The Fort Worth Police Departments has created a new department to encourage accountability on the force. Called the Constitutional Policing Unit (CPU), it's a strategic initiative with a goal of improving accountability and transparency — to uphold the highest standards of policing — as well as encouraging continuous learning across regulations, procedures, training, and operations.
According to a release, the new Constitutional Policing Unit supplements the department's already-existing Office of the Police Oversight Monitor (OPOM) and establishes an internal mechanism within FWPD. The unit will ensure continuous improvements and sustained compliance.
The CPU operates under the Chief of Police within the executive office and is composed of:
- CPU Director (Civilian)- Leads strategy, reviews, and reporting
- FWPD Liaison Lieutenant (Sworn)- Coordinates implementation
- Criminologist in Residence (Part-Time, Contract)- Provides analytic methods and quality assurance.
The CPU will focus on:
- Structured reviews and targeted inspections of policy, training, operations, and internal controls
- Monthly and quarterly data assessments to track emerging trends
- Developing corrective-action plans and monitoring implementation
The new unit is nearly identical to one launched by the Dallas Police Department in 2023 by then-DPD chief Eddie Garcia, who is now Police Chief for Fort Worth.
According to the National Policing Institute, the term “constitutional policing” has become common in recent years with a renwed focus on treating citizens fairly, justly, and according to the rights granted by the Constitution, with scrutiny on some traditional police practices such as stopping pedestrians for questioning.
A study found that pedestrian stops can have crime prevention benefits, but those are often outweighed by the negative outcomes experienced by the people who are stopped.
The release calls the new unit "a major step forward" for FWPD and the City of Fort Worth with goals such as building community trust, and improving coordination and follow-through.
It will also position Fort Worth as a national model.
"The Fort Worth Police Department is committed to transparency, accountability, and constitutional policing," the release says. "The creation of the CPU strengthens our ability to ensure fair and consistent policing across the city."
