DALLAS — Gov. Greg Abbott announced Wednesday that the Department of Public Safety will provide support in the city of Dallas after a recent increase in violent crimes.


What You Need To Know

  • DPS special agents, state troopers to support DPS gang and drug investigative operations, and a team of DPS intelligence analysts will be deployed

  • Announcement comes amid several fatal shooting, including hip-hop entertainer Mo3

  • Dallas Police Department will be able to request additional help if needed

According to the press release, DPS will be deploying multiple resources to support this operation, including DPS special agents and state troopers, to support DPS gang and drug investigative operations, and a team of DPS intelligence analysts.

The deployment comes amid several fatal shootings within the past few weeks, including hip-hop entertainer Melvin Noble, better known by his stage name, Mo3. The 28-year-old was shot November 11 on Interstate 35 at Clarendon Drive in Oak Cliff, according to the Dallas Police Department. The suspect remains at-large.

"The rise in violent crime in the city of Dallas is unacceptable, and the Texas Department of Public Safety will assist the Dallas Police Department in their efforts to protect the community and reduce this surge in crime," said Abbott in the release. "Every Texan deserves to feel safe in their own community, and the State of Texas will continue to provide the city of Dallas with the resources they need to crack down on this heinous activity and protect Dallas residents."

 

The department will also provide two helicopters and two patrol planes to provide direct air support and a team of Texas Rangers to support the Dallas Police Department homicide investigations.

DPD will also be able to request any additional help if needed.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson released this statement on Twitter following the governor’s announcement:

“I am grateful for the Governor’s willingness to assist Dallas as we combat the unacceptable increases in violent crime in our city. As I said today, this ongoing situation requires an all-hands-on-deck response, and I will continue to push for strategies and partnerships that will reduce crime in our neighborhoods. The people of Dallas deserve our unwavering commitment to their safety.”