Pharr Police Department Smart Policing Initiative

The Smart Policing Initiative seeks to build upon the concepts of offender-based and place-based policing and broaden the knowledge of effective policing strategies. The most convincing research demonstrates that place-based or hotspot policing reduces violent crime and neighborhood disorder. This initiative addresses the need for effective policing that requires a tightly focused, collaborative approach that is measurable, based on sound, detailed analysis and includes policies and procedures for accountability. This grant program seeks to build upon data-driven, evidence-based policing by encouraging state and local law enforcement agencies to develop effective, economical, and innovative responses to precipitous or extraordinary increases in crime, or in a type or types of crime within their jurisdictions.

The Pharr Police Department will address violent crime involving Mexican drug cartels and border related street crimes. Through the grant, place-based, offender-based, and holistic problem-solving approaches will be implemented and tested in randomly selected areas where chronic, violent street crimes are occurring. Data collection, analysis, and dissemination of findings will be completed with assistance from the University of Texas-Pan American.

NCA/NCF