HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 25-0028INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 25-0028
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 4, 2025
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SUBJECT: NEXTDOOR APP INFORMATION
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The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide information on how the Nextdoor app was
established, how it is utilized and monitored.
History of the Nexdoor App
The Nextdoor app was launched in the United States in 2011, the Fort Worth Police Department
started promoting the app in 2012, and in October 2012, Billy Rudd, South Division Crime
Prevention Specialist, made the first post on the app. The Fort Worth Police Department went live
one week before Dallas and we were one of the first major cities to use Nextdoor.
The purpose of the Nextdoor app is to connect people, businesses, and public agencies in a
neighborhood to share information and help each other.
Involved Neighborhoods
According to the Nextdoor app, we have 722 neighborhoods comprised of 347,153 Fort Worth
Residents.
Only residents who have signed up for a Nextdoor account using a Fort Worth address can
receive posts. Neighborhood Police Officers can post updates related to their assigned areas,
and Crime Prevention Specialists have access to their respective divisions, with some having
Citywide access.
Billy Rudd is the Nextdoor app administrator responsible for setting up new accounts and
managing the areas where users can post. He can also generate reports that show activity
related to our content. Upon receiving new Beat Alignments, Billy will collaborate with Nextdoor to
implement the changes on the base maps and adjust the Neighborhood Police Officers'
assignments to their new beats.
The app allows for community members to share posts, fostering engagement and
communication. Additionally, our Crime Prevention Specialist, Neighborhood Police Officers, the
Pro Team, Community Programs, and select Command staff also have the ability to post content.
This collaborative approach ensures that important information, resources, and updates are
effectively shared, enhancing our community's safety and connection.
Limitations for Nextdoor
Users in the City of Fort Worth can only access posts that are generated by the Fort Worth Police
Department's accounts. This means that community members' posts are not visible to police
department representatives unless they are specifically shared with them. Nextdoor is structured
in this manner to safeguard the privacy of neighborhood discussions and ensure that
communications remain within local communities.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 25-0028
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council February 4, 2025
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SUBJECT: NEXTDOOR APP INFORMATION
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In addition, we are unable to edit posts unless they originate from a City of Fort Worth employee.
Each post is accompanied by a discussion box where users can comment. If we encounter
negative comments within our discussion post, we have the authority to close the discussion box
to prevent further negativity. In cases where a post has not been generated by the City of Fort
Worth and has been shared with us, we can submit a request to have the discussion box closed,
ensuring that inappropriate or harmful comments do not remain visible. This policy helps us
maintain a positive and constructive online environment.
Additional questions or information requests should be directed to Executive Assistant Chief
Robert Alldredge at 817-392-4131.
Jesus "Jay" Chapa
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS