The Dallas Police Association announced Wednesday that it supports an extensive investigation by District Attorney Faith Johnson, the Balch Springs police department and Senator Royce West into the tragic death of teenager Jordan Edwards.
Police officers work hard to maintain the faith of the citizens we protect,” said DPA President Mike Mata. “Anything short of a comprehensive review of the shooting jeopardizes the faith placed in our legal system. We want to stress that every citizen, including police officers, have the right to due process, and a transparent investigation will help us protect that right.”
The DPA said the Balch Springs incident highlights the need for every officer in every police department to be equipped with a body camera.
“The Dallas Police Association has been consistent on this issue from the beginning,” Mata said. “Body cameras protect officers from false claims of abuse, while also providing the evidence necessary to remove officers who do not uphold the standards of professionalism we demand from law enforcement.”
The Association thanked Senator West for his efforts to pass Senate Bill 158 in 2015 that provided initial funding for body cameras to be used by Texas’ police officers.
