DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF) – A day after Dallas City Councilman Adam Bazaldua called for State Troopers to leave South Dallas, newly elected Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson chimed in on the involvement of city leaders with the Police Department.
“I don’t think politicians should be making policy with respect to public safety, primarily,” said Mayor Johnson. “Because I don’t think we know enough to do that.”
Texas Department of Public Safety Troopers were called in to assist with patrols in South Dallas earlier this year amid a rapid spike in violent crime.
According to the Dallas Police Department, crime in South Dallas has been reduced by nearly 30% since the DPS patrols began. Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot said this week that members of the South Dallas community feel targeted by the Troopers, and discriminated against.
“These are tax paying citizens voicing concerns and their concerns should be responded to in an appropriate manner,” D.A. Creuzot said.
Mayor Johnson believes it’s the responsibility of law enforcement to make decisions on deployments and law enforcement operations.
“Let the Police Chief be the primary person in the city who determines strategy when it comes to public safety,” said Mayor Johnson. “We’re politicians.”
DPD hasn’t indicated any plans to pull the Troopers out of South Dallas.
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