Fort Worth boosts Stockyards patrol amid World Cup tourism surge, quest for Western experience

Mike Fleming and his family traveled from Japan to North Texas with perfect timing.

Before heading to the Fort Worth Stockyards, the family stopped at Buc-ee’s for a photo. Their visit continued with cowboy boots, hats, and a taste of Texas culture during one of the busiest tourism periods of the year, as the FIFA World Cup brings thousands of visitors to North Texas.

The family’s trip also included cheering on their favorite teams.

“I see how Argentina is doing really good and Portugal is doing good,” Noah Fleming said.

As visitors continue to arrive in Fort Worth, the Fort Worth Police Department has launched its new Stockyards patrol unit, a team dedicated to patrolling one of the city’s most popular tourist destinations.

“This has been a long time coming,” Officer Steven Rodriquez said.

Rodriquez said visitors will regularly see officers throughout the district.

“So you’ll see us out here every day walking around or on vehicle patrols,” Rodriquez said.

The increased patrols come as larger crowds are expected throughout the World Cup. Police say the new unit will maintain a permanent presence in the Stockyards beyond the tournament to help keep visitors safe.

“We want to make sure as a department that we continue to help with the attraction, to make people feel safe when they come down here,” Rodriquez said.

The increased patrols also follow a violent assault in the Stockyards last December. According to WFAA’s previous reporting, a man told Fort Worth police he was attacked by six men in the 140 block of East Exchange Avenue. Police later released surveillance photos of the suspects as the investigation continued.

Rodriquez said he believes having officers assigned to the area every day will help deter crime and reassure visitors.

Mike Fleming agrees.

“Support our police department, and I am really thankful for that,” Fleming said.

With Arlington hosting World Cup matches, Fort Worth police expect many soccer fans to visit the Stockyards before and after games.

“The Scottish, the English. They like to drink. So, there are a couple of bars out here where they can do that. Just do it responsibly,” Rodriquez said.