HPD’s Crime Reduction Unit Arrests More Than 200 in First Assignment November 20, 2007 - The Houston Police Department’s newest crime fighting team hunkered down in a southwest Houston neighborhood for two weeks and swept up 269 criminals in its wake as it completed its first assignment of ridding streets and neighborhoods of crime. More than 50 uniformed officers on foot and in patrol vehicles saturated the Club Creek area of the city and made their presence felt at apartment complexes, street corners and businesses. The officers, assigned to the HPD Crime Reduction Unit (CRU), took numerous career criminals off the streets. Of those arrested, two had been handled in the criminal justice system for murder, 19 had been charged in previous robbery cases, 10 had prior sex offenses, 39 were handled on past weapons charges, 46 had previous burglary charges and 46 others had committed auto thefts at one time or another. "When I announced intentions to form the CRU, I made it clear I wanted our officers to identify and arrest as many fugitives, repeat offenders and criminals as possible,” said Police Chief Harold Hurtt. “And the fact we've arrested 269 individuals - 179 of them for felony crimes - executed 23 felony warrants, and seized 21 guns from our streets, tells me this team means business. Many of these individuals arrested are career criminals, with 377 previous narcotics cases in their pasts,” the Chief said. "We hope this first assignment for our CRU sends a clear message to criminals in this city: If you are attempting to take over neighborhoods and victimizing our citizens, we're coming after you. If you don't believe us, ask the 269 suspects we just put in jail,” Chief Hurtt added. The Crime Reduction Unit and its six squads are set to take on its second assignment and target an undisclosed neighborhood in the City of Houston in the police department’s continuous efforts to “Keep Houston Safe.” JFC/VHS 11-20-07 For additional information, please contact the HPD Public Affairs Division at 713-308-3200. |