The Dallas Police Department, in cooperation with the Dallas Park and Recreation Department and the White Rock Lake Volunteers In Patrol, will conduct an informational meeting at 7 p.m. Aug. 14 at Winfrey Point at White Rock Lake.

The purpose of the meeting is two-fold. First, to inform White Rock Lake Park users to take measures to ensure safety for themselves and their property. Second, to seek ideas from the general public to help prevent crime in the park.

By far the biggest crime at White Rock Lake Park is BMVs, or break-ins of motor vehicles, according to police statistics. Many park users come to the park and leave their vehicles for an extended time, while also leaving valuable items in them.

Dallas police of the Northeast Operations Division, under the leadership of Deputy Chief Jan Easterling, have increased patrols at White Rock Lake in the past nine months. Several teams of bike officers now patrol the park from morning to sundown. In addition, police vehicles are also driving through the park more.

The White Rock Lake Volunteers In Patrol, which helps serves as a lookout for police, has doubled its membership in the past 12 months and now consists of 40 members. The WRL VIP comprises citizen volunteers who are trained by the police to serve as the eyes and ears of the Dallas Police Department in a completely non-confrontational manner. Since the police can't be everywhere, the volunteers add another level of protection to the park.