By Naomi Martin and Tristan Hallman
The Dallas Morning News
DALLAS — Embattled Police Chief David Brown on Tuesday downplayed the results of an officer survey that showed widespread low morale within his department, saying unions are always unhappy with management.
The Dallas Police Association showed that about 72 percent of respondents rated morale as “low” or the “lowest it’s ever been.” Two-thirds said they didn’t feel they were “allowed” to perform “police duties that the citizens of Dallas expect,” and 65 percent said they feel Brown’s policies have made the city less safe.
The DPA said 1,454 members responded to the survey online this month. That’s about 40 percent of the department’s roughly 3,500 sworn officers. Last year, the association found similar problems through a questionnaire.
“For more than two years Chief Brown has been aware of the concerns of the officers under his command, yet he continues to ignore our input and instead enforce unwise policies that risk the safety of Dallas families,” said Ron Pinkston, the association’s president.
But Brown countered that complaints from unions are nothing new. The association did a questionnaire last year that found 80 percent rated morale as “low” or “the lowest it’s ever been.” That survey prompted Brown to work with the DPA and other associations on policy changes.
Brown defended his management Tuesday during a Q&A at a Dallas Bar Association luncheon at the Belo Mansion in downtown Dallas. He said that some officers didn’t like that, as chief, he has to hold them accountable for their mistakes or misconduct.
The chief again acknowledged Tuesday that Dallas officers aren’t paid as well as neighboring cities, which is a “legitimate issue” that “opens the door for other issues to become larger than life.”
This time, the new survey results come as Brown, who’s been chief since 2010, faces new challenges, including slower 911 response times, rising violent crime, an alleged ouster attempt by some members of the City Council and widespread frustration within the force’s ranks.
“With violent crime on the rise, it’s time for the police chief and Dallas City Council to listen to the concerns of the men and women who wear the badge,” Pinkston said.
Officers have complained about what they see as low pay, inadequate support from Brown’s administration and new policies that hamper their ability to fight crime, such as restrictions on chases. The department’s attrition rate this fiscal year will be the highest in Brown’s tenure.
But Brown said his new directive for officers — to be more cautious while handling potentially dangerous situations — has helped reduce the department’s number of shootings involving officers. Brown said the take-your-time approach has led to fewer shootings this year. This year, Dallas cops have had only eight shootings, including a suspect who fired on police headquarters, compared with an average of 18 for every other year during his tenure.
Brown also cited an 80 percent reduction in complaints alleging excessive force as evidence that his policies are working to lessen the likelihood that a Dallas officer will be involved in a controversial incident. The department could face fewer lawsuits, Brown said, which would help save taxpayer money. “We’ve paid out $10 million over the last several years — there’s our pay raise,” he said.
But Brown said asking officers to slow down is unpopular within the department.
“Your adrenaline wants you to chase right in and get it done. ... Officers think they’re superman, superwoman,” Brown said. But, he added, they also don’t want to be at the center of a viral negative news story either.
Pinkston, though, said officers don’t have a problem with a more cautious approach. Instead, he said, they’re upset that inadequate patrol staffing — not an order from the chief — is causing slower response times.
Friction Nationwide
In 2007, the Dallas Police Association polled its members regarding then-Chief David Kunkle’s performance, and the majority of respondents — 568 officers — gave Kunkle a no-confidence vote. The problems then were similar to the current ones: Officers were frustrated with restrictions on Taser deployment, car chases and neck holds that had led to injuries and deaths.
Pinkston said the current morale issues are much worse than any he’s seen in his 28 years on the job. Under Kunkle, Pinkston said, “It was low morale but it wasn’t even close to what we have now.”
The friction between the rank and file and the chief isn’t unique to Dallas, Brown said. Officers nationwide are unhappy with increased scrutiny in the wake of the Ferguson and Baltimore protests, he said, but police chiefs have to find a balance between satisfying the community and cops.
“Much of what’s happening in the country as it relates to police reform, strict policies and holding officers accountable much more have been rebuffed by police unions all over this country,” he said.
Brown said he has been riding along with cops and meeting with them in groups to hear their concerns. He also vowed to improve morale and pressure City Hall to raise officers’ salaries.
Chief’s Defenders
Brown found a supportive audience in the Dallas Bar Association luncheon attendees. Al Ellis, a plaintiff’s attorney who has been in the city for 68 years, said he was impressed with Brown. Ellis said he regards Brown as one of the best police chiefs in the city’s history.
“When you look at other big cities, I think Dallas is in pretty damn good shape,” Ellis said. “We’ve got issues, of course, but they’re working on that.”
Frederick D. Lewis, a senior associate pastor at Smith Chapel AME Church, said he believes all of the city’s residents should be thankful for Brown.
Two council members met privately last week with City Manager A.C. Gonzalez to discuss removing Brown, a move that drew a strong rebuke from Mayor Mike Rawlings.
“Those who want to get rid of him, be careful what you ask for,” Lewis said. “Look at Ferguson. Look at Baltimore. I spent three nights in Baltimore back in May. ... Police sirens all night long. When I got back in Dallas, I finally got some sleep.”
What They Said
The DPA questionnaire by the numbers:
•28 percent said they were currently seeking a new job.
•75 percent said they would not recommend the Dallas Police Department to a potential law enforcement job candidate.
•81 percent said they don’t believe commanders support them to do their job the way they were trained.
•81 percent said the administration’s policies have made their jobs harder and less safe.
SOURCE: Dallas Police Association
Copyright 2015 The Dallas Morning News