Constitutional Policing Unit

Our mission is to ensure that the Dallas Police Department preserves its integrity by upholding the highest standards of policing - legal, moral, and ethical.

Methods

Overview

The Constitutional Policing Unit leverages Strategic and Limited Scope Reviews to evaluate the Dallas Police Department's patterns, practices, and policies. Each Strategic and Limited Scope Review follows a methodological approach.

Strategic Reviews

Strategic Reviews leverage third-party subject matter experts to conduct independent analyses of known areas of high risk within the Department. Each includes a comprehensive evaluation of the Department's policies, trainings, systems, data, and mechanisms for accountability related to the subject of the Strategic Review, as identified by the Chief of Police. The reviews will seek to address questions such as the following.

Policy Review

  • Is the language included in the policies and procedures clear and understood?
  • Are the policies and procedures legally sound?

Training Review

  • What is the quality of the training?
  • Are the instructors qualified?

Systems Review

  • Do the practices in place align with the Department's corresponding policies in its General Orders and Standard Operating Procedures?
  • How does data flow within the system?

Data Review

  • Is the data valid and reliable?
  • Does the data measure what it should? 

Mechanisms for Accountability Review

  • How are officers held accountable?
  • Does the Department's leadership have access to the information necessary to hold officers accountable?

Fiscal Year 2024 Strategic Reviews

  • Start Date: December 2023Use of ForceStatus: In Progress

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Limited Scope Reviews

Limited Scope Reviews include assessments of specific bureaus, divisions, units, or operations within the Department conducted by Internal Control Specialists. The limited breadth and scope of these reviews allow the assessors to identify potential vulnerabilities with significant repercussions for the Department. Limited Scope Reviews are designed to ensure the quality of the Department's internal controls and mechanisms for risk mitigation.

Fiscal Year 2024 Limited Scope Reviews


  • Start Date: February 2024Administrative Directive 4-09 Annual Internal Control Self-AssessmentStatus: In Progress
  • Start Date: February 2024Public Information OfficeStatus: In Progress
  • Start Date: February 2024Public Integrity UnitStatus: Completed
  • Start Date: January 2024Property Room Unit InventoryStatus: Completed
  • Start Date: January 2024Wellness UnitStatus: Completed
  • Start Date: December 2023Property Room Unit Gun DestructionStatus: Completed
  • Start Date: November 2023Property Room Unit Drug VerificationStatus: Completed