[{"_1":2,"_120":-5,"_121":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,84,96,108],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6557407,"mediaKeyId","3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d","parentId",3295757,"title","OCPO launches quarterly newsletter and readies mediation program; outreach team reports robust April engagement","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",10654000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d&start=10654&end=10654","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d/thumbnail_10654000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6557407/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/OCPO-launches-quarterly-newsletter-and-readies-mediation-program-outreach-team-reports-robust-April-engagement","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557407-ab6b446f6bda50b90bb01f2c4575f169/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177585&Signature=XwP6Da05e0xXAW6mhaD13ap0nftOjAYZnuaLWR8-YTWC0-x~-FUbnzABUY4arDHGSC72UOqUR9SepKP5UZDMTWpXRLxDgBeb5-FOjsBKr1zkZibN4TkXa8BUdjtiXPOdce13n10lJk4D7RdG9TtNPTTfOS5hFva-QD93ZffakTfuXP8Vr0JgBcOM~oqUw45ITNkVUBI-gjId0cF3zc0rxEjZULWEmTj54-CS8Q8CPRShClb-b8lwRMuCS0SO7FUCKb70E97MSMXvMLEBo2s4s0DB1u9wOIWc2i4y4NO0A9nFVqWbuV3bnf-TOoYfS2GPLUp84GUWFGK3HLvS0xHyEg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Dallas","date","2025-05-13T00:00:00Z","article","The Office of Community Police Oversight on May 13 announced the launch of a quarterly newsletter and described outreach and programmatic work intended to increase transparency and community access to oversight.

Director Michelle Andre and outreach staff presented the newsletter — titled Make Your Voice Heard — as a quarterly vehicle to explain OCPO’s mission, how to file complaints and commendations, a 100‑day progress report, and policy insights. Alma Perez, senior outreach specialist, said the launch drew positive feedback and that staff are expanding distribution channels and preparing future issues.

Perez also reviewed April outreach: OCPO participated in 13 events with a combined attendance of about 1,145 people, many in majority‑minority neighborhoods. Activities ranged from a crime victims’ resource fair and City Hall on the Go to cultural events, Earth Day activities and family resource days. Perez said a Family Fun Resource Day is scheduled for May 29 in Pleasant Grove and invited board members to recommend local small businesses for future “Coffee with the Director” events.

On programming, OCPO said it is preparing to relaunch a mediation program — authorized under Dallas City Code Chapter 37 — to offer community‑centered alternatives for resolving minor misconduct complaints and encourage direct dialogue between officers and complainants. OCPO plans a full presentation on the planned mediation program at the June board meeting.

Board members welcomed the outreach numbers and the mediation plans and asked staff to continue expanding access and reporting on metrics.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Dallas - Community Police Oversight Board - May 13, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","The Office of Community Police Oversight debuted a quarterly newsletter and described plans to relaunch a mediation program for minor misconduct complaints. Outreach staff reported 13 events in April engaging more than 1,100 residents, mostly in majority‑minority neighborhoods.","taxTitle","Dallas, Dallas County, Texas","taxId",2781,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6557412,"Policy analyst flags state bills and White House order that could reshape policing oversight in Dallas",9442000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d&start=9442&end=9442","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d/thumbnail_9442000.jpg","/articles/6557412/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Policy-analyst-flags-state-bills-and-White-House-order-that-could-reshape-policing-oversight-in-Dallas","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557412-ba4ef65a31c9a139a746676e12a9fc24/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177585&Signature=SnL~MiI~udl-MbWh-hE-ybYL8A10mlZGeqMUXasLx6kAdr5zxj~xTjcI9dqbxtnktHFv2kR0B6ACNec3JlvA3y5DOKjrb1cGTrKbX8quKdaATHHHFRqDWtnxMrxtncIlGcNwMbKTlaTsbGgV7Tl5o5N1OEeL7ZMMdV5J4Sp2Mq-HSjQKxTFnyhMm3xaV-a9QgtuSFhs~oy~QdgCRsEfCFRsENMjXumWjmJ7CgLfKHsOk58jFDVlwQCMOJ4~VtU2Q36hRzGPUf4iovyuCK79WnnWx4t8ZPa5-S4xxmU63PorPR690L-isR07Y7tHAwt2l1mPPdSHhIrMAnoJTDv0ECQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Sierra Obasuji, policy analyst for the Office of Community Police Oversight, briefed the board on May 13 about several state legislative proposals and a federal executive order that could affect policing and civilian oversight in Dallas.

Obasuji described House Bill 3640 and its companion House Joint Resolution 162, which would amend the Texas Constitution to give the attorney general shared authority to prosecute alleged criminal offenses by peace officers acting in the course of duty. If the joint resolution passes and is approved by voters, the attorney general could prosecute or appoint external prosecutors for on‑duty officer offenses. Obasuji said this could reduce local prosecutorial control and urged the board to monitor implications for local accountability.

