Dallas County District Attorney John Creuzot has tossed his controversial policy against prosecutions of misdemeanor-level thefts of essential items like food...
“I want the people of Dallas County and our partner police agencies to know that I have heard their concerns, and I will change when change is needed,” Creuzot said in a statement that announced the policy’s repeal last week.
The policy did not apply to thefts of expensive items like televisions and catalytic converters, Creuzot said. It only applied to thefts of items that cost between $100 and $750, which is a Class B misdemeanor, unless evidence showed the theft was intended for financial profit rather than a need. “Through data analysis and conversations with community organizations, retailers, and independent loss prevention specialists, I found the policy had zero effect on crime in the county – positive or negative,” Creuzot said.Creuzot has said the goal of the policy was to address disparities in arrests and prosecutions for poor people. But the policy was “misrepresented and politicized, and those who have done that have created a sense of mistrust about this office,” Creuzot said.
“I have come to the understanding that this policy is more aspirational than realistic and rather than helping those in need, I have watched that population, and primarily people of color, be blamed for a rise in crime,” Creuzot said. Instead of a blanket policy, Creuzot said prosecutors will use discretion to decide who to prosecute and will use intervention programs and community resources for people who display a need.
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