The Dallas Police Department has selected six officers from all its seven divisions to do what the department calls "knock-and-talks."
Basically, the officers get permission to search people's homes without a warrant. But knock-and-talks have historically been a problem for the department.
In October 2005, officers arrested three men in one of the largest drug busts in the city's history. Police seized $2 million in drugs, 11 high-powered weapons and $200 in cash in a knock-and-talk operation.
But police improperly searched the home, so a judge set the alleged drug dealers free.
In another case, in January 2006, News 8 reported the case of Tim Sims. Dallas police barged into a house where he was staying looking for drugs, another knock-and-talk operation.
Sims said police never asked to search the house. "They just came in with guns drawn and said, 'Open the door!'"
Sims said police acted without probable cause. "They are going into locations, knocking on the door, throwing down on people with pistols and going in and searching, and that is illegal."
Dallas police acknowledged they had a problem, but said they have changed procedures over the years.
"The department says it has specifically trained the more than 40 officers to properly search, and will require them to record all knock-and-talks," Deputy Chief Rick Watson said.
Police say the moment a resident asks for a search warrant, officers will have to stop searching.
"They request permission to search, and many times they get that permission," Watson said. "We've been successful in seizures of guns, drugs, money and individuals."
The department says this time around, knock-and-talks will be a success. "The training and the supervision is very important," Watson said.
DPD says it has selected some of its top officers for the program, and say this time, it will be a success.
E-mail rlopez@wfaa.com
