Dallas officers and top brass continue to leave department

Dallas officers and top brass continue to leave department

By PoliceOne Staff

DALLAS — A number of Dallas officers and top brass are leaving as the staffing level at the department becomes more dire.

WFAA reports that the department has 600 fewer officers than it did in 2010. Many of them are at odds with Police Chief Renee Hall.

“Many of the best and brightest are going to other departments, and now you have the command staff. We are beginning to see the best and the brightest go on to do the same thing,” Assistant Police Chief Randy Blankenbaker said.

Last year, Hall demoted several high-ranking officials, which came as a shock to many current and former officers. Last month, two chiefs left the department after being demoted two levels to major, according to the Dallas Morning News.

To address the staff shortage, Hall said she is moving specialized units to answer patrol calls.

Hall said she plans to hire 250 more officers this year and even plans to get faith-based organizations to help them recruit. Last month, the department lost 24 officers and hired only two.

Mike Walton, President of the Fraternal Order of Police, said until the city manager and mayor decide to raise pay for officers, Hall’s hiring goal is “not going to happen.”

The chief said in a statement that the PD is grooming new leadership that’ll help lead it to a better place.