Dallas police’s top spokesperson has been placed on leave after remaining on duty for weeks during an internal investigation, the department confirmed Thursday.
The move comes a week after Police Chief Daniel Comeaux publicly defended keeping Allison Hudson on duty despite media reports disclosing the inquiry and growing scrutiny over the department’s handling of the investigation.
Hudson’s case is being handled by the department’s public integrity unit, which investigates criminal conduct allegations involving city employees.
It was not immediately clear what prompted the decision to place Hudson on leave this week. She did not return messages seeking comment.
Hudson, who recently marked one year on the job, oversees the Dallas police’s media relations and community affairs office.
Allison Hudson, the Dallas Police Department’s top spokesperson, is pictured in an official department portrait. (Provided by Dallas police)
The city has asked the Texas attorney general for permission to withhold records requested by The Dallas Morning News concerning Hudson, arguing their release could interfere with an ongoing criminal investigation.
The News’ requests include records related to her department-issued vehicle, the public integrity unit’s investigation and the citizen complaint that led to the inquiry.
Hudson previously worked for the Houston Police Department. She reports directly to Comeaux, who also came to Dallas from Houston, where he led the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Field Division.
On Oct. 16, WFAA-TV (Channel 8) cited unnamed sources who said Hudson was under investigation for allegedly impersonating a police officer. Hudson is a civilian.
Scrutiny grew in the days since the investigation was disclosed, with Sean Pease, the president of the Dallas Police Association, the city’s largest police union, publicly questioning how the investigation was being handled.
Hours later, Comeaux issued an unusual statement accusing unnamed department employees of sharing “unverified allegations” about Hudson. He said he was “highly disappointed” and warned that the disclosures could undermine the investigation and distract from the department’s work.
Subscribe
This article originally published at Dallas police spokesperson on leave after chief defended keeping her on duty amid investigation.