Contract negotiations between Dallas and its largest police union are becoming about more than just officer pay, with union leadership accusing city officials of failing to honor a voter-approved ballot measure.
Dallas Police Association President Sean Pease said the dispute centers on Proposition U, a measure approved by voters two years ago. The proposition directed the city to raise Dallas police compensation into the top five among departments in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, and Tarrant counties for cities with populations over 50,000.
According to Pease, the city's current proposed pay increase fails to advance Dallas toward that mandate because surrounding agencies are offering similar raises.
Pease said the competitive gap leaves Dallas struggling to recruit new officers and retain experienced personnel, even as the department faces the demands of serving a population of more than 1.3 million residents.
Officers are asking the city to fulfill the commitment already made by voters, Pease said.
