Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
The city of Pharr has recorded a 23.3 percent overall drop in crime since 2022, according to Chief of Police Juan Gonzalez, who attributes the decline to data-driven policing strategies, community partnerships, and targeted deployment of resources.
Gonzalez said the department relies on forecasting based on recent trends to proactively address crime and traffic safety concerns. Through the Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety model, officers integrate location-based crime and traffic data using GIS mapping to identify areas with high incidences of criminal activity and vehicle crashes. “This predictive, location-based approach allows us to deploy law enforcement resources efficiently and effectively, ensuring the right resources are in the right place at the right time,” Gonzalez said.
The department uses collected data to guide targeted deployments, including placing SkyCop cameras in high-need locations and assigning patrol officers strategically throughout the city based on current trends. Gonzalez said the department’s motorcycle unit also plays a key role in addressing traffic safety issues, helping reduce crashes and traffic violations while supporting broader crime prevention efforts.
Community partnerships have also contributed to the decline, Gonzalez said. Through programs such as Pharr Crime Stoppers, residents can share information to help prevent and solve crimes. The department’s Adult and Youth Police Academies provide community members with insight into law enforcement operations to build transparency and trust. The Neighborhood Watch Program encourages collaboration between officers and residents to promote shared responsibility for public safety.
The department’s Community Engagement Unit works with local businesses to promote crime prevention strategies and maintain open communication, Gonzalez said. The Mental Health Unit hosts events, including the Mind Matters Health Fair, Stick With Me initiative, and Walking to Wellness event, to promote mental health awareness and community well-being. Partnerships with local school districts help maintain a law enforcement presence on campuses and address safety concerns proactively.
On a day-to-day basis, Chief Gonzalez said, officers review crime data to determine where incidents occur. “We use this data to allocate resources where needed,” he said.
Traffic accidents have also declined by 20 to 30 percent monthly since the completion of interchange construction in the city, according to Chief Gonzalez. He said infrastructure improvements were designed to accommodate high traffic volumes. With improved traffic flow and additional lanes, motorists now have more space to travel safely, contributing to fewer crashes. During construction, road closures and detours caused heavier congestion and delays, which he said contributed to an increase in accidents at the time.
To sustain the reductions in crime, Chief Gonzalez said the department is focused on recruitment and retention. Through a partnership with the STC Regional Police Academy, the department maintains a pipeline of qualified candidates, while an in-house recruitment team attends job fairs and outreach events throughout the year. The department also supports professional development to retain current employees.
Chief Gonzalez said the city will continue supporting specialized units, including the motorcycle unit, mounted patrol unit, mental health unit, and community engagement unit. He added that the department will remain focused on monitoring trends and using police data to guide strategic deployment and proactive public safety initiatives.
