By BOB RAY SANDERS
bobray@star-telegram.com
After the death of an individual at the hands of police, our community rightfully expects accountability from the department that was created to protect and serve.
In a death that is ruled a homicide, we are anxious to know whether it was "justifiable homicide" or "negligent homicide." We expect a thorough and deliberate investigation without any rush to judgment. After such an investigation takes place, however, it is proper for authorities to issue a report to the community to reveal its findings.
The family of Michael Jacobs Jr. has waited six months for the Fort Worth Police Department to complete its investigation into Jacobs’ death.
Jacobs, a 24-year-old who suffered with mental illness, died April 18 after being shocked with a Taser by a Fort Worth police officer. He had become disruptive at the Ava Court Drive home where he lived with his parents, and police responded to a 911 call.
Last Friday, Police Chief Jeff Halstead announced that an administrative investigation was complete and that he was providing copies of it to the Tarrant County grand jury and the Federal Bureau of Investigation for review. However, he said he was not going to release it to the public
yet, something this newspaper criticized him for in a Tuesday editorial.
The best way to avoid mistrust and protests is to be as forthcoming as possible, as expeditiously as possible.
I understand the chief has a dilemma on his hands, and I honestly feel he is trying to do what he believes is right. Unfortunately, nothing he has done so far has eased the frustration or suspicions of people who have come to expect the run-around from their public officials.
I trust this chief, and I’m ready to give him the benefit of the doubt — for the moment.
Prior to Friday’s press conference, Halstead sent me a message that I want to share. Because it explains his feelings about the complicated situation in which he finds himself, I’m sharing it in its entirety:
"Mr. Sanders,
"I wanted to take a few minutes to let you know some of the challenges I faced dealing with the administrative investigation that is being released today. I have read every page, every line, looked at every picture, and even interviewed the involved Officer myself. Due to this case being forwarded to the District Attorney for the Grand Jury, a lawsuit filed by the Jacobs family and specific rights for our employees while under investigation, I am extremely limited in what I can talk about. I know I promised you a meeting/interview, hence this email. There are still things I must say as your Police Chief.
"First and foremost, our entire organization truly empathizes for the Jacobs family as they have to endure even more coverage of this tragedy. Our sincere thoughts and dedicated prayers are with them.
"Since April 18th I have done everything in my power to bring some positive changes to our police department.
"Even before this tragic incident, I met with all of the MHMR leaders of Tarrant County the first week of April, just days before this incident. After my first '100 days,’ I wanted to expand the training curriculum and develop advanced training to better serve our community. Since then, we have developed strong relationships with staff, counselors, intake personnel and are in the process of developing a type of curriculum so our police officers receive advanced training, from topic experts, to assist them on calls related to MHMR patients.
"It is very important to note that I have also provided this investigation to the Department of Justice, FBI field office. I have promised an 'open and transparent’ investigation and you cannot be any more open than giving the investigation to the DOJ on my own power and from my own office.
"I have empowered our police academy staff to develop curriculum for a 16-hour (two-day) advanced officer training class that deals with scenarios, use of force and personal safety tactics. It took some time to allocate funding but our City Leaders are very supportive of Public Safety.
"I know members of our community remain frustrated with this incident. I am frustrated with them since NO ONE who has taken this oath ever wants this incident to happen to them. As I stated earlier, this is the second worst thing to happen to a police officer; the worst is to die in the line of duty. As your Chief, I am taking every possible measure to safely provide all of our police services to the great city of Fort Worth. You have my word and I expect you to hold me accountable.
"Jeffrey W. Halstead, Chief of Police"
Bob Ray Sanders’ column appears Sundays and Wednesdays. 817-390-7775
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