Dallas Police Use Civilian Workers at County Jail Despite Risk

The Dallas Police Department is using civilian employees at the county jail to help free up its officers.

The Dallas Morning News reports department commanders recently transferred 10 employees to the jail to watch arrested suspects while the county processes them.

Department officials say they aim to keep officers protecting the community rather than waiting at the jail.

The president of the Dallas Fraternal Order of Police says the safety of the civilian guards is at risk.

Deputy Chief Malik Aziz says the civilian employees train every week for working at the jail. He says the jail’s sheriff deputies will be nearby if needed.