NET Force pilot program delivers early results at nuisance properties

NET Force pilot program delivers early results at nuisance properties

Published on February 11, 2026

It has been all hands on deck as Fort Worth officially launched its pilot of the Nuisance Enforcement Task Force, or NET Force, a focused, multi-departmental enforcement initiative that aggressively targets Fort Worth's most persistent nuisance properties.

In January, the program kicked off with cross-departmental joint inspections at the three pilot target properties, starting with Sandy Oaks Apartments on Sandy Lane, a property long plagued by deterioration and chronic code violations. In the weeks that followed, NET Force also conducted inspections at two additional target areas, including the Eco Motel (also called Cowtown Inn) on East Lancaster Avenue and the Southside Food Mart (formerly called Rocky's I) and Rocky's II convenience stores on Hemphill Street.

Teams from Code Compliance, Animal Care & Control, Police, Fire, Environmental Services and Development Services were on these sites with a shared mission: to address nuisance properties that negatively affect surrounding neighborhoods and to ultimately improve the quality of life and living conditions for Fort Worth residents.

The operations reflected a true multi-department effort. At Sandy Oaks Apartments alone, inspectors examined more than 100 apartment units in a single day. More than 20 units were inspected at the Eco Motel, along with retail spaces at T.L. Food Mart, Southside Food Mart I and Rocky's II. Officers from the Texas Comptroller's Office and Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) joined inspections at the retail locations to support the effort and cite for violations under their jurisdictions' purviews.

"By bringing multiple departments together for joint inspections, enforcement becomes more effective and more efficient," said Code Compliance Director Brian Daugherty. "We're all working toward the same outcome, and that collaboration is how we get these properties back into compliance and back on track."

Code Compliance officers surveyed the properties for a wide range of violations, including property maintenance concerns, substandard living conditions, junked motor vehicles, overflowing dumpsters, trash and debris, and pest infestations. Development Services teams inspected the properties for structural concerns, Environmental Services addressed health issues and Fire personnel checked that fire suppression systems and smoke detectors were working properly. Police officers were present throughout to help ensure the safety of both residents and City staff.

"The way we did it was efficient for everyone," said Oscar Reyes, Code Compliance superintendent. "We had one warrant, one day, and multiple departments and officers addressing all the buildings."

At Sandy Oaks Apartments, City officials identified 859 violations across all departmental inspections. At the Eco Motel, officers identified 421 violations. The Southside Food Mart and Rocky's II yielded a combined 80 violations.

"Historically, each department addressed issues at these locations separately and largely in response to complaints," said Daugherty. "With NET Force, we're taking a proactive approach that looks at the whole property, not just individual violations, so we can improve these businesses and reduce their impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

Animal Control officers also played a dual role during each operation, ensuring pets were being properly cared for while also providing outreach to residents. At the request of pet owners, Animal Control staff offered vaccinations and microchips on site.

"We heard from the community, and they recognized that we're there for their well-being," Reyes said. "Several residents thanked us and expressed appreciation that we were there."

The NET Force activity does not cease with one joint inspection. Cross-departmental teams are now initiating aggressing re-inspection timelines at the properties to ensure violations have been addressed and cite in cases where they have not.

Future properties will be selected based on the outcomes of the pilot program and a data dashboard.

Photo: NET Force teams addressed nuisance properties in order to improve the quality of life and living conditions for Fort Worth residents.

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