Because of the drastic spike in violent crime in 2016, officials with the Dallas Police Department are changing the way they police by increasing their presence and educating the youth.
Dallas reported a nearly 30 percent spike in murders in the city for 2016. The department recognized the problem and interim Chief of Police David Pughes said they have worked hard to address it.
"We had a huge increase in property crimes, homicides, overall crime that we hadn't seen in a long time, we put together an approach to reduce that crime and we were effective," said Pughes.
The increase in crime is being attributed to the staffing shortage caused by the ongoing battle with the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System.
Residents in South Dallas near Fair Park told NBC 5 that it's working. They say they've seen less gang activity, drug deals and shootings.
"I notice a lot more police activity, police cars driving by," said longtime Fair Park resident Exzavier Davis. "They stop crime, criminals from committing crimes, people are afraid to go to jail."
The department also has a plan to work with community leaders and church congregations. Those meetings are scheduled for this week.
