The Harris County Sheriff’s Office Initiates DDACTS Program
The Sheriff’s Office is on the path to implementing a proven, evidence-based policing strategy called Data-Driven Approaches to Crime and Traffic Safety (DDACTS). This operational model is rooted in local data collection and analysis and establishes effective methods for deploying law enforcement personnel and other critical resources to crime, crash and traffic-related hot spot areas.

“Hot spot technologies have given us the ability to understand crime and traffic patterns, as well as patterns of victimization,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “DDACTS is a cost-effective approach and powerful tool that leverages technology and data to tell us when and where to focus our countermeasures for long-term change.”

The goal of DDACTS is to develop strategic and analysis-driven operational plans that reduce high incidences of crashes and crime, as well as overall social harm over time. It starts with building community relationships and partnerships and draws on the deterrent value of high-visibility, targeted patrol and traffic enforcement.
Dozens of our teammates across our agency – command staff, patrol district leaders, patrol deputies, Crime Reduction Unit deputies, traffic investigators, and crime analysts – attended a day-long workshop on the DDACTS model. Over the next several weeks and months, we will be working toward implementing this initiative as a pilot program in Patrol District I in north Harris County. 

The move toward a greater reliance on data analysis to identify the nexus of crashes and crime builds on our philosophy of community-oriented policing and reinforces the vital role that our residents and partners play in ensuring public safety. As first responders, we know firsthand that crashes and crime often occur in close proximity and that crimes regularly involve the use of motor vehicles. We also know that vehicle stops can yield valuable intelligence.

DDACTS promotes transparency and accountability and demonstrates the power of data to address disproportionately affected areas. It also employs routine information sharing among key divisions in our agency and underscores the collective ownership of the initiative.
“Hot spot technologies have given us the ability to understand crime and traffic patterns, as well as patterns of victimization,” said Sheriff Ed Gonzalez. “DDACTS is a cost-effective approach and powerful tool that leverages technology and data to tell us when and where to focus our countermeasures for long-term change.”
Most importantly, it’s information we can act on. Regularly generated progress reports by our crime analysts on the type of crime or crash, its location, and the time of day that it occurred will keep deputies and residents informed and lay the foundation for assessing effectiveness in the use of specific operational techniques and personnel deployment. This constant monitoring and evaluation provide valuable feedback for adjustments and realigning resource allocation. It will serve as a complement and force multiplier to our existing proactive crime reduction efforts seen in our various dedicated units and task forces, such as our Traffic Crimes Unit targeting every aspect of street racing and street takeovers. 

As an agency, we’re always exploring innovative strategies and approaches that align with our core values, improve our deployment decisions, and focus on better serving and engaging our residents.

For more information on DDACTS and its operating guidelines, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website.
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