Dallas police and fire pension in crisis, retirees concerned
DALLAS — Still recovering from the July sniper attack that left five law enforcement officers dead, the Dallas Police Department is facing a new crisis as its pension fund approaches insolvency and scores of officers, including Chief David Brown, announce unexpected retirements.
The crisis comes as the Dallas Police Department negotiates with City Hall to raise pay and build its ranks, which union leaders say have been depleted by low pay and poor working conditions. There are currently 3,355 officers in a department that once had 3,600.
Problems with the Dallas Police and Fire Pension system have been simmering for years and were coming to a head when the July 7 sniper attack temporarily united the city. But, in recent weeks, the pension crisis has boiled up again because of fears about the system’s viability and pleas for calm from fund administrators.
Brown, who received national acclaim for his handling of the sniper attack, surprised the city on Sept. 1 by announcing his retirement, effective Oct. 22. He then moved up his retirement date to Oct. 4, saying he wanted to take advantage of “time-sensitive opportunities.” He did not elaborate.