Former Dallas Assistant Police Chief Reuben. G. Ramirez sang the praises of the department’s tactical skill and professionalism Tuesday during an Uptown luncheon, while also lamenting the care for individual officers.
Ramirez said officers are prepared for the “bad guys and bullets,” but noted the less notable aspects of the job, such as responding to fatal car crashes or reports of suicide, take a deep mental toll on officers.
During a discussion with the Metroplex Civic & Business Association, Ramirez shared the challenges Dallas officers face on a daily basis.
Questioned about the rising fear of crime, and how officers can best respond, Ramirez admitted officers often on patrol often have to pick their “poison,” meaning they may ignore lesser crimes in anticipation of something bigger on the next radio call.
He acknowledged the department could use more help.
“Until we get more resources, we’ll have to pick our poison — and that shouldn’t be the case,” he told the assembled crowd.
The nearly 29-year police veteran did assure those in attendance that the sworn officers of the Dallas Police Department are as talented and competent as anywhere in the nation.
He said their tactical skills are second to none.
“You generally don’t see us lose a fight,” he said.
He did however note the in-and-out daily tasks of being a modern-day police officer are taking a toll on the department.
He said many in the public don’t realize how “incredibly difficult” the job can be.
He said the mental health toll can be significant, occasionally leading to depression, failed marriages and alcohol dpendency.
He said new programs are in place for officers, but services are not yet where they need to be.
Ramirez said care and services for individual officers need to improve to ensure sustainable recruitment and retention moving forward.
“The sustainability of our profession depends on it,” he said.
The Dallas Police Department currently operates with around 3,000 officers, well below the estimated 4,000 sworn officers needed to effectively police a city the size of Dallas.
