1986R04- CRIME RATES
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RESOLUTION NO lr0- R - Jf
A RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, in spite of the dedication and best efforts of our
law enforcement community, we find that the crime rate continues
to rise and that our Texas businesses and law abiding citizens
continue to needlessly suffer,
WHEREAS ,
being visited
rectif ied,
the problems caused
upon our citizens
by crime and cr imina 1 acts
is unacceptable and must be
WHEREAS, the first function of government at all levels is
to protect and safeguard the lives and property of its citizens,
WHEREAS, the citizenry requires that governments at all
levels take whatever action and appropriate whatever sums are
necessary to properly fulfill said above referenced first
function of government,
WHEREAS, the law enforcement community and the law abiding
citizens of Texas require that more attention be focused on
crime, solutions identified to address our crime problems, and
actions implemented to solve said crime problems, and
WHEREAS, cities throughout Texas are presently working in a
cooperative endeavor to identify those solutions which may be
implemented unilaterally by the cities and those which requi re
state legislative action, NOW, THEREFORE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SCHERTZ, TEXAS:
THAT the undersigned do hereby resolve and recommend that
each Mayor, Chief of POlice, Commissioner's Court, Sheriff,
District Attorney and all other appropriate officials and
concerned citizens continue the process above described and
develop and support a strong well-rounded anti-crime package to
be presented to the 70th Session of the Texas Legislature to
convene in January, 1987, and
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BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED:
THAT the undersigned find and determine that said anti-crime
legislation is the singular most important issue affecting the
lives, property, and safety of the citizens of Texas which will
be dealt with in said legislative session.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this the if day of ~~
19 8ft, .
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ATTEST:
(SEAL OF CITY)
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CITY OF DALLAS
A. Starke Taylor Jr.
Mayor
February 5, 1986
Mayor Earl W. Sawyer
Ci ty of Schertz
P. O. Drawer I
Schertz, T.X 78154
Dear Mayor Sawyer:
, I am sure you are aware that crime is a major problan that faces all
of us. Crime affects people fran every walk of life and in every area
of our State. No, person or conmuni ty is exarpt. This continual
problan takes an enonnou~ toll, both in tenDS of human misery and as a
disincentive to econanic development. It is extremely important that
each city in Texas take a strong position on this issue of crime. We
IIlISt do all we can to make sure that "crime does not pay in the State
of Texas."
In June 1985, I initiated the Criminal Justice Task Force to look at
the overall crime picture in the City of Dallas, as well as the State
of Texas. This Task Force is looking in detail at the various
components of the criminal justice systan and is suggesting measures,
both immediate and Iong-tenn, on ways to lessen the problan. Many of
these problems can be solved locally, but sane issues IIlISt be
addressed at the state level.
I need your help. Dallas and other cities have joined hands and have
declared war on crime in our respective areas. OUr first goal is to
amend our state laws to make the coomi tting of crimes an accountable
act. Due regard should be given to the constitutional rights of the
accused, but our first priority IIlISt be to ensure that our citizens
are protected and their safety is assured.
OUr Task Force is finalizing the preparation of a broad-based,
comprehensive anti-crime package to present to the Texas Legislature
in January, 1987. This package will be finished no later than March
I, 1986. A statewide crime survey will immediately go into the field
and copies of this IIlInicipally produced package will be made avaiIable
to you and to legislative and statewide candidates.
OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY HALL DALLAS, TEXAS 75201 TELEPHONE 214/670-4054
Criminal Justice
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We need to make sure that each of our state representatives and
senators realize how vi tally essentiaI this anti-crime package is to
our communities. At the present time, we are working closely with the
Governor's Office and various law enforcement support groups. Wi th
additional help and comnitment from you, we collectively can make a
difference.
I also ask for your participation in another area. The enclosed
resolution was unanimously adopted by the CriminaI Justice Task
Force. The cities of Austin and Fort Worth already have passed such a
resolution. We would hope that your ci ty would join us in this
effort. We would ask that your city council consider a simiIar
resolution and alert the media, your local representatives, and all
concerned citizens to this important issue.
Please notify me when you pass such a resolution. If you have any
questions or if I may be of any assistance to you, please call our
project director Sherry Snith at (214) 670-5394. I will keep you
infonned of our ongoing progress. Together, I am confident our Texas
ci ties can uni te to make every town and neighborhood in this State a
safer place to live and work.
:;~r~~~ ~~ Sf
A. STARKE TAYLCR, JR.
Mayor
Ci ty of Dallas