Governor Abbott is sending in the 21st Century version of the cavalry to help deal with San Antonio's double digit spike in violent crime and gang violence, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The governor has announced that the Texas Department of Public Safety dispatch DPS Troopers and Texas Rangers to San Antonio to deal with violent crime, especially on the city's east and northeast sides.
“My top priority as Governor is the safety of our citizens and communities in Texas,” said Governor Abbott. “That is why I’m committing state resources to support our local law enforcement partners and locally-elected officials of San Antonio and Bexar County to crack down on and combat violent crime."
The governor said Highway Patrol Troopers will make up Trooper Strike Teams, which the Texas Rangers will be part of a special Felony Fugitive Team, and elite DPS Special Agents will work Violent Crime Squads.
All will work in cooperation with San Antonio Police.
“The cowardly criminals seeking to prey on our communities and those who make a living by habitually committing violent crimes should know this: we are looking for you and we will be putting you out of business," Chief William McManus said.
In addition, DPS officers will help with communications and DPS aircraft will be avalalble to local officials 24/7.
A similar program was announced earlier this year in Harris Cokunty, and it has resulted in 339 felony arrests and 77 gang investigations, and has also broken up 25 robbery crews believed to be responsible for 198 robberies.