Office of Community Police Oversight


​Office of Community Police Oversight

 

UPCOMING CPOB MEETING:

The Board's next meeting will be held on February 14, 2023, in person at Dallas City Hall in the Council Chambers, room 6EN at 5:30 pm.  Attached is the agenda.CPOB February 2023 Agenda.pdf

To register to speak see the instructions below:

In-Person:

  • You can sign-up at the next meeting location on the day of the meeting. A person wishing to address the Community Police Oversight Board must provide the following information: name, residence address, daytime telephone number, the subject matter to be presented, and whether the subject is on the current Community Police Oversight Board meeting agenda. 

Virtually

  • A person wishing to address the Community Police Oversight Board virtually must first register with the Office of Community Police Oversight and provide the following information: name, residence address, daytime telephone number, the subject matter to be presented, and whether the subject is on the current Community Police Oversight Board meeting agenda. A person may register by electronic mail at OCPO@dallascityhall.com, or by telephone at 214-671-8283. The deadline for registering to address the Board at this Community Police Oversight Board meeting is 12:00 p.m. on February 14, 2023. No person may register to speak during an open microphone period more than once within any 30-day period.

OCPO Releases New Report on Racial Disparities in Low-Level Arrests

"Public Safety in Dallas: An analysis of Racial Disparities in Low-Level Arrests", is a NEW report co-authored by OCPO  and The Leadership Conference Education Fund's New Era of Public Safety Initiative. The report assesses the impact of misdemeanor arrests and their effects on the community, particularly Black and Latino communities. 

The report details seven findings, that resulted from a three-year study (July 1, 2017-June 30, 2020) on the Dallas Police Department's misdemeanor enforcement practices.  The report also makes six actionable recommendations to the City Council, City Manager, and DPD.  Nine community organizations signed onto the report.  Click here to view the full report.

Mission

The mission of the Office of Community Police Oversight (OCPO) is to ensure civilian complaints are reviewed impartially to enhance the transparency and trust between the City of Dallas, the Dallas Police Department, and the community. To help ensure this accountability, the OCPO will provide functional support and technical assistance to the Community Police Oversight Board (CPOB), formerly known as the Civilian Review Board.

Duties

The OCPO will be staffed by a monitor and administrative support staff who will report directly to the City Manager. The monitor will be responsible for performing the following duties:

  • Provide operative support to the CPOB
  • Provide reports to the City Manager to support CPOB
  • Conduct investigations as directed by CPOB
  • Receive external civilian complaints
  • Recommend external complaints about mediation, Internal Affairs investigation, or Divisional investigations
  • Monitor external Internal Affairs conducted investigations
  • Provide timely updates to CPOB at the conclusion of an external and administrative investigation

Community Police Oversight Board Rules of Procedure

Board Rules of Procedure.pdf


COVID-19 Update

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Community Police Oversight will not be taking in-person complaints.  However, civilians of Dallas can still file complaints with the office.  See updated options below.

Thank an Officer

  • Thank an officer electronically through OCPO. Click here to access the online form. 

Making a Complaint

A complaint against a police officer for misconduct may be made in one of several ways:

  • Submit a civilian complaint electronically to the OCPO. Click here to access online form in English and Spanish. 
  • Call OCPO. If no one answers, please leave a voicemail message stating you would like to file a complaint. Please include a good call back number to reach you and a member of the OCPO staff will return your call.
  • Complete a complaint form at the Dallas Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division.
  • Go to any of the seven police stations in the City of Dallas and complete a complaint form.
  • Print a Civilian's Complaint form and return it in one of the following ways:

    • E-Mail: Office of Community Police Oversight
    • Mail it to the Office of Community Police Oversight
    • Deliver it to the Dallas Police Department Internal Affairs Division or any City of Dallas police station