Dallas mayor calls for increased support for police: 'Every single one of our residents deserves to be safe'

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson is calling for increased support for the Dallas Police Department in its effort to reduce crime, stating his dedication to police in his State of the City address on Nov. 15.

Eddie Garcia, Dallas' police chief, posted a photo of Johnson on Twitter and expressed his support for the mayor.

"During his State of the City Address, @Johnson4Dallas, as always, spoke about his unwavering support and acknowledgement of the sacrifices made by the men and women of @DallasPD," Garcia wrote. "He’s NEVER wavered, he didn’t wait for it to become popular. That’s OUR mayor. We grind for Dallas!"

According to a Dallas Morning News report, Johnson addressed topics such as public safety, homelessness and economic growth during the speech Nov. 15, as well as his hopes of returning to "normal" after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Johnson discussed his loyalty to the police department and the importance of supporting police during their efforts to reduce crime. Dallas police data shows that violent crime has fallen by 12%, which Johnson credits to the Dallas Police Department's violent crime reduction plan, which consists of placing more officers in areas that have traditionally high crime rates, the story said.

Johnson added that the city has allocated funds to increase officer positions by 250 next year, which will further help the crime reduction plan. “We must be guided by the core belief that every single one of our residents deserves to be safe,” he said. Johnson also wants to improve lighting in high-crime areas.