By BJ Austin, KERA News
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-972183.mp3
Dallas, TX – The largest association of Dallas Police officers is endorsing Mike Rawlings in the runoff race for Mayor. KERA's BJ Austin says the 2700 members bypassed the former Police Chief.
Glenn White, President of the Dallas Police Association, says Mike Rawlings promises NOT to reduce police ranks as a way to save money in the cash-strapped city budget. White says the commitment to maintain three officers for every one thousand citizens is critical to public safety.
White: If we take a big hit with a loss of manpower, we're not going to be a safe city. It's not going to be a safe and enjoyable city for you to come downtown, uptown, north Dallas, South Dallas. We're going to be fighting the same problems that we fought five and six years ago.
Rawlings says his commitment to current police staffing levels does not mean there might not be budget cuts elsewhere in the department.
Rawlings: And I know this is going to be a challenge. This is going to be difficult. It was with a lot of thought and discussion that I decided this is important to do.
Former Dallas Police Chief David Kunkle has called the three per one thousand police officer ratio "arbitrary", and says crime can continue to drop if officer numbers are reduced some. He says he's disappointed he did not get the DPA endorsement, but not surprised. He says he and the DPA have a history of disagreement.
Kunkle: There were policies I implemented that they disagreed with from the very beginning, but I believe time and the public have determined that I was right and they were wrong on those issues.
The Chief cites elimination of the choke hold, reduced use of tasers, and a restrictive chase policy. Kunkle does have the endorsement of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Latino Peace Officers Association.
Early voting is underway. The runoff election is June 18th.