At its Nov. 10 meeting the Community Police Oversight Board voted to direct the Office of Community Police Oversight to conduct independent investigations in several complaints involving the Dallas Police Department.

The board approved independent investigations in these matters after hearing OCPO’s preliminary review and asking clarifying questions of investigator Greg Huff and complainants present.

- Case 2 (Cedric Wilkerson): Wilkerson asked the board to investigate alleged falsified arrest records from 2010. OCPO reported internal affairs had closed its preliminary review and labeled some filings duplicate matters; the board voted to open a full independent investigation. Motion by Judge Victor Lander, seconded by Jonathan Maples; roll-call vote recorded in the meeting minutes and the motion passed.

- Case 4 (Lynn Roth): Roth asked for review of Detective Cody Clark’s handling of her son’s August 2024 death and alleged limited follow-up at the scene. OCPO’s preliminary review did not identify a policy violation, but board members said more review was warranted; the board voted to open an independent investigation. Motion by Brandon Friedman, seconded by Judge Lander; vote passed.

- Case 3 (Billy Robertson): Robertson described two storage-unit burglaries and alleged detectives did not follow up despite his providing video and suspect information. OCPO’s preliminary review noted no suspect information in the police reports but the board voted to investigate further. Motion by Tim Jackson, seconded by Jenny King; vote passed.

- Case 1 (Michael Polsky): Polsky complained that officers placed his child with a stranger and refused his request to take the child to the hospital during a July 25 incident; OCPO reviewed patrol referrals and a Texas DFPS report and recommended further review; Judge Lander moved to investigate and the board voted to do so.

The board considered, but declined, to open an independent investigation in the complaint by Daria Plautz alleging coercion, illegal search and improper seizure of children; the motion failed on a unanimous roll-call vote.

Why it matters: The votes show the board exercising oversight authority to pursue additional fact gathering where preliminary reviews left open questions of process or missed evidence. Several citizens who spoke asked for accountability for how DPD handled investigations and evidence.

What’s next: OCPO investigators will gather additional materials, including body-worn-camera footage and submitted videos, and the cases will return to the board for review when investigations are complete.