Key Takeaways
- The Brownsville Police Department has introduced an "impact team" to improve safety in the Midtown Entertainment District.
- The team consists of officers who patrol the area during peak hours, supported by new technology.
- Statistics show a decrease in calls to the police from the bar district in 2024, but an increase in 2025.
- The city is working to enforce an ordinance regulating businesses serving alcohol between midnight and 2 a.m.
- The final reading of the ordinance is set for later this month.
Introduction to the Impact Team
The Brownsville Police Department has taken a proactive approach to improving safety in the Midtown Entertainment District by introducing an "impact team". This team is comprised of officers who patrol the area during peak hours, with the support of new technology to enhance their efforts. The impact team’s primary objective is to ensure that the area remains safe and under control, particularly during times when establishments are most active. According to Brownsville police spokesperson Abril Luna, the team’s presence has led to a significant increase in calls being generated, as officers are now required to report their activities in the area to dispatch.
Statistics on Police Calls
The Brownsville Police Department has shared statistics with Channel 5 News, which provide insight into the number of calls received from the bar district over the years. In 2023, police responded to 921 calls, which is a significant number. However, in 2024, the number of calls dropped to 577, indicating a notable decrease. Unfortunately, the number of calls increased again in 2025, reaching 765. It is essential to note that these numbers only represent a portion of the calls that officers have responded to in the district, as not all calls may have been documented or reported. The fluctuations in the number of calls may be attributed to various factors, including changes in the number of establishments in the area, as well as the impact of the impact team’s efforts.
Ordinance to Regulate Businesses
In an effort to further improve safety in the Midtown Entertainment District, the city is working to enforce an ordinance that would regulate businesses serving alcohol between midnight and 2 a.m. This ordinance is designed to reduce the potential for incidents and ensure that businesses operate responsibly during late-night hours. The final reading of the ordinance is scheduled to take place later this month, and its implementation is expected to have a positive impact on the area. By regulating businesses serving alcohol during late-night hours, the city aims to minimize the risk of accidents, fights, and other incidents that may occur when establishments are open late. The ordinance is a crucial step towards maintaining a safe and secure environment in the Midtown Entertainment District.
Impact of the Impact Team
The introduction of the impact team has been a significant development in the Brownsville Police Department’s efforts to improve safety in the Midtown Entertainment District. By having officers patrol the area during peak hours, the team is able to respond quickly to any incidents that may arise, and their presence serves as a deterrent to potential troublemakers. The use of new technology to support the team’s efforts has also enhanced their ability to monitor the area and respond to calls. As the city continues to work towards enforcing the ordinance regulating businesses serving alcohol, the impact team will play a vital role in ensuring that the area remains safe and secure. The team’s efforts, combined with the implementation of the ordinance, are expected to have a positive impact on the Midtown Entertainment District, making it a safer and more enjoyable place for residents and visitors alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Brownsville Police Department’s introduction of the impact team has been a significant step towards improving safety in the Midtown Entertainment District. The team’s presence, combined with the use of new technology, has led to an increase in calls being generated, and their efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the area. The city’s efforts to enforce an ordinance regulating businesses serving alcohol between midnight and 2 a.m. will further enhance safety in the district. As the final reading of the ordinance approaches, it is clear that the city is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment in the Midtown Entertainment District. With the impact team and the ordinance in place, residents and visitors can expect a safer and more enjoyable experience in the area.
