Brown Under Pressure To Fix Dallas Crime Surge
Follow CBSDFW.COM: Facebook | Twitter
DALLAS (CBSDFW.COM) - Dallas has seen a surge in violent crime so far this year, and now pressure is growing for Chief David Brown of the Dallas Police Department to do something about it. Brown spoke at Dallas City Hall on Monday, and said that the 86 percent increase in murder is "unacceptable."
Everyone at the city meeting agreed, but police unions are questioning how to bring that number down.
As part of his plan to reduce crime, Brown wants to move 600 new officers to an evening shift. He also wants to create special teams of officers assigned to combat drugs, domestic violence and property crime.
But at least one police union stated that Brown must also make sure that his plans do not disrupt the personal lives of officers who are serving the public. "We want to make sure the citizens are safe, our police officers are taken care of, our police officers are supported by the command staff," said George Aranda, president of the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization.
According to the police unions, Brown's moves do not address crime problems on a long-term basis. They think that, perhaps, a new police chief is needed in Dallas. "We want to see change, a change in direction of our police policies," Aranda added.
The unions plan to meet on Tuesday to talk about what they would like to see done next, including the possible hiring of a new police chief. They have asked Mayor Mike Rawlings to be a part of their discussions.
