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

Strategic Reviews

Strategic Reviews include broad assessments of the Department's systems, strategies, and structure. Each review employs a methodological approach, leverages internal and external subject matter expertise, and is informed by an evaluation of applicable standards and recognized effective policing practices. The goal is to identify intradepartmental improvements that enhance internal controls and align the Department's regulations and procedures with its mission and community needs. Each Strategic Review results in a written report prepared for the Department's senior leadership, summarizing key findings and providing corresponding recommendations for improvement. The Constitutional Policing Unit then guides the implementation of approved recommendations.

Limited Scope Reviews

Limited Scope Reviews include focused assessments of specific regulations, functions, and operations within the Department. Each review employs a methodological approach, leverages internal and external subject matter expertise, and is informed by an evaluation of applicable standards and recognized effective policing practices. The goal is to identify targeted opportunities to enhance internal controls, foster operational innovation, and promote data-driven decision-making. Each Limited Scope Review results in a written report prepared for the Department's senior leadership, summarizing key findings and providing corresponding recommendations for improvement. The Constitutional Policing Unit then guides the implementation of approved recommendations.

Data Reviews

The Constitutional Policing Unit, in collaboration with subject matter experts, collects, analyzes, and reports statistical information to identify patterns and trends, ensure compliance with applicable standards, and support data-driven decision-making. This includes Motor Vehicle Stop Data Reviews conducted on a weekly, quarterly, and annual basis to uphold the racial profiling data requirements established by the Sandra Bland Act (85(R) Senate Bill 1849). 

Internal Control Assessments

Internal Control Assessments are conducted to affirm a command level's (e.g., Bureau, Group, Division, Section, Unit, Squad/Team) adherence to relevant regulations and procedures, including those outlined in the City of Dallas Personnel Rules, City of Dallas Administrative Directives, Dallas Police Department General Orders, and the command level's standard operating procedures.

Material Inventories

Material Inventories ensure the effective and accountable management of property, resources, and monetary assets. These inventories encompass drugs and firearms stored in the Department's Property Room, as well as routine departmental cash counts. Additionally, Material Inventories include verifying and securing for destruction Property Room drugs and firearms.

Special Initiatives

The Constitutional Policing Unit provides timely analyses in response to emerging issues and ongoing challenges facing the Department while leading long-term efforts geared toward fostering a culture of continuous learning. This includes offering senior leadership guidance through a constitutional policing lens, conducting ad hoc reviews of proposed Departmental regulations, and developing and implementing training programs designed to enhance employees’ effectiveness and professional development.