In many ways the Dallas Police Department reflects departments across the country. The public has already expressed criticism on how police departments across the US handled the George Floyd protests. Now, the Dallas Public Safety Committee will review Dallas Police Department’s actions during the mass hysteria. DPD’s Official After Action report can be found here.
The 85 page After Action report details the other side of the protest. It includes topics such as how the police planned for the protest, a logistics view on equipment use, a detailed timeline of when the police responded to incidents and finally a way they can improve and “Move Forward”.
Unfortunately the Dallas Police Department still maintains their lie about what truly happened at Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Which is expected, no one, especially Police Chief Reneé Hall, wants to admit they were wrong. At least not verbally.
Dallas Police Department mistakes
Here are some things the Dallas Police Department admits they can improve on.
Knowing when and when not to take action should be something to clarify with officers. Apparently that never happened. According to page 22 of the report “Operational Plans for May 29 and 30 did not list the rules of engagement.”
Communications was also an issue. One sergeant stated, “The communication was terrible. During detail, officers were given clear communication about what was expected. When the protesters moved and went on the bridge, the communication went out the window.” As a result, DPD plans to upgrade to 800MHz radio communications in order to more effectively inform every officer on the rules of engagement (which should have been told before hand).
Additionally General Orders will be modified to only allow the use of less lethal tools (Stingers, OC spray, C.S. gas, etc.) when there is an immediate danger of injury to person or damage to property, and only if approved by the Chief of Police.
Of course, if a specific individual is seen to be violating the zero tolerance rule, officers are still allowed to fire without approval. At least now less lethal tools are not allowed to be used on peaceful crowds anymore (like they were used on the bridge).
Lastly the Dallas Police Department hopes to buy 500 new body worn cameras in order to better review situations in future After Action Reports.
Despite this mostly being about the mistakes of the DPD, there is one thing to credit them on. The addition of a Duty to Intervene. Althought they claim it was always there, now it is specifically stated in the oath, and encouraged, to intervene if another officer abuses their power. Its not the solution to the Blue Wall of Silence, but its a start.
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