The Houston Public Safety Committee convened on July 21, 2025, to discuss various initiatives and updates related to crime prevention and community safety. The meeting featured presentations from key figures in local crime prevention organizations, highlighting their ongoing efforts and achievements.

Sydney Ziker, Senior Director of Programs and Special Projects, opened the session by outlining the mission of their organization, which focuses on solving and preventing crime through collaboration with law enforcement, media, and citizens. Established in 1976 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, the organization expanded to Houston in 1980, initially operating as a tip line aimed at solving crimes to prevent future offenses.

Ziker detailed the evolution of their programs, including the launch of the Safe School program in 1997, which encourages students to report suspicious activities on campuses. This initiative has since expanded to include educational sessions on various crime-related topics, such as cyber safety and human trafficking, aimed at empowering students to take proactive roles in their safety.

In 2018, the organization became the first Crime Stoppers site to implement a dedicated victim services program, guiding victims through the criminal justice process from reporting to prosecution. The Balanced Voice podcast was launched in 2020 to discuss public safety issues, while the Glenda Gordy Research Center was established in 2022 to analyze crime data in Houston and Harris County, providing valuable insights into local crime trends.

The meeting also highlighted the organization's ambitious "Million for Million" campaign, which aims to educate one million students across Texas about crime prevention. Ziker emphasized the importance of community partnerships, noting that their team consists of 29 staff members and numerous volunteers, all dedicated to enhancing public safety.

The committee members were informed about the organization's tip line, which allows anonymous reporting of crimes through various channels, including a mobile app and website. Ziker explained the process for tipsters, ensuring their anonymity while providing a unique code for follow-up communication regarding the status of their tips.

The meeting concluded with a summary of the organization's successes, including the resolution of over 37,000 felony cases, with a significant portion being violent crimes. The committee acknowledged the importance of these initiatives in fostering a safer community and expressed support for continued collaboration between law enforcement and community organizations.

Overall, the session underscored the ongoing commitment to public safety in Houston, with a focus on education, prevention, and community engagement as key strategies in combating crime.