Forney Police Use New Sales Tax Funds to Address Growth and Traffic Demands

Forney's Public Safety Funding Initiative

• 🗳️ Voters approved a new crime control and prevention district in November, dedicating 25% of Forney's sales tax to public safety.
• 💰 This initiative is projected to generate over $2 million annually to address the demands of the city's rapid growth.

Addressing Traffic Congestion

• 🚗 Traffic is a top concern for Forney Police Chief Carrie White, with over 120 crashes reported monthly last year.
• ⏱️ These accidents consume officer time and impact response capabilities for other emergencies.
• 🛠️ New funds will enable the department to hire more officers, upgrade equipment, and implement technology to clear roadways faster.

Department Growth and Staffing

• 📈 The Forney Police Department has grown from 37 officers in 2022 to 51 currently.
• 🎯 A staffing study aims to add 19 patrol officers over the next five years, with plans for an updated study next budget year due to business expansion.
• ⚠️ The department currently faces shortages with eight officer vacancies and five dispatcher vacancies.

Enhancing Community Safety

• 🚓 The goal is to create a better-equipped force with faster response times, ensuring residents feel confident in the city's commitment to safety amidst expansion.
• 🛍️ Initiatives also include crime prevention efforts to ensure a safe shopping experience for residents and visitors.