Criminal Law and Police

The Criminal Law and Police Section serves as general legal counsel to the Dallas Police Department. The attorneys advise DPD officers on a variety of topics, including laws of arrest, searches, and constitutional issues. Specific job duties are to:

• Issue legal opinions and legal bulletins, as requested by DPD
• Review DPD subpoenas and requests for Public Information.
• Teach recruit officers various legal courses, including Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Criminal Justice System.
• Handle expunction cases.
• Provide 24-hour emergency legal assistance to DPD
• Attend Public Safety Committee and Citizens/Police Review Board meetings.
• Attend DPD administrative staff briefings and other DPD meetings
• Conduct pawnshop hearings in municipal court.
• Review protective orders.

The five attorney staff is housed in the Jack Evans Police Headquarters.