Shop

A Dallas Observer investigation explores the disciplinary practices at the Dallas Police Department in relation with an alleged racial bias. The story reveals "a stark contrast between the way badly behaved white and black officers were disciplined." The analysis of the police department's records shows that 38% of the allegations of misconduct involve black officers at the time when only 16% of the sworn officers at the department are African-American. The investigation also reveals that "white officers have better odds of getting the charges against them dropped" and "if allegation were sustained ... black officers faced a greater likelihood of getting punished more severely than their white counterparts." The reporter points to two examples - one involving a black officer who has been fired for allegedly sleeping while on duty and another involving a white officer who has only received a written reprimand for the same misconduct. The investigation details some questionable hiring practices at the police department. The story also reports on a continuing U.S. Department of Justice investigation of the alleged racial bias.