The results of Operation Justice Trail, Dallas’ first significant crime program, which began last month and has resulted in almost 100 arrests, have been made public by the city’s new police chief.
Ten people with a combined total of more than 90 prior charges have been among the 98 people arrested as a result of the operation, which aims to remove violent felons from the streets.
At a press conference held at the Dallas Police Department headquarters, Police Chief Daniel Comeaux stated, “The goal was to identify and find all felons that were walking around on the streets of Dallas.” “Any felon that was out free, we wanted to put them in custody.”
The U.S. Marshals Service, the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, and the Dallas Police Department are working together on the project. Officials announced a reward for three of the city’s most wanted offenders as part of the crackdown.
The Dallas Police Department’s Assistant Chief Catrina Shead issued a severe warning to fugitives.
“Our message is clear—we’re putting violent felons on notice,” Shead stated. “If you are wanted, turn yourself in and know that we are determined to pursue every measure to take you into custody.””Our message is clear—we’re putting violent felons on notice,” Shead said. “If you are wanted, turn yourself in and know that we are determined to pursue every measure to take you into custody.”
Authorities were questioned about why so many criminals with a total of 700 convictions were at large despite the operation’s success.
John Creuzot, the Dallas County District Attorney, clarified that his office had no discretion over first bond decisions.
“There could be a situation where any one of these or any other individuals—high profile, high crime—could be arrested and bonded out,” Creuzot stated. “We do not set the bonds in the DA’s office. And unfortunately, the way the system is set up in Dallas County, we’re not even present when the initial bonds are set.”
ICE holds on three of the 98 people that were arrested suggest they might be in the country illegally.
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The program will continue into the summer, when violent crime in the city usually increases. The National Black Police Association’s president, Dallas Police Sgt. Sheldon Smith, emphasized the significance of their objective.
“It’s a job that needs to be done,” Smith stated. “Somebody has to do it. We’re very blessed to have the ability to do it. But we realize we can’t do it alone.”
Authorities have reaffirmed their commitment to dealing with repeat offenders by offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information that result in the arrest of wanted violent felons in an effort to entice the public to get involved.
