The Dallas Community Police Oversight Board convened on August 12, 2025, to address two significant complaints against the Dallas Police Department, focusing on the conduct of officers involved in each case.

The first case involved Raymond Simmons, who reported an interaction with police while openly carrying a semi-automatic rifle outside a Bank of America in Downtown Dallas. Simmons claimed that an officer threatened to arrest him and tow his vehicle, alleging a violation of his constitutional rights. Internal Affairs and the Oversight Board reviewed body camera footage and determined that there were no violations of departmental policies or procedures during the incident. The board unanimously voted to accept these findings.

The second case centered on Nariah Williams, who filed a complaint alleging coercion, false reporting, obstruction of justice, and gross negligence by Detective Hatch in two separate incidents from 2020 and 2022. Williams claimed that in 2020, she was a victim of attempted murder, but her case was misclassified as aggravated assault. She also reported that her belongings, seized during the investigation, were never returned. The board noted that Williams filed her complaint more than 60 days after the incidents, which typically violates the department's policy. However, Williams explained that she felt unsafe filing the complaint until she could escape her circumstances.

The board discussed the possibility of waiving the 60-day rule to allow for an investigation into Williams' complaint, emphasizing the importance of giving citizens a voice in the oversight process. After deliberation, the board voted to proceed with an investigation, citing extenuating circumstances that justified the late filing.

Overall, the meeting highlighted the board's commitment to addressing citizen grievances and ensuring accountability within the police department, while also navigating the complexities of procedural rules and individual rights. The next steps will involve further investigation into Williams' claims, as the board seeks to uphold its mission of community oversight.