Dallas City Council Approves Raising Police Hiring Goals to 300
The Dallas City Council has approved raising police hiring goals from 250 to 300 this fiscal year, siding with recommendations from the city’s top cop and largest police association over a push from some council members to raise the new officer benchmark to 400.
Council Votes Unanimously to Revisit Hiring Goal
The council voted 12-2 to revise the hiring target for new police officers on a timeline that began last October and runs through the end of September. Several council members said despite a recent voter-approved charter mandate to boost police ranks by around 900, concerns raised about the city’s capacity to train more than 300 recruits properly this year and possible impacts it could have on response times and crime rates trumped setting a higher number.
Police Department’s Capacity to Train Recruits
"We have not heard from anyone in law enforcement in our city that has requested for this number to go higher than what our chief has said is most feasible within the department," said Deputy Mayor Pro Tem Adam Bazaldua, who also read a letter from Dallas Police Association President Jaime Castro in support of the 300 new police officer goal. "I think it would be a slap in the face to the department for any one of us to say that we know better than them."
Council Member’s Concerns
Council member Cara Mendelsohn, who chairs the council’s public safety committee, proposed the 400 tally earlier this month. She cited public demand for more officers and the results of November’s election as a clear message from voters that the city should ramp up efforts to hire more cops. However, some council members expressed concerns about the feasibility of hiring 400 new officers this year.
Police Chief’s Warning
Interim police Chief Michael Igo warned that increasing the numbers would likely mean pulling patrol officers off the streets to ensure recruits are trained properly, which could lead to further delays in response times and impact crime rates.
Charter Amendments and Future of Police Hiring
The police hiring goal discussion comes amid voters approving two charter amendments impacting the city government’s operations. Proposition S requires the city to waive its governmental immunity and allows any resident to file a lawsuit alleging the municipal government isn’t complying with the charter, local ordinances or state law. Proposition U requires the City Council to approve setting aside at least 50% of any excess yearly revenue for the police and fire pension system, mandate the city maintain a minimum of 4,000 officers while increasing police starting pay and other benefits to among the highest in North Texas.
Conclusion
The Dallas City Council’s decision to raise police hiring goals to 300 this fiscal year aims to address concerns about the city’s capacity to train more than 300 recruits properly this year and possible impacts it could have on response times and crime rates. While some council members advocated for a higher number, the majority agreed that 300 is a more realistic goal, given the department’s current capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did the Dallas City Council raise police hiring goals to 300?
A: The council raised the goal to 300 to address concerns about the city’s capacity to train more than 300 recruits properly this year and possible impacts it could have on response times and crime rates.
Q: Why did some council members advocate for a higher hiring goal of 400?
A: Some council members, including Cara Mendelsohn, argued that 400 was a more accurate representation of the city’s need for more police officers.
Q: What are the implications of the police hiring goal on response times and crime rates?
A: Interim police Chief Michael Igo warned that increasing the numbers could lead to further delays in response times and impact crime rates, as patrol officers would need to be pulled off the streets to ensure recruits are trained properly.
Q: What charter amendments are relevant to the police hiring goal?
A: Proposition S and Proposition U, which require the city to waive its governmental immunity and set aside at least 50% of any excess yearly revenue for the police and fire pension system, respectively.
