Problem-Solving Team Seeks Lasting Solutions  View video 

The City of Irving is taking steps to proactively resolve problems of chronic crime, disorder and wide-ranging code violations through the use of a problem-solving team.

Three officers and a sergeant were selected to guide police efforts and work collaboratively with other city departments to clean up troublesome areas. Using data and analysis, they identify recurring offenses and pinpoint their physical location.

“The team is designed to consider all of the city’s resources we can utilize not just for the short term, but to provide a lasting solution,” said Assistant Police Chief Steve Ramsey.

In November, the team was ready to test its new initiative. With the ultimate goal of creating a cleaner, safer neighborhood for residents, team members conducted on-site inspections of substandard, multifamily housing units on Tudor Lane and Riverview Drive. They identified all code violations and focused on eliminating the criminal element.

Ramsey said, “We found that analyzing data provided by various city departments helps us target the areas most in need of attention. This allows us to get to the root of the problem and helps us to provide a better quality of life to residents affected by these issues.”

Simone Hunt, a resident of Tudor Lane and mother of three, had no heat in her apartment. She praised Code Enforcement and the city’s Housing and Human Services Department for helping her relocate to a new home.

Her family was placed in a hotel room while she looked for a new place to live, then city staff assisted her with the move.

As a result of the team effort in November, Code Enforcement has inspected the properties twice, issuing 124 citations to the landlord. A third inspection was scheduled for late January. Police have made 35 arrests, and of those at least 10 residents with criminal histories have moved out. Law enforcement also has written 112 citations.

“We are really excited about this new team initiative and look forward to making a difference in the Irving community,” Ramsey said.