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Emerging Issues and Discoveries
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Unmet Goals
- The 1988 Dallas City ordinance stating that there should be 3 police officers per every 1,000 people has never been met. Dallas currently has only 2.4 officers. Being out of violation of this ordinance is critical to the safety of Dallas.
- The lack of officers leads proliferation of private police forces for those who can afford to them. Most of these private forces hire off duty Dallas police officers, leading to overworked officers. Examples of these private forces are: SMU, the Meadows District, hospitals, Preston Hollow neighborhoods, DISD, DART, and North Park.
Resources
- Our initial research determined that the Police department does not have the necessary equipment to fight crime. Chief Kunkle and his command staff created a "Wish List" totaling $5 million, all items they consider essential to a healthy police force.
- Our DPD helicopter fleet consisted of four old, dangerous, and semi immobile helicopters. The City Manager is addressing this problem.
- There was an aged, ailing DPD auto fleet. The average mileage car was 100,000 miles. The City Manager's 2004 budget brought the vehicle mileage below 100,000.
Funding
- Safer Dallas Better Dallas understands that all budgets are strained and no one enjoys tax increases. However, everyone wants a safer Dallas. Mayor Leppert and the City Council need to know that the public will support funding public safety.
- The starting pay of the DPD is not competitive with other cities in the immediate area making recruiting extremely difficult.
- Safer Dallas Better Dallas has depended solely on foundations and wealthy individuals for financial support. The whole community must step up to the plate and support, both financially and vocally, this cause.
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