She also summarized Senate Bill 1637, which would amend the Texas Penal Code’s deadly‑conduct sections to create statutory exemptions for peace officers acting lawfully in the discharge of official duties. Obasuji noted that if enacted, DPD might need to modify use‑of‑force and related general orders to reconcile statutory exemptions with department disciplinary rules.

Finally Obasuji outlined a White House executive order issued April 28 directing federal agencies to expand support for state and local law enforcement, increase availability of excess federal equipment, and review federal consent decrees; she said the order could strain the authority of local oversight mechanisms if federal policy leads to rescission or modification of consent decrees and could prompt escalations in enforcement that affect overpoliced neighborhoods.

Board members asked whether OCPO would take positions on the bills and how the office would coordinate with the city; Obasuji said staff are tracking the measures and that the policy subcommittee could evaluate potential formal positions if the board chooses.

Obasuji said she would circulate rapid updates during the legislative session and that several bills of interest were pending with deadlines approaching.","OCPO policy staff briefed the board on several state bills — including House Bill 3640/HJR162 and Senate Bill 1637 — and on a recent presidential executive order expanding federal support for law enforcement, noting potential implications for local oversight and community trust.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":87,"_43":88,"_45":89,"_46":90,"_48":91,"_50":92,"_52":93,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":94,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":95,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6557417,"OCPO reports death in custody, opens director‑initiated investigation and declines independent review request",1164,8192000,9356000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d&start=8192&end=9356","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d/thumbnail_8192000.jpg","/articles/6557417/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/OCPO-reports-death-in-custody-opens-directorinitiated-investigation-and-declines-independent-review-request","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557417-9c6f1bbb7ccb598c2e88510033a89296/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177585&Signature=I9QVbTg5Os6fulyoot3DI~ysEgDAm~v5E8AtW9q3EytsgrzZQi9jfsIA3Rv69E-hbq5ZMU5Dz8Xv2mBvYw8227IJRhLE1FDzPItbPUmhp9seEYF7w7eB-PHu~5f4qFlRpWXGynMjE76PJno09iJ9RAbaTnpnJkrZ2iF-KzXQacKKV0-6jo3CTo4sIzAibKaqD6dUN4ucyBCs1~9MdxnrkjmV51WKOg8h6H6-IFCFxezo5J-Gqi13bTOru~r4HT4SYZqpq1NA72bzRC44Q8b8xwmo5tkBcq10MmLvT9AiO7pWdPIUz21Fimyw7tgjZcabaGgYcIxaKc-0hPRAgEXfLA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Office of Community Police Oversight’s special investigator, Greg Huff, briefed the Community Police Oversight Board on May 13 about three separate matters: a death in custody, a director‑initiated independent investigation, and an independent review request.

Critical incident — death in custody: Huff said that on April 29 Dallas police stopped a vehicle whose license plate was linked to a man with outstanding felony warrants. Officers recovered suspected cocaine and two stolen handguns at the scene. The person stopped, identified in the briefing as 55‑year‑old Horace Groves III, reported feeling unwell; Dallas Fire Rescue responded and cleared him medically before he was transported to the Southeast Patrol Station for questioning. Huff said Groves collapsed during an interview and was pronounced dead at 3:39 a.m. The Dallas Police Special Investigations Unit will perform an internal investigation and the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office will conduct an independent review, Huff said.

Director‑initiated investigation: The director asked for an independent investigation after reviewing a division referral concerning an officer interaction during a traffic stop. The complainant alleged Officer Wolford said, “If you touch it I’m gonna smoke your [expletive],” after seeing a holstered firearm in a stopped driver’s vehicle. Internal Affairs routed the case to a division review; the division recommended the officer be exonerated while suggesting training to improve choice of words. OCPO’s preliminary review found the video did not demonstrate an escalating encounter and questioned whether the officer’s language was necessary. Director Michelle Andre initiated an independent investigation to determine whether the officer’s conduct violated policy.

Independent review request — Bagheri collision: The board considered a complaint from Farhad Bagheri alleging shortcomings in an officer’s investigation of a traffic collision. The complaint raised factual omissions and claimed the reporting officer mischaracterized whether a driver wore corrective lenses. OCPO and Internal Affairs both conducted preliminary reviews and found no policy violation. After discussion, Judge C. Victor Lander moved that the board not pursue an additional independent investigation; the motion was seconded and passed unanimously.

