Drop In Arrests In Dallas Interpreted A Couple Of Ways

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DALLAS (CBS11) -  The Dallas Police Chief tells CBS11 that crime is down for 11 consecutive years and 52 percent over that time, making citizens safer.

But some officers say a major drop in arrests suggest that things are not what they seem.

Patrol Sergeant Michael Mata is one of the leaders of the Dallas Police Association which represents more than 3000 officers.

He says recent criticism of law enforcement from police beatings and shootings caught on camera has some Dallas officers reluctant to engage with suspects and has led to fewer confrontations and arrests.

Mata believes fewer arrests are contributing to a 20% increase in homicides over last year.

But Chief David Brown says last year's murder rate was an 84 year low.

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