Tag: Dallas Police Department

City officials in January held seven oft-contentious town hall meetings about the future of the Citizens Police Review Board, a City Council-appointed body that looks into complaints about officers’ conduct. Board history The Dallas review board began in the 1980s after civil rights groups and black City Council members pushed for more oversight following a series of shootings by police and a congressional hearing about the department’s use of lethal force. Her attorney has said the shooting was a tragic mistake — Jean lived directly above Guyger and she said she believed she was inside her own unit and mistook Jean for an intruder. Town halls In the community meetings over the last three weeks, members of the review board said they want an independent investigative arm and a budget for a staff. The board’s recommendations also included allowing the board to subpoena officers. Mike Mata, president of the Dallas Police Association, is against the board receiving extended powers. White attendees who suggested that residents work on improving their neighborhoods or join the citizen’s academy were met with scoffs. Williams, who shared during a town hall that he lives with post-traumatic stress disorder after treating officers the night of the July 7 ambush, believes the review board can help mend trust between communities of color and the police. That’s why I emphasize this is not a wholesale indictment of officers.” Decisions ahead Council members — many of whom voted for raises to help retain officers last year -- are set to handle the debate in an election season. Kleinman, who has often butted heads with the Dallas Police Association, said he’ll also wait on Hall’s recommendations.