What you need to know
The unit is composed of six positions—one sergeant, one detective and four patrol-level officers, Sgt. Seth King said.
In addition to responding to calls during regular scheduled hours, officers said they patrol the area to create a high-visibility presence and deter crime.
"If we can deter the crime, that is just as good as stopping [crime] in progress,” King said.
The unit responds to calls for service in the district, particularly for property crimes, and collaborates with the unit's detectives on investigations.
Because these officers are dedicated to this district, they can devote a larger percentage of their time to investigations and follow up more thoroughly than a typical patrol officer, King said.
Why it matters
Tonio Esperanza, who works at the Walmart located off FM 646 and I-45, recalls when robbers shoved his co-worker before stealing a handful of iPhones in August.
“He shoved him to the ground and started to run off,” Esperanza said.
That Walmart and a jewelry store located in an H-E-B on the other side of I-45, which was targeted by thieves this summer, are both located in the district.
By the numbers
On average, about 18% of all calls for service for the entire city originate from the business district, located along I-45 and FM 646, King said.
Between 2020 and 2024, the total number of calls for service in the business district ranged from a low of 5,050 to a peak of 5,279, King said.
A Department of Justice grant will cover up to 75% of entry-level salaries; however, the city will cover 25% of additional costs for the salaries of more experienced officers, which is expected to be around $322,000 over three years, King said.
What else?
A significant component of the department's strategy involves enhancing communication and prioritizing unreported crime, King said.
"One of the primary goals is to build relationships with the businesses and increase communication,” King said.
The LCPD is encouraging business owners to report all crimes, regardless of their severity. This is vital because seemingly minor crimes may be part of a larger trend or linked to crimes at nearby businesses, King said.
The department is currently conducting surveys—distributing cards with QR codes door-to-door to gather data from firms about unreported crime—hoping to gain a more complete picture of local crime trends, League City Communications Director Sarah Osbourne said.
Looking ahead
King said he expects that by encouraging businesses to report all crimes, it will initially result in a slight increase in the number of calls for service, followed by a decline overall.
The initial goal is to reduce the overall number of calls in the district by approximately 10%, he said.
