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