Fort Worth is a pilot site for federal initiative to build trust with law enforcement

In what one North Texas congressman calls an effort to "prevent the next Ferguson," Fort Worth is one of six pilot sites chosen for the National Initiative for Building Community Trust and Justice, a Justice Department program to help fight crime and build trust between communities and law enforcement agencies.

Federal officials will provide high-powered technical, research and training assistance to the cities, where officials welcomed the news.

"Today more than ever, we must work together to reform our justice and law enforcement policies so that we may improve law enforcement's relationship with the community and ensure we prevent the next Ferguson," said U.S. Rep. Marc Veasey, D-Fort Worth.

Veasey said he has already heard local communities voice concerns about the need for law enforcement authorities to build better relations with residents.

"When I co-hosted a Community Policing Summit this past January, participants made clear that we must have the community's support and trust to be successful. I look forward to working with the Department of Justice to ensure that the Fort Worth community is active and involved in their efforts," he said.