Local
Dallas union seeks equal treatment in probe of department media official
The Dallas Police Association is questioning why assistant media relations director Allison Hudson has not been placed on administrative leave during a criminal investigation. Police Chief Daniel Comeaux says department policy does not require leave simply because a complaint has been filed and says the investigation should remain confidential.
The Dallas Police Association is calling for transparency and consistent application of department rules as the Dallas Police Department investigates Allison Hudson, its assistant director of media relations.
The department confirmed last week that its Public Integrity Unit is investigating Hudson but has not publicly stated the reason. The union’s president, Sean Pease, said Hudson is accused of felony impersonation of a public servant. That allegation has not been confirmed by police, and Hudson’s status in the investigation was not publicly detailed.
A citizen complaint filed in August reportedly concerned Hudson’s use of a department vehicle equipped with emergency lights and a siren. A report cited by the union said Hudson, a civilian employee, was not authorized to use that equipment. The department has not publicly confirmed those details.
Pease said he discussed the allegations with Police Chief Daniel Comeaux, who reportedly told him the vehicle was the only one available. Pease argued that vehicle availability would not excuse a violation of law or department policy, including General Order 513, which covers employee conduct and accountability.
The union also questioned why Hudson had not been placed on administrative leave. Pease said he had represented officers who were put on leave during investigations involving less serious allegations. He pointed to Hudson’s appearance at a City Council meeting Wednesday, where she helped recognize students in the department’s explorer program.
Comeaux said investigations of this kind are expected to remain confidential to avoid affecting city operations. He criticized department members for disclosing what he called unverified allegations, saying the disclosures could hinder the investigation. He also said he had not directed or implied that the investigation be changed.
Under General Order 513, Comeaux said, administrative leave is not imposed solely because a complaint has been filed. He added that Public Integrity Unit investigations must be kept confidential and that, in some cases, employees may not be told they are under investigation.
Pease said Hudson is entitled to due process and the presumption of innocence, while insisting department rules should apply equally regardless of an employee’s position. The department has said it expects a thorough and fair investigation. Hudson had not publicly responded in the information available.