Midtown Houston is a neighborhood on the rise with more people moving in, businesses opening, and parks and public spaces alive with activity. But as Midtown continues to grow, so does the need for consistent, visible public safety.
The Houston Police Department’s South Central Division is working in close partnership with community stakeholders to create a safer Midtown through the Directed Targeted Enforcement Program (DTEP), in which officers analyze crime trends and respond to calls for service—deploying officers strategically based on real-time needs and emerging patterns.
To address these concerns, officers have launched a focused initiative within the Midtown patrol zone, known as 10H40. The Midtown zone is bordered by I-45 to the north, Louisiana Street and Highway 288 to the west, Texas Spur 5 to the east, and Highway 90 to the south.
Through this program, officers increase patrol coverage in high-priority areas to address safety concerns head-on and ensure that everyone who lives, works, and visits Midtown feels safer, supported, and connected to their community. By maintaining a consistent presence and enforcing laws uniformly, the DTEP is helping reduce the fear of crime and improve overall quality of life in Midtown.
Tangible Progress and a Safer Midtown
Since launching in May 2024, the Directed Targeted Enforcement (DTE) Program has made a meaningful impact across Midtown’s 10H40 beat. As of April 2025, officers participating in the initiative have issued more than 113 warrants and 100 traffic citations—removing dangerous drivers from the roads and responding swiftly to criminal activity. They’ve made 32 arrests for felony and misdemeanor offenses, seized weapons and narcotics, and even recovered a stolen vehicle. Each action contributes to the enhanced safety for everyone who lives, works, or visits the neighborhood.
Importantly, the program is also grounded in accountability and education. Officers have issued dozens of civil warnings with a focus on informing, not penalizing, individuals where appropriate. This balanced approach reinforces community trust while maintaining order.
A Broader Strategy for Community Safety
The DTE Program is a part of a larger public safety strategy powered by collaboration and community investment. Initially funded by the Ion District and Midtown’s Public Safety Budget, the program was extended in November 2024 due to its early success, with a third phase tentatively set to begin in May 2025.
It complements other Midtown enhanced safety efforts, including the Midtown Bike Patrol—a visible and approachable presence on the streets—and the new innovative Flock camera system, which provides real-time vehicle surveillance data to law enforcement. These coordinated efforts, backed by strong partnerships between HPD and the Midtown Management District, ensure that enhanced safety measures are not only responsive but impactful. Since 2019, According to the Houston Chronicle, Midtown has experienced a 23% decrease in crime.
Together, these tools and strategies create a more connected Midtown—one where enhanced public safety projects grow hand-in-hand with community well-being.
What’s Next
Attend our virtual committee meetings and future board meetings to be part of the solution driven conversation. Details for public meetings are available at midtownhouston.com. Information on filing a police report can be found here.
Your vigilance and involvement play a vital role in creating a safer Midtown. If you See something, Say Something. For more information or assistance, contact us at 713-526-7577 or email [email protected]