Dallas to host forums with police chief finalists
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Dallas will host community meetings to get feedback on five finalists for the next chief of police.
Why it matters: The head of the Dallas Police Department will face increased hiring demands and scrutiny from state elected officials.
- This month, the Texas attorney general announced an investigation into whether the police department complies with state and federal immigration laws.
Driving the news: City manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert announced the finalists last Friday.
- They include current and former top officials in the Dallas Police Department.
Meet the candidates: Interim police chief Michael Igo is among the finalists. Igo was appointed to the interim role in October. He has been with the department for 33 years, rising to executive assistant chief.
- Assistant Chief Catrina Shead has been with the department for 30 years. She has worked in the investigations and administrative bureaus and currently oversees tactical and operations, which includes SWAT.
- Carrollton police Chief Roberto Arredondo, Jr. worked for the Dallas department for 23 years, where he reached the rank of major. He was appointed chief in Victoria in 2020 before being named the chief in Carrollton in 2023.
- DEA special agent in charge Daniel C. Comeaux started his career in 1991 at the Houston Police Department. He is currently in charge of the DEA's Houston division, which oversees the U.S.-Mexico border.
- Brian Boetig is a retired FBI assistant director working as a national security expert in Tacoma, Wash. He worked in the FBI for 24 years and was a first responder at the Pentagon on 9/11.
How it works: City Council members and panelists will meet with the candidates next week, including community members and city staff.
- Tolbert and other city leaders will interview the finalists on April 2.
Between the lines: The new chief will face a strict charge, following one of the city's most popular police chiefs.
- Chief Eddie Garcia's leadership style appeased elected officials and the department's rank-and-file during his three-year tenure — a balance few former chiefs could find. His policies also reduced crime.
What's next: A public meet and greet with the finalists will be held from 6-7:30pm April 1 at Dallas City Hall.
- The city manager plans to announce her hiring decision by the second week of April.