FORT WORTH -- The Police Department is implementing a policy prohibiting "bias-based policing," and officials say that officers who violate it will likely be fired.
A special order signed Friday by Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead prohibits police employees from taking into consideration "race, color, gender, age, national origin, religion, disability, economic status, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, transgender status, membership in a cultural group or other individual characteristics or distinctions" while performing police duty.Lt. Paul Henderson, a police spokesman, said those who violate the policy will face harsh discipline "in the form of termination in most cases.""This policy differs from racial profiling, which is mainly directed at prohibiting traffic stops based on race," Henderson said. "The bias-based policing policy prohibits any prejudice from entering into the decision-making process. We may not be able to change a person's behavior at work completely, but we sure can change their employment status if they bring their prejudices to the workplace."Halstead said Friday that he hopes the policy will make it easier for employees to report abuses to their supervisors."I want to open up the minds and understanding that yes, this can occur here," Halstead said. "I want the employees to take self-ownership that they will not allow what has occurred, or could occur, in their private life to ever come into their police practices."The policy, copies of which will be distributed to employees next week, takes effect immediately, Henderson said.Jon Nelson, a founder of Fairness Fort Worth, said the new policy "speaks volumes" about Halstead."This policy would not exist but for the chief of police. He sets the tone and he made this decision and I think that this Police Department is significantly different because of his leadership," Nelson said.In other placesSome law officers in Texas have come under criticism for what some believe are racially motivated actions.In Houston, four officers were fired and await trial on charges stemming from accusations that they kicked and stomped a 15-year-old black burglary suspect last year, even after the suspect was handcuffed. Video of the attack was broadcast this week after a black community leader released it to a Houston television news station.In Dallas, three officers were fired and were indicted last year on charges related to a videotaped chase and beating of a black motorcyclist. Two of the officers are accused of striking the 28-year-old man, and the third is accused of turning the in-car video away from the incident. Police officials have said they have found no evidence that the beating was racially motivated.'Crystal-clear terms'Henderson said the Police Department's policy has been in the works since late last summer after a review of police policies. He called it a proactive step by the department, rather than a response to any specific incident in Fort Worth or beyond."Of course, the Rainbow Lounge was on our mind," Henderson said, referring to the high-profile bar check by Fort Worth police and the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission on a Fort Worth gay bar in June 2009. "We wanted to make sure we have a very clear-cut policy that prohibited any kind of bias-based actions."Henderson added: "This policy accomplishes two things: It spells out in crystal-clear terms that prejudice will not be tolerated in the workplace, and most importantly it reaffirms our commitment to protect the rights of all individuals within the diverse multicultural communities we serve."Deanna Boyd,817-390-7655Other areas of focus
Fort Worth Police Chief Jeff Halstead said the prohibition of bias-based policing is one of three main areas he wants to focus on as he begins his third year on the job. Halstead said he also wants to:
Create a chief advisory committee with three months, inviting people who have been critical of the department or its service to meet with him periodically to discuss their concerns, or immediately when issues arise.
Have the Police Department's policies and practices reviewed under the Law Enforcement Agency Best Practices Recognition Program through the Texas Police Chiefs Association Foundation. The program works with agencies to improve police service and the protection of individuals' rights. To receive recognition, an agency must prove compliance with more than 160 "best practices" regarding, among other things, use of force, property and evidence management, off-duty conduct and internal-affair management.
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