NET Force pilot program delivers early success

NET Force pilot program delivers early success

Published on June 24, 2026

Six months after the City of Fort Worth launched its pilot of the Nuisance Enforcement Task (NET) Force program, the three properties at the center of the initiative have made significant progress toward compliance.

NET Force is a multi-departmental enforcement initiative that aggressively targets Fort Worth's most persistent nuisance properties. Three initial target areas were selected for the pilot based on crime rates, code and health violations, and their overall impact on nearby residents: Eco Motel and T.L. Food Mart, Southside Food Mart (formerly Rocky's I) and Rocky's II, and Sandy Oaks Apartments.

These locations were widely considered nuisance properties, generating more than 1,450 violations across 38 inspections during the initial inspection period. Throughout the initial six-month pilot period, the City conducted thorough inspections and worked with property owners who made efforts to achieve compliance whenever possible. Teams from Code Compliance, Animal Care & Control, Police, Fire, Environmental Services, and Development Services worked collaboratively to complete inspections and enforcement. Officers from the Texas Comptroller's Office and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) joined inspections at the retail locations.

During the pilot term, Police also conducted numerous successful investigations at Net Force properties and surrounding areas, including special enforcement operations from Vice, Gang, Directed Response and Narcotics Units, resulting in additional arrests.

Status of target properties

Eco Motel was found to have structural deficiencies that met the criteria for designation as a substandard and hazardous property. On May 18, Code Compliance presented all six buildings to the Building Standards Commission. If the owner does not bring the property into compliance within the allotted 60-day period, the City will have the authority to do so, which could include demolition.

The Southside Food Market (formerly Rocky's I) also generated dozens of violations and received numerous citations. The property owner and tenant agreed to temporary injunctions requiring specific actions to reduce ongoing criminal activity, and the establishment was ultimately closed. At Rocky's II, inspections are ongoing, and the property has made measurable progress toward compliance.

Sandy Oaks Apartments has reached full code compliance after working collaboratively with property owners to abate more than 850 violations.

Follow the progress

To help members of the community keep track of the efforts of City staff and outcomes of inspections, the City has launched a public data dashboard with regular updates on NET Force activities.

Staff has proposed seven additional target properties to expand the program in Fiscal Year 2027, pending further analysis to finalize the list. The number of properties to be addressed going forward is pending final approval of the 2027 budget by the City Council in September.

View a presentation(PDF, 6MB) on the NET Force pilot.

Photo: NET Force staff prepare to launch an inspection at one of the pilot locations.

Get articles like this in your inbox. Subscribe to City News.

• Community Safety