DALLAS (WBAP/KLIF)- Dallas Police will soon be looking for a new police chief as Renee Hall has submitted her resignation.
Dallas City Manager T.C. Broadnax said he asked her to remain in this position until the end of 2020 and she has agreed to do so. “That will enable us to complete the short-term goals of the R.E.A.L. Change initiative. I am extremely grateful to Chief Hall for extending her time in Dallas. This year has been tumultuous and uncertain. A few more months of her leadership are key for several projects and for a seamless transition within the police department,” said Broadnax.
City leaders have been frustrated over Chief Hall’s performance since she took command of the department following the resignation of Chief David Brown who now serves the City of Chicago.
Dallas Police Association President Mike Mata said Hall didn’t meet expectations.
“I think Chief Hall has had ample time to put the police department in a better place as far as fighting crime… we have had double digit increases in crime every year,” said Mata.
According to Hall’s resignation letter, she has received a number of interest from other career opportunities in recent months.
Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson issued a statement on Hall’s resignation.
“I want to thank Chief Hall for her service to the City of Dallas. I had not spoken to the chief about her decision, but I was not terribly surprised by it considering the recent public statements of my City Council colleagues.
“I know that people who commit themselves to careers as police officers face immense challenges and must be willing to make tremendous sacrifices. We demand much from them and especially from our police leaders — and rightfully so because the stakes are incredibly high.
“On top of those demands, Chief Hall had the burden and the distinction of being the first woman — a woman of color, no less — to serve as the police chief in Dallas. That was not lost on me. I wish her the best in her career and in her life moving forward.
“I believe the Dallas City Council now must continue to support public safety in our communities. We cannot exclusively rely on law enforcement to reduce crime, but we absolutely need new policing strategies and fresh eyes that can help us reverse the unfortunate and unacceptable increases in violent crime in our city. We need strong and experienced police leadership that instills a culture of community policing, crime-fighting, and accountability.
“While the city manager searches for a new police chief, it is our job as policymakers to provide police commanders with the tools they need to be successful and to make Dallas the safest big city in the country.”
Hall’s resignation letter:
