Working Together to Make Downtown Safer

Working Together to Make Downtown Safer

At the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office, we are proud to be part of the broad coalition working to make Downtown Dallas safer, healthier, and more equitable for everyone who lives, works, and visits here.

The recent data released by our partners at Downtown Dallas, Inc. (DDI) and the Dallas Police Department is not just encouraging- it’s a testament to what’s possible when public and private agencies align their efforts. Downtown crime has dropped 23% in the first seven months of 2025 compared to last year. That includes a 48% drop in non-family violence aggravated assaults, a 59% reduction in residential burglaries, and a 42% decrease in stolen vehicles. These are more than just numbers- they reflect safer streets and effective strategies.

Courtesy: Safe in the City (8/21/25)

This success is not the result of a single policy or agency. It’s the product of collaboration across city departments, law enforcement, housing advocates, business leaders, and nonprofit service providers. The DA’s Office remains committed to supporting smart, coordinated strategies like the Street-to-Home initiative, which has already helped over 250 individuals transition from homelessness to housing.

As public safety leaders, we recognize that enforcement alone is not the answer. Sustainable progress requires compassion paired with structure. Our Mental Health Division exemplifies this approach. Its mission is to stop the cycle of those with mental health and addiction issues being caught in the criminal justice system while continuing to safeguard the community. Since District Attorney Creuzot took office, the division has shifted to focusing on connecting individuals to services instead of incarceration. Between October 2023 and April 2024 alone, the Mental Health Division saved over 91,000 jail days and $7.7 million, which allowed the team to grow to 24 members, including attorneys, peer support specialists, and case workers.

This approach is making a measurable difference. Nationally, recidivism for persons with mental illness ranges from 50% to 70%, but Dallas’ Mental Health Division reports participation in our Mental Health Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) Program have recidivism rates of just 20% one year after participation and 15% after two years. Acceptance and successful completion of PTI programs can even result in dismissal of charges — a win for individuals and public safety alike. This office also recently contributed $250,000 in forfeiture funds to expand RIGHT Care services in Dallas, further enhancing community support.

We also know that laws matter- and that prosecutors have a role to play in shaping smarter ones. That’s why we helped craft Texas Senate Bill 1646, a new law that increases penalties for the theft or destruction of copper and brass from critical infrastructure- like telecommunications lines, power stations, and emergency response systems. This legislation, which goes into effect this fall, reflects the growing concern over thefts that threaten public safety and disrupt essential services. Our office worked with legislators and public safety partners to help ensure the law targets organized criminal activity while supporting legitimate businesses and infrastructure operators.

Our office remains committed to using our tools, data, and partnerships to continue this momentum. Downtown is on the right path.