Dallas City Council Repeals Police Staffing Ordinance

The Dallas City Council voted 8-2 to repeal a 1988 ordinance that mandated a police staffing ratio of three officers per 1,000 residents, a move seen as an attempt to sidestep potential lawsuits following the passage of two charter amendments allowing residents to sue the city for non-compliance with local laws. The ordinance repeal occurred after a lengthy closed-door session with little public discussion, raising concerns among critics, including Dallas HERO Executive Director Pete Marocco, who argued it disregards the voters' will. The recent charter amendments, passed by voters, require the city to maintain a police force of 4,000 officers, significantly above the current staffing level of around 3,100. City documents cited that the repealed recommendations were either outdated or already achieved, although the council's actions have drawn scrutiny for their timing and lack of transparency. Council members defending the repeal argue it reflects a commitment to public safety and responsiveness to voter concerns. As the city navigates these changes, it remains unclear whether the repeal impacts the newly mandated hiring requirements.