Abbott Defends DPS Help In Crime-Ridden Dallas
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AUSTIN (AP) - Texas Gov. Greg Abbott is defending offering Dallas help from state police as the nation's ninth-largest city grapples with a dramatic spike in violent crime.
Abbott said Wednesday he wanted to provide "an intensified focus" of law enforcement after Dallas police this week reported a 75 percent jump in homicides over the same period last year.
Dallas Police Chief David Brown has welcomed the offer. But it remains unclear how the Texas Department of Public Safety will help in Dallas.
Abbott's offer also comes as rank-and-file Dallas police officers balk at reassignments to get crime numbers down. At least one police union has called for Brown to resign.
Abbott said he wants the state to respect the jurisdiction of Dallas officers and not step on their turf.
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