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The city of Dallas on Friday named Michael Igo as interim police chief, placing the top Dallas Police Department commander at the helm of a force of about 3,100 as it navigates recent challenges, including the departure of Chief Eddie García.
Igo, 58, who has served since February as one of García’s second in commands, will lead the Dallas Police Department starting Oct. 18, according to a city news release. In an email to officers obtained by The Dallas Morning News, Igo said he “will remain steadfast and unwavering” in keeping Dallas one of the safest large cities in the country, noting he’s served at every rank in his 33 years with Dallas police.
“Change is inevitable; however, change brings new opportunities that will lead to personal and professional growth,” Igo wrote. “As your Chief, I will hold each member of this Department accountable. In return, I will hold myself to an even higher standard. I will continue to wear this badge with pride each day — in the good times and bad.”
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Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert said in a news release that she’s confident Igo will provide continuity, highlighting his “experience, trust within the community and knowledge of the department.”
“He is the right person at the right time for this assignment,” Tolbert said. “Chief Igo has been unwavering in his commitment to his service in uniform. He will continue the Dallas Police Department’s focus on safety, our number one priority.”
Police officials describe Igo as well-respected, professional and a leader who demands excellence. García told The News in a text that Igo would’ve been his pick as well, calling the selection “an excellent choice.”
Many police officials consider Igo the front-runner to become Dallas’ next chief — a position likely to be chosen by the next city manager. That’s somewhat complicated because Dallas has an interim city manager. The City Council has not stated a clear timeline for the hire.
Another complication for Igo’s selection is he’s married to Dallas police Major Monica Igo, and married officers are not allowed to be in the same unit. Igo told The News that his wife will work for City Hall under Dominique Artis, the former leader of Dallas Fire-Rescue who now serves as the city’s interim chief over public safety.
As DPD’s executive assistant chief, Igo has overseen each of the patrol divisions as well as training and recruiting. He has been with the department since 1992 and rose through the ranks quickly in García’s administration, first serving as a deputy chief over tactical operations such as SWAT, then overseeing patrol as an assistant chief.
He will now handle a $719 million budget and will likely face challenges after García leaves for Austin on Nov. 1 to work for former boss T.C. Broadnax.
In November, Dallas residents will vote on ballot initiatives that have been mired in controversy, including one that could mandate the city hire about 900 more cops. Police and fire officials are contending with a $3 billion shortfall in the Dallas Police and Fire Pension System. And the department is still healing from the fatal shooting of Officer Darron Burks in August.
Igo referenced the difficulties and demands of the police profession in his email to officers Friday, writing they must lean on Dallas police’s wellness unit “as we navigate this journey together, strengthening our resilience.”
Igo is seen as softer-spoken than García, but has made a fair share of public appearances. He has taken part in a roundtable discussion about fentanyl with Texas Sen. John Cornyn and presented information on topics to the Dallas City Council, such as median enforcement and reducing the amount of overtime hours officers work.
He has a bachelor of science degree in commercial economics from South Dakota University. While with Dallas police, he has also served as a City Hall liaison and conducted weekly violent crime analyses, the city’s news release said.
Igo told officers in his email that he knows they’ve all been asked to do more in recent years and their “hard work has not gone unnoticed.” Their work isn’t done, he said, adding they must continue building on bonds with communities and proactively engage with young people to guide them toward better decisions.
“It is a right of our residents to feel safe and walk freely along the streets they call home,” Igo said, “and we must not lose sight of that.”
He said they’d also “explore new and fiscally responsible ways” to recruit officers, including through a new career track initiative he’s expected to launch soon.
Jaime Castro, Dallas Police Association president, said the association is pleased to hear Igo was chosen, describing him as a “true, homegrown Dallas police officer who has gone up through the ranks for 33 years.” He comes with a respect, familiarity and resume that is “so important for a commander to have.”
Anytime Igo walks into a room, Castro said, he brings that command presence.
“The Dallas Police Department is his home and that’s exactly what our department needs right now with the challenges we face,” Castro said. “We have a pension crisis, a contract that is coming up, and hiring and retention problems that must be addressed.
“We know the man he is, the commander he is, the chief he is. We look forward to working to continue the ship flowing in the right direction.”
Andre Taylor, president of the Black Police Association of Greater Dallas, echoed that sentiment, saying Igo’s “experience and leadership have been invaluable.” The BPA supports him now and in future endeavors, he said.
“Interim Chief Igo will maintain a steady cadence and ensure the continued progress in crime reduction, building community relations, officer morale, transparency and equity,” Taylor said.