Hayat Norimine
Dallas Morning News
DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department announced shortly before midnight Thursday that Police Chief U. Renee Hall has implemented a new general order compelling officers to intervene when they see physical force being applied inappropriately.
Hall instituted the “duty to intervene” policy to create a culture that would prevent another death like that of George Floyd of Minneapolis, the department said in its 11:48 p.m. release.
The announcement follows more than a week of protests over the death of Floyd, a black man who pleaded for his life while since-fired white police officer Derek Chauvin held his knee on Floyd’s neck for nearly 9 minutes. Three other officers stood and watched, and Floyd died.
The general order will require both sworn and non-sworn officers “present at any scene where physical force is being applied to either stop, or attempt to stop, another employee when force is being inappropriately applied or is no longer required,” the release states.
Calls to adopt the “duty to intervene” policy have gained momentum as protests over police violence have gripped cities across the country. Other departments, such as North Carolina’s Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, have already implemented the policy.
Earlier Thursday night, Hall announced she would not charge the 674 protesters detained Monday night during a peaceful protest on the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge.
DPD did not immediately respond to questions about repercussions for officers who don’t follow the “duty to intervene” policy.