What the next Dallas police chief faces
Dallas is nearing the end of its nationwide search for a new police chief — a position that will face increased scrutiny from the community and state officials.
Why it matters: The new chief search comes as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating the police department, claiming it's not complying with state and federal immigration laws.
The city is also trying to fulfill a measure to increase its police force passed by voters in November and revise its plans for a new law enforcement training facility.
The latest: Paxton announced last week his office is investigating the city and its police department on allegations that Dallas is acting as a sanctuary city and protecting undocumented immigrants.
The AG's office is requesting all department training materials and policies on immigration laws, as well as communications between city leadership and police regarding immigrant detainment.
Context: Interim chief Michael Igo said last month officers won't stop anyone solely to check their immigration status.
The department has not been asked to assist in any federal or state immigration enforcement, he said.
The big picture: Democratic mayors across the U.S. have been called to testify in Congress about their sanctuary city policies.
President Trump signed an executive order cutting federal grants to sanctuary cities, but the move was blocked in federal court.
Flashback: Last year, then-chief Eddie Garcia said the department would not be enforcing a state law that allows officers to arrest and deport people believed to be in the country illegally until the rules were clarified.
The law, Senate Bill 4, has been on hold while it makes its way through the courts.
State of play: Igo has been the interim police chief since the former chief left for a role in Austin in October. The city launched a nationwide search for the position in January with the goal of interviewing finalists at the end of March.
The city manager sent a memo to council members saying the search is on track and the hiring decision is expected in the next month.
Igo has said he wants to be considered for the permanent position.
Between the lines: Garcia's policies reduced crime, and his leadership style appeased both elected officials and the department's rank-and-file during his three-year tenure — a balance few former chiefs were able to find.
But after the former chief left, Dallas voters passed a measure that requires the city to hire hundreds more officers, despite current and former elected officials warning the goal is unnecessary and too costly.
City Council is also grappling with the department's training needs. Recruits have trained at an old warehouse facility for decades and have been promised a new academy at UNT-Dallas.
The intrigue: Paxton sued the city after police officials said they would follow a voter-backed ordinance that deprioritizes marijuana arrests.
Paxton lost.
What's next: Dallas city officials said they "are reviewing the letter received from the Texas Attorney General's Office and will respond at the appropriate time."
Council will be briefed on the new police academy plans in April.
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