Dallas Launches Fifth Annual Summer Safety Initiative to Combat Youth Crime

Proven Crime Prevention Strategy Returns

Dallas is doubling down on a successful formula for keeping youth safe with the launch of its fifth annual Summer of Safety program. The Dallas Mayor's Summer of Safety initiative is back for a fifth year. The program aims at keeping Dallas residents ages 13-17 safe and out of trouble during the summer months by offering free or low-cost access to programs and attractions that might otherwise be out of reach for them and their families.

Since the campaign began, the city has seen three consecutive years of violent crime reduction and recently recorded the lowest violent crime numbers in six years. Last summer we lowered violent crime in June and July which is an incredible feat, considering violent crime increases during the summer months , according to Mayor Eric Johnson.

The timing couldn't be more critical as Dallas prepares for increased visibility on the world stage. Curbing summer crime is also top of mind as Dallas prepares for the FIFA World Cup. The host city is set to welcome thousands of visitors from across the world to downtown Dallas and Fair Park.

Comprehensive Activities for Every Teen

Dallas Park and Recreation and several local partners have teamed up to offer up to 10,000 City of Dallas Teens (ages 13-17) FREE activities during the month of July! Visit any Dallas Recreation Center to sign up and receive your FREE All Access Pass! These passes provide access to popular destinations including the Arboretum, Trinity River Audubon Center, Holocaust Museum, Southern Skates Roller Rink, Perot Museum .

The Mayor's Youth Sports Ticket Program is an initiative created to welcome local youth to area professional, collegiate, and amateur sporting events at no charge. Dallas residents between the ages of 12 and 17 are eligible to participate with a goal of including sports fans who might otherwise not be able to attend their hometown teams' events.

Several city departments partner for Summer of Safety, including Dallas ISD, the Dallas Police Department, the Dallas Public Library and Dallas Park and Recreation. The collaboration extends to specialized programs like the Police Explorers initiative, which offers youths between the ages 14-21, a chance to learn about law enforcement .

Building Community Connections

The program emphasizes positive interactions between youth and law enforcement officers. It's so important that the first time a child meets a DPD officer is not always in a time of crisis but as a friend, as a trusted member of the community, as someone they can count on , explained Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia.

The summer safety is about making sure that every kid in Dallas, no matter where they live or how much money they make, has a summer full of stuff to do , Mayor Johnson emphasized. So there is no reason that any youth in this community should be susceptible to violence or being involved in a crime this summer. We have so much for them to do.

Looking Ahead

Dallas officials are enhancing security measures beyond youth programming. We're really looking at some of the extras, like the mounting unit, we have more horses that's going to be available this year. We just purchased eight new horses. We added some additional motor units. So we're going to have more officers on motorcycles out there , Chief Comeaux noted.

The expansion reflects Dallas's broader ambition. Dallas is making great strides toward becoming the safest big city in America , Johnson declared. With proven results and expanded offerings, this summer's program positions Dallas as a model for other cities seeking to reduce youth crime through engagement rather than enforcement alone.