Uptown Dallas Inc. Unveils New Safety Headquarters
Uptown Dallas Inc. on Tuesday unveiled its new safety headquarters, which is intended to allow for quicker response times to lower-level incidents in the Uptown area.
The initiative is a partnership with the Dallas Police Department. Police chief Daniel Comeaux said at a press conference the new safety headquarters, located at 2222 McKinney Ave., across from Hotel Crescent Court, will work both to bolster public safety by bringing officers closer to the community and by allowing residents to have access to public safety resources.
How the Safety Headquarters Will Work
Noelle LeVeaux, interim UDI executive director, said the center will have a security team and live dispatchers on-site to allow for quicker responses to incidents in the Uptown area.
Security guards will be dispatched to less severe incidents, allowing for an immediate response to something police may take longer to get to, officials said. The center will have a quick-line to Dallas police if there is an emergency, she said.
“This safety HQ is a proactive investment in visibility, coordination and public safety, not just for those who live here, but for everyone who interacts with Uptown every day,” LeVeaux said. “This space strengthens how we operate and how we partner. It’s a clear signal of our continued commitment to making Uptown not just vibrant, but safe, connected and future-ready.”
Features of the Safety Headquarters
The space will have monitors displaying live video feeds from throughout the district and spaces for Dallas police and other organizations to conduct meetings, collaborate and spend more time in the area, according to a press release.
The headquarters is expected to open by July 1, LeVeaux said.
Community Feedback and Partnerships
LeVeaux said UDI will conduct a survey to gauge how the residents and businesses in Uptown feel about public safety.
“It’s not an exact science but it is better than anecdotal information,” she said.
Comeaux said having the center within walking distance to everything in the community will help people feel safer by having a visible presence in the neighborhood. He said anyone can walk into the center and find someone who is able to help them.
Partnerships with Local Businesses
This is a continuation of the proactive efforts aimed at decreasing crime in the area, LeVeaux said. She said UDI is trying to partner with businesses within the district and gain access to their cameras to have a better view of the busy area.
The location of the center is also strategic, as it is located on the other end of Uptown from UDI’s main headquarters, located at 3600 McKinney Ave., allowing their security officers to cover the whole neighborhood.
Crime Reduction Efforts
Dallas police have been focused on reducing response times throughout the city, Comeaux said. He said there has been an 8% reduction in response time over the last month on priority one calls and 3% on priority two calls.
Ramsey March, an Uptown business owner and UDI board member, said perception of safety in Uptown has increased in recent years since “low points” in 2020 and 2021.
March said it has been the goal of UDI to have a physical presence in the neighborhood to let residents know safety is taken seriously, as well as having a place where people can go for help.
Community Collaborations
Comeaux said collaborations within the community help raise awareness and provide education about public safety among residents.
“We’re working together to keep everyone in Dallas safe, and right now, I’m happy to say that all crimes are down in the Uptown area, and it’s because of the collaboration, it’s because of the awareness and education that we’re going to continue to provide to everyone,” he said.
Conclusion
The new safety headquarters is a significant step towards improving public safety in the Uptown area. With its strategic location, live video feeds, and partnerships with local businesses, it is well-equipped to provide a quick and effective response to incidents in the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the purpose of the new safety headquarters?
A: The purpose of the new safety headquarters is to provide a quick and effective response to incidents in the Uptown area, and to serve as a hub for community collaborations and public safety education.
Q: Where is the safety headquarters located?
A: The safety headquarters is located at 2222 McKinney Ave., across from Hotel Crescent Court.
Q: When is the safety headquarters expected to open?
A: The safety headquarters is expected to open by July 1.
Q: What features will the safety headquarters have?
A: The safety headquarters will have monitors displaying live video feeds from throughout the district, spaces for Dallas police and other organizations to conduct meetings and collaborate, and a quick-line to Dallas police in case of emergencies