Huff said OCPO is working on multiple additional investigations and expects to present results at the June meeting.","The board received three investigative updates: a police stop that resulted in a death on April 29, a director‑initiated review of an officer’s language during a traffic stop, and an independent review request related to a collision; the board voted not to open an independent investigation in the collision case.",{"_33":97,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":98,"_41":99,"_43":100,"_45":101,"_46":102,"_48":103,"_50":104,"_52":105,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":106,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":107,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6557422,"Board debates Dallas role if Texas mandates 287(g) participation; refers matter to policy committee",4462,2954000,7416000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d&start=2954&end=7416","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d/thumbnail_2954000.jpg","/articles/6557422/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Board-debates-Dallas-role-if-Texas-mandates-287g-participation-refers-matter-to-policy-committee","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557422-06796f4a50df220e9a66956798c63ce5/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177585&Signature=l9y4rBl6w8ulF~BrQG4J562eglLUN0nGvhs6xfPwEU1w6DYg8ZKIGzpRE7XM37OfVXwAiT9O6cgSwq24iZTbsp2nDldmm4gyp6owlwba40y93a8YFHalXmUS7rOcIDR1Mk7XtbC5gDTBjuBhdZHaJqVubZsArtU6TLMpXeleMnQg8fcTIJdCtf2ILZOXz2ifUWW22l6ddgwJ6qZj53d~Y673FByy3nL-K9dTFAmi88uCJXCE7tK7Sz8bFr-5xur80PLwsqVnSbSfMTwhZeTxKpyJHFlrTF5ojwYPtOLCtHaEXkkzSgD~zSWzGbxytCdpPBweKjudXID7NKZREuWrhw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Community Police Oversight Board on May 13 heard a briefing on Texas Senate Bill 8 and federal 287(g) immigration agreements and then debated what role the Dallas Police Department should play if state law compels county participation.

Sierra Obasuji, policy analyst for the Office of Community Police Oversight, briefed the board on SB 8’s requirements. She summarized that SB 8 would require sheriffs and counties with populations over 100,000 to request and, if offered, enter into a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Under those agreements, local officers may be trained by ICE, query federal immigration databases and be authorized to perform limited immigration enforcement functions. Obasuji noted that the bill allows smaller counties to opt in and provides limited grant funding only to counties under 1,000,000 people; larger counties such as Dallas County would likely face an “unfunded mandate.”

David Donati, an attorney with the ACLU of Texas, gave a legal and policy overview and warned of potential effects documented in other jurisdictions: reduction in crime reporting, strained community relations, civil‑rights litigation and significant local costs. “These agreements have exploded in the past few months,” Donati said, and added that many agreements shift operational and liability costs to local entities.

Board member Brandon Friedman said he was troubled by public reports that Dallas Police leadership indicated the department would “work shoulder to shoulder” with federal partners if asked; Friedman said he wanted the board to formally express concern and that the chief’s statement to a news outlet had been “troubling.” Board members expressed a range of views about timing and process — some urged waiting to review a written memo the police chief plans to provide on Friday, while others said the board should act promptly to show its position to the community.

After discussion, the board voted to refer the matter to its policy subcommittee for review once the chief’s memo arrives, with a plan for the committee to prepare a recommended letter or other actions and for the chair to convene a special called meeting so the full board can vote. The motion passed on a roll call: Ozzie Smith (yes), Jonathan Maples (yes), Tonka Higgins (yes), Lauren Gilbert Smith (yes), Brian Ball (yes), Derek Pegram (yes), Tim Jackson (no), C. Victor Lander (yes), Allison Grinter Allen (yes), Jenny King (yes), Arlene Steinfeld (yes), Dee Wadsworth (yes), Brandon Friedman (yes), John Mark Davidson (yes). (Record of votes taken from roll call read at the meeting.)

Obasuji and Donati emphasized that SB 8 — as drafted — focuses on counties and the sheriff’s office; the Dallas Police Department would not be directly mandated by SB 8, but implementation in Dallas County could affect public perceptions of all local law enforcement and the willingness of immigrant communities to report crimes. Donati recommended options for mitigation including limiting any agreement to jail enforcement, insisting on local control over MOU terms, collecting data on costs and racial impact, and seeking state indemnity or appropriations if forced into costly implementation.

