade and training for the Houston Police Department.