DALLAS - The top spokesperson for the Dallas Police Department has been placed on administrative leave as a criminal investigation into her use of a police vehicle remains ongoing.
Dallas Police spokesperson on leave
Allison Hudson
What's New:
Dallas Police have confirmed that Allison Hudson, the department's Assistant Director of Media Relations, has been placed on administrative leave.
The department describes the move as "consistent with Department policy and prior actions taken by Chief Comeaux."
The backstory:
Hudson is currently being investigated by the agency’s Public Integrity Unit. Sources told FOX 4 the investigation is related to an August complaint involving Hudson's use of a department-issued vehicle.
The complaint says Hudson used her vehicle's lights and sirens, which she is not authorized to do as a civilian employee.
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.
Dig deeper:
It's unclear why the department reversed course and placed Hudson on leave on Thursday. Last week, Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux initially stated "it is not department practice to place an employee on administrative leave solely because a complaint was made."
Last Wednesday, Hudson honored a group of students in the department's explorer program. The next day, Pease told FOX 4 he heard complaints about Hudson working while under investigation.
In an interview with FOX 4 last week, Pease suggested Hudson was receiving preferential treatment due to her high-ranking position in the department. Comeaux disputed the notion in a statement.
"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."
Sean Pease
What they're saying:
"The only thing we ever wanted out of anything is just that everybody is treated the same way," Pease now tells FOX 4's David Sentendrey, saying some of his officers have been placed on leave immediately following misdemeanor accusations, not felony accusations like the one Hudson is facing.
"It just needs to be fair with everybody."
What's next:
FOX 4 has reached out to Hudson for a statement, but has not heard back.
The Source: Information in this story comes from the Dallas Police Department and previous FOX 4 reporting.