Interim Dallas police chief commits to "full transparency" and outreach to oversight board

Interim Chief Michael Igoe attended the Community Police Oversight Board meeting Jan. 14 to introduce himself and answer board members' questions about building trust between the Dallas Police Department and civilian oversight.

Igoe said he previously worked in Internal Affairs and has served in roles that gave him experience with oversight processes. "I definitely understand the responsibilities that you have and the importance of the board," he said, adding that he will plan "full transparency and full communication" and is willing to work with the board on a plan to brief officers department-wide about the board's role.

Board members emphasized the need for the rank-and-file to buy in to oversight work. "I don't think it's good enough to have buy in from you and not your officers," a board member said. Several board members thanked Igoe for meeting with the board and asked him to return for periodic briefings; the board said they will schedule quarterly meetings and submit topic areas to be discussed in advance.

Why it matters: The chief's willingness to meet and to pursue a communications plan with rank-and-file officers was presented as an early step toward operationalizing board oversight and improving cooperation on investigations and complaint processes.

What's next: The board and interim chief agreed to quarterly meetings; the board's chair said the board would supply topics in advance of future briefings.