Neither dismal weather nor Game Six kept folks from attending last week's DPD Crime Summit.

Hosted by police from the Northeast Operations Division, officers tipped their hats to recognize volunteers for their work in crime prevention efforts.

Geared toward unifying police officers and neighbors in crime prevention efforts, the summits help build strong working relationships among the 260,000 residents living in the 86 square miles that make up the Northeast Division.

Among the six divisions in the City of Dallas, Northeast is the largest and is responsible for answering the most calls.

Thus far this year, 86,000 calls have been handled by police officers in the Northeast alone.

Deputy Chief Gloria Perez opened the meeting with a year-to-date overview of crime statistics before turning her attention to the Northeast volunteers.

Chief Perez also recognized Lt. Mike Black, who after 29 years and 65 commendations, will be retiring at the end of the year.

The lieutenant was a bit daunted by the applause and standing ovation that followed the announcement.

"He didn't want the attention," Pezez said of Black, "but I gave him one more direct order. Attend!"

Because the summit focused on volunteerism, Perez stressed the importance of 'working smarter' in community partnership with the police department, and she highlighted advances in technology that are helping make that possible.

"When you see suspicious activity, you can now use your Smartphone to communicate with us via iWatchDallas," she explained.

"You can also communicate using Facebook, Twitter, and through our website. We want to encourage your groups to set up Facebook accounts and websites so you can communicate with each other."

Perez noted that Northeast officers have held more community meetings and set up more crime watch programs in apartment complexes, resulting in an increase in Crime Watch groups this year.

Crime Watch Group of the Year went to the Eastwood HOA, whose 63 volunteers logged in 270 Volunteers In Patrol hours in one month, along with other group initiatives.

Break out sessions followed volunteer awards, as groups of residents met with their Sector Police Officers.

Time spent in these sessions was aimed at allowing volunteers and officers the opportunity to better get to know one another.

Neighborhood Policing Officers Mitch Gatson, Bervin Smith and Bert Rippy then elaborated on the new communication tools outlined by Chief Perez.

With iWatchDallas.net, anyone with a Smartphone who witnesses a crime taking place can now text directly to the police, making response times faster.

Officers also shared information concerning the new UV pens available in Operation ID. The UV pens allow serial numbers to be applied to property without defacing it.

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Upcoming Northeast Operations events include:

Volunteers In Patrol Training

November 7th, 8th & 9th
7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
DPD Northeast Substation at 11100 E. Northwest Highway
RSVP required by 11/3

Goldstar Workshop

November 8th
10:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Audelia Road Library at 10045 Audelia Road

BAC-NET Luncheon

November 10th
11:30 a.m.
Lake Highlands Presbyterian Church at 8525 Audelia Road

For more information about these events or to learn more about Northeast Crime Watch, contact Neighborhood Policing Officer Mitch Gatson at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or 214.671.0160.