No training, no access
More than 100 Dallas police officers currently lack access to computer databases that display criminal information because they haven’t completed required training, according to the city’s police department.
Officers use the databases to check criminal histories and outstanding warrants, Dallas television station WFAA reported. The computer catalogues also show vehicles registered as stolen.
Dallas Police Association president Ron Pinkston said he notified the city’s police chief about the lack of access on Monday. He said officers not having access to the databases could put them and the public in harm’s way. “It might be an aggravated robber with a warrant out, and that guy could wind up hurting that officer, because (the officer) doesn’t know that he’s got an aggravated robbery warrant,” Pinkston said. “Or, he could be letting a pedophile go that’s been wanted in 10 states. He won’t know that.”