The board asked staff to coordinate with the chair and the policy subcommittee and to schedule any necessary special meeting once the chief’s written memo is received.","Following presentations on Texas Senate Bill 8 and 287(g) agreements, the Community Police Oversight Board voted to have its policy subcommittee review the chief’s forthcoming memo and prepare recommended board action; the full board will reconvene by special meeting to consider a letter or other steps.",{"_33":109,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":110,"_41":111,"_43":112,"_45":113,"_46":114,"_48":115,"_50":116,"_52":117,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":118,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":119,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6557427,"Dallas Police outlines updated protest tactics emphasizing de‑escalation, egress planning and duty to intervene",481,1239000,1720000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d&start=1239&end=1720","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3295757-83b53b9c9ce62f86351eade698734d3d/thumbnail_1239000.jpg","/articles/6557427/Dallas/Dallas-County/Texas/Dallas-Police-outlines-updated-protest-tactics-emphasizing-deescalation-egress-planning-and-duty-to-intervene","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6557427-e6c8424ca029a7c11d9d3172fd8509fd/orig.mp4?Expires=1771177585&Signature=iG7rX-82xm6ISw0hPIDHiJnRpygWUWSzMR4T2oAysRyYcy~mMgg26YOg9zu2fWEJEG9~axoTKHhypwyuaAwV4bCMESg6~~vypY~jnBziCwT0hm5mRU5wXyxOeEkreOeQPS28EXUvZSYKPiqxA-JeJySWTRm2DBegmw5DCtnIzOXEdE~tz-RF8IyZSqbbZmQB4BMPT9yR1socZLjoc8XP~Gx9RICAwElyb7t0G6HGaxUMV3IMpAvZXNwMDUJCeY9vcmhVDzs4-hYqLXPKfEKrkmZTBi76Me0gCTMF1Ka8LjpDcP03Bz5HBu-3-x2iE3JVB6OZPHA0btxyb~skKdYN~Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Major Jose Garcia, commander of the Dallas Police Department’s tactical and special operations units, told the Community Police Oversight Board on May 13 that the department has updated its public‑order policies and training since the 2020 protest period, placing greater emphasis on de‑escalation and officer accountability.

Garcia said changes over the past four years include expanded “duty to intervene” training, clarified limits on less‑lethal platforms in crowd environments, new long range acoustic devices for communicating with large crowds, and requirements to identify egress routes before dispersal. “The preferred outcome for any interaction with the public is to deescalate hostilities and restore peace,” Garcia said.

The briefing framed those changes as a response to past incidents. Board member Brandon Friedman asked how much the 2020 bridge incident shaped current policy; Garcia said the event prompted revisions including a prohibition on firing 40‑millimeter rounds into crowds and reinforced one‑to‑one deployment requirements for certain munitions. He said the department now emphasizes identifying safe egress routes and giving dispersed crowds time to leave.

Garcia described the department’s verbal warning protocol and body‑worn camera use. He said officers typically make a clear dispersal order — repeated up to three times — and record warnings on BWCs. “We will only use city issue body worn cameras to be able to record the verbal warning,” Garcia said, adding that cover officers should be present during warnings.

On the subject of officer intervention, Garcia said the duty‑to‑intervene standard is part of academy and in‑service training and that discipline — including possible charges — can follow failure to act, depending on the facts. “It depends on what it is. And, absolutely, … discipline to include possible charges if it merits,” he said.

Board members pressed about surveillance and identification at demonstrations. Allison Grinter Allen asked whether facial recognition is used; Garcia said the command post can view city cameras and deploy drones to gain a situational picture, but to his knowledge facial recognition is not used and the footage is not routinely saved. “As far as face recognition, nothing that I know about or I have seen, ma’am,” he said, and added, “It is not saved. To my knowledge, it is not saved.”

Board members also asked about coordination with federal agents. Garcia said incident command sets the operation plan and, when federal partners are in a support role, they are expected to follow directions issued by Dallas’ command post. “If they are in a support role, the expectation is that they would follow the commands that are being directed from the CP,” he said.

Several board members praised the reforms and asked for continued public transparency around training and tactics. Garcia said the department conducts monthly special response training, has updated mobile field force training, and runs semiannual joint exercises with North Texas agencies.

The presentation closed with Garcia saying the department will continue to evolve tactics and training “as need changes” and reiterated that ensuring safety for residents, visitors and officers is the department’s primary concern.

Minor details discussed at the meeting that may be relevant to future oversight requests included Garcia’s statement that operation plans do not list specific tactics publicly, and his repeated emphasis that any less‑lethal deployment into a crowd requires authorization by the chief or a designee and must meet strict criteria.","Major Jose Garcia of the Dallas Police Department briefed the Community Police Oversight Board on the department’s tactical planning and special events units, describing policy changes since 2020 that center on de‑escalation, officer intervention, crowd egress and limits on “less‑lethal” weapons.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

OCPO launches quarterly newsletter and readies mediation program; outreach team reports robust April engagement

Policy analyst flags state bills and White House order that could reshape policing oversight in Dallas

OCPO reports death in custody, opens director‑initiated investigation and declines independent review request

Board debates Dallas role if Texas mandates 287(g) participation; refers matter to policy committee

Dallas Police outlines updated protest tactics emphasizing de‑escalation, egress planning and duty to intervene