Dallas police union raises concerns over ‘preferential treatment’ in investigation of top DPD spokesperson

DALLAS - The Dallas Police Association has put out a statement raising concerns over "preferential treatment" within the Dallas Police Department amid a criminal investigation involving a top spokesperson for the agency.

What the investigation is about 

What we know:

The Dallas Police Department confirmed last week that Allison Hudson, who serves as the department’s assistant director of media relations, is currently under investigation by the agency’s Public Integrity Unit. 

While police did not share a reason why, a source told Fox 4 the investigation was likely related to a citizen complaint filed in August. The complaint reportedly involved Hudson’s use of a police vehicle with lights and sirens, which, as a civilian employee, she is not authorized to do.

A statement from Sean Pease, the president of the Dallas Police Association, says that Hudson is accused of the felony offense of impersonating a public servant. 

‘Serious questions remain’ 

What they're saying:

Pease said he spoke with Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux regarding the allegations. Specifically, he questioned why Hudson was reportedly operating a department vehicle equipped with emergency equipment. According to Pease, the police chief explained that it was the only vehicle available. 

"That explanation does not make it acceptable," Pease said. "The availability of a vehicle does not supersede department policy or the law. Dallas Police Department General Order 513 establishes standards governing employee conduct and accountability. Those standards must be applied fairly and consistently, regardless of an employee’s position or proximity to executive leadership."

Pease further questioned whether Hudson has been receiving preferential treatment due to her high-ranking position within the police department.

Hudson helped honor a group of students in the police department's explorer program at a city council meeting on Wednesday. Pease said people in the chamber reached out to him afterward with concerns that Hudson is not on administrative leave while under investigation. 

"I have represented Dallas police officers who were immediately placed on administrative leave while being investigated for substantially less serious allegations, including misdemeanor offenses," he said. "Yet here we have an employee reportedly under investigation for a felony offense, and serious questions remain about whether the same standards of accountability are being applied."

Dallas Police Association demands transparency 

What's next:

In his statement, Pease thanked the police chief for speaking with him, but said he still has concerns about how department policies are being enforced. 

He also noted that Hudson deserves due process and the presumption of innocence, while emphasizing that the Dallas Police Association will continue to demand transparency and the equal application of department policies. 

"Due process does not mean preferential treatment, and accountability cannot depend on someone’s job title or who they work for," Pease said. "The badge should never come with fewer protections than an executive title comes with privileges."

Dallas Police Department responds 

The other side:

Chief Comeaux also provided a statement regarding the investigation, saying these matters are expected to be kept highly confidential to avoid unintended impact on city operations. 

The chief said individuals who were aware of the investigation violated department policy by making the information public. 

"I am highly disappointed that members of our department chose to share unverified allegations about another employee, potentially hindering a criminal investigation, and causing a distraction from our focus: protecting the City of Dallas. I have not and will not ask for, imply, or order, any change to an investigation involving a DPD employee," Comeaux said.

"General Order 513, Administrative Leave / Restricted Duty Policy, defines the criteria for placing an employee on administrative leave. It is not Department practice to place an employee on administrative leave solely because a complaint was made. Specifically for PIU, the investigation is mandated to be kept confidential, and in some instances an employee may be kept unaware of the investigation."

"I expect our Department to conduct thorough investigations fairly and with integrity," Comeaux added.

Fox 4 reached out to Hudson directly but has not heard back. 

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