Articles By Bob Gorsky FALSE COMPLAINTS RESULS IN INDICTMENT The Dallas County Grand Jury has indicted Rashonda Dixon, a drug suspect who had complained, but later recanted, that she had been raped by Dallas police officers. Before Dixon recanted, several officers were called to the Public Integrity Division for questioning (see related story). The police department referred the case to the District Attorney’s Office for review and much to the approval of the officers, who were unnecessarily put through a criminal investigation. The case was presented to a grand jury on May 10TH and an indictment issued May 12TH. It is hard to imagine what it must be like to be accused of such a crime, not knowing whether your co-workers, supervisors, and police chief believe in your innocence. While Dixon’s actions in recanting help, it is now going to be up to a Dallas County judge or jury to send the message to the public that false complaints against police officers will not be tolerated. It has long been the law in Texas that a complaint concerning a police officer’s conduct is not subject to civil recourse; however, a criminal prosecution for the making of a false report is an appropriate alternative which is available to police departments. In the past year, the Duncanville and Garland Police Departments have been aggressive in filing cases against individuals who make false complaints against police officers. It has been years since I recall DPD pursuing prosecution. Hopefully, the indictment of Rashonda Dixon signals a willingness on the department’s part to take action against those who see you as sitting ducks. ______________________________________________________________ Bob Gorsky is a partner at the Dallas law firm of Lyon, Gorsky, Haring & Gilbert, L.L.P., 2501 Cedar Springs, Suite 750, Dallas, Texas 75201; (214) 965-0090, website: lyongorsky.com or e-mail Bob at: bgorsky@swbell.net. |