Local
Dallas police union questions why media official remains in public role during probe
The Dallas Police Department is investigating assistant media relations director Allison Hudson over an allegation involving a department vehicle fitted with emergency lights and sirens. The police association says the department should explain how it is ensuring consistent treatment while the investigation remains confidential.
A civilian Dallas Police Department media official remains in her public-facing position while the department investigates an allegation that she used a police vehicle equipped with emergency lights and sirens, prompting questions from the Dallas Police Association about how the case is being handled.
Allison Hudson, the department’s assistant director of media relations, was named to the position in January. Dallas police confirmed an open investigation but said it would not release further details because cases handled by its Public Integrity Unit are confidential.
The dispute became public after Hudson attended a Wednesday meeting at Dallas City Hall, where she photographed members of the department’s Police Explorers program. The youth program had just taken first place in a major state competition.
“I don’t need this individual being the face of the department while under investigation,” association President Sean Pease said.
Pease said he spoke with Police Chief Daniel Comeaux by phone Thursday. According to Pease, Comeaux told him the vehicle Hudson used was the only one available. Pease argued that the explanation does not resolve questions about department policy or Texas law governing access to vehicles with emergency equipment.
The union president also questioned whether Hudson is being treated differently from sworn officers facing similar allegations. He said some association members accused of misdemeanor-level offenses have been placed on administrative leave, and argued that the same standards should apply to Hudson.
The department said it does not place employees on administrative leave solely because a complaint has been made. Comeaux said he has not asked for changes to the investigation and expects cases to be handled thoroughly, fairly and with integrity.
Pease said Hudson is entitled to due process, describing his concern as one of equal treatment. He also said he would prefer public attention to focus on other department issues: the police association’s contract expired at the end of September and negotiations are continuing, while the Police Explorers program faces a $30,000 funding need after a cut.
“I wish that this wasn’t even an issue that we were even addressing,” Pease said.
The department has not publicly detailed the allegation or said when the investigation may conclude.