Dallas police officers interact with children at Forest Audelia.

Note: Today’s community walk has been canceled, according to DPD reps.

Sign up for our newsletter!

* indicates required

Officers from the Dallas Police Department’s Northeast Division will host a community walk Dec. 18, and they’re hoping the event will help reduce violence and forge neighborhood connections in north Lake Highlands.

“The walk is aimed at taking back our community and stopping the violence in the Forest-Audelia area, one block at a time,” says DPD’s Bervin Smith. “The community’s support and attendance would be greatly appreciated.”

The Forest-Audelia area has long been a hotspot for violent crime, earning the nickname “Northghanistan” by gang members in 2016. Merchants in one shopping center famously used classical music to drive away derelicts, and Councilman Adam McGough worked with DART officials to remove the corner’s bus stop widely known as a hub for drug deals. A boxing gym there matches DPD mentors with teens and keeps them productive after school.

Walk participants will gather at 10 a.m. in the shopping center at 9779 Forest Lane and walk in the neighborhood for about one hour.

Author

  • Carol Toler

    Blogger CAROL TOLER and her husband, Toby, are the parents of four LHHS graduates. She has an MBA from SMU and is the proud recipient of the Exchange Club of LH's Unsung Hero Award and Councilman McGough's Blake Anderson Public Service Award. She received LHHS PTA's Extended Service Award, FMJH PTA's Charger Award and a Life Membership from the LHFC PTA. She has moderated candidate debates for Dallas Mayor, Dallas City Council and RISD Trustee races and taught seminars on garnering publicity for nonprofits. She completed training with Dallas Truth, Racial Healing and Transformation and Inside RISD, and she's a sustaining member of LH Women's League. She has served on the boards of After8 to Educate, Dallas Free Press, Healing Hands Ministries and Camp Sweeney and chaired fundraisers for multiple Dallas nonprofits. Email ctoler@advocatemag.com.