Dallas PD Chief Brown changes course on officer reassignments to battle crime spike

Dallas Police Chief David Brown on Tuesday backed off his plan to make changes to the schedules for hundreds of officers to combat a spike in crime.

Brown had meetings on Tuesday with the city manager and the various police associations on Tuesday morning. Soon after those meetings, it was announced the shift in officers had been scrapped. The plan was to move the schedules of up to 600 officers so they could work evenings where the crime spikes were occurring.

“The plan presented to the Public Safety Committee yesterday was not sustainable over a long period of time and it would put a tremendous strain on our police force,” Brown said in a statement.

The Dallas chapter of the National Latino Law Enforcement Organization took credit, in part, for the changes. The group posted on Facebook, “as a result of you being vocal and expressing your concerns yesterday … effective immediately officers will remain on their watches and days off.”

Texas Gov. Greg Abbott has directed the Department of Public Safety to allow its troopers to assist Dallas police. They will be joined by federal partners who are already looking for violent offenders and breaking up drug operations.

Dallas City Manager A.C. Gonzalez said in a statement Tuesday he supports Brown, despite the spike in crime. Gonzalez has the authority to fire Brown.

“This is a tremendous learning opportunity as to how we can make improvements within the police department,” Gonzalez said. “The Chief has heard his officers' concerns and also recognizes the needs of our community.”

Two of the four major unions have publically called for the dismissal of Brown – including for the first time the Black Police Officers Association.

The BPOA wrote in a letter to the mayor and city council that Brown should be removed, saying “the current atmosphere within the Dallas Police Department is one of vengeance...distrust... retaliation...and failure to employ the most prudent use of manpower.”

Dallas Police Association President Ron Pinkston said on Monday, "The team is unhappy with the coach and want to go in different direction.” The DPA called for Brown to resign last year.