What the next Dallas police chief faces
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The next Dallas police chief will have a lot to deal with. Photo: Dylan Hollingsworth/Bloomberg via Getty Images
Dallas is nearing the end of its nationwide search for a new police chief — a position that will face increased scrutiny from the community and state officials.
Why it matters: The new chief search comes as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating the police department, claiming it's not complying with state and federal immigration laws.
- The city is also trying to fulfill a measure to increase its police force passed by voters in November and revise its plans for a new law enforcement training facility.
The latest: Paxton announced last week his office is investigating the city and its police department on allegations that Dallas is acting as a sanctuary city and protecting undocumented immigrants.
- The AG's office is requesting all department training materials and policies on immigration laws, as well as communications between city leadership and police regarding immigrant detainment.
Context: Interim chief Michael Igo said last month officers won't stop anyone solely to check their immigration status.
- The department has not been asked to assist in any federal or state immigration enforcement, he said.
The big picture: Democratic mayors across the U.S. have been called to testify in Congress about their sanctuary city policies.
- President Trump signed an executive order cutting federal grants to sanctuary cities, but the move was blocked in federal court.
Flashback: Last year, then-chief Eddie Garcia said the department would not be enforcing a state law that allows officers to arrest and deport people believed to be in the country illegally until the rules were clarified.
- The law, Senate Bill 4, has been on hold while it makes its way through the courts.
State of play: Igo has been the interim police chief since the former chief left for a role in Austin in October. The city launched a nationwide search for the position in January with the goal of interviewing finalists at the end of March.
- The city manager sent a memo to council members saying the search is on track and the hiring decision is expected in the next month.
- Igo has said he wants to be considered for the permanent position.
Between the lines: Garcia's policies reduced crime, and his leadership style appeased both elected officials and the department's rank-and-file during his three-year tenure — a balance few former chiefs were able to find.
- But after the former chief left, Dallas voters passed a measure that requires the city to hire hundreds more officers, despite current and former elected officials warning the goal is unnecessary and too costly.
- City Council is also grappling with the department's training needs. Recruits have trained at an old warehouse facility for decades and have been promised a new academy at UNT-Dallas.
The intrigue: Paxton sued the city after police officials said they would follow a voter-backed ordinance that deprioritizes marijuana arrests.
What's next: Dallas city officials said they "are reviewing the letter received from the Texas Attorney General's Office and will respond at the appropriate time."
- Council will be briefed on the new police academy plans in April.