Dallas Police, Critics Square Off in Forum

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DALLAS (CBS11) - There was an open dialogue between groups often closed off from one another on Wednesday night.

Dallas Police, along with Interim Police Chief David Pughes, squared off with residents in a candid conversation about the issues that divide them as groups.

Several speakers took to the stage at the Christian Chapel Temple of Faith in far North Dallas expressing their fears and issues when it comes to responding officers.

"You can protest or you can try to solve a problem," said Dallas resident Rob Guy.

Frustrated over a recent traffic stop that resulted in no citation or warning, Guy came to the forum on Wednesday night after getting little satisfaction from DPD headquarters.

"The officer at the station made me feel like I was bothering him," said Guy.

Similar narratives involving different scenarios echoed throughout the church.

Some complained after inaction by police when it came to not being paid for work and police not doing anything about it after a report was filed.

Others brought up the loose dog problem that continues to plague South Dallas.

"I think everybody has the right to be critical of police. I think there's definitely a place for it. We listen," said Interim Chief David Pughes.

While he is supportive of the right to protest, Pughes said it was moments like Wednesday where he can really feel the pain and frustration in the voices of those who he serves.

"In a situation like this, they get to express their opinion, we get to hear it and then we get to respond," said Pughes.

More events involving dialogue between police and residents are scheduled for the future.

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