In the 1960s, Dallas was a city divided. While the Civil Rights Movement was gaining momentum across the country, some parts of Dallas seemed stuck in the past. One of these places was the Dallas Police Department. A shocking discovery by researchers has shed light on the deep-rooted racism that existed within the force during this turbulent time.
The Shocking Revelation
Imagine sitting in a diner and conversing casually with a police officer. Suddenly, he pulls out his wallet and proudly shows you his Ku Klux Klan membership card. This isn’t a scene from a movie – it’s a real event that happened to researcher Joe McBride when he interviewed Morris Brumley, one of the oldest friends of Officer J.D. Tippett in the Dallas Police Department.
Who Was Morris Brumley?
Morris Brumley wasn’t just any police officer. He was a long-time member of the Dallas Police Department and had known Officer J.D. Tippett since they were boys. This connection made his revelation even more startling.
The KKK Card: More Than Just a Piece of Paper
When Brumley showed his KKK membership card, he wasn’t just sharing a secret. He was proudly displaying a symbol of hate and racism. The card was even signed by the “Grand Dragon,” a high-ranking KKK leader.
The “Infiltration” Excuse
When questioned about his KKK membership, Brumley claimed he had “infiltrated” the Klan from the Dallas Police Department. However, this excuse doesn’t hold up under scrutiny.
The Extent of KKK Influence
Brumley’s KKK membership wasn’t an isolated incident. According to another researcher familiar with Dallas, about three-fourths of the Dallas Klan members were also part of the police department. This suggests that the problem of racism in the force was widespread and deeply rooted.
Beyond Membership: Violent Actions
Brumley didn’t just stop at showing his KKK card. He went on to share horrific stories about violent acts committed against Black men who were dating white women. These stories included brutal attacks and even castrations.
The Culture of Silence
One of the most disturbing aspects of this revelation is the culture of silence that surrounded it. When asked if he ever reported these violent crimes, Brumley suddenly stopped talking. This silence suggests that such racist attitudes and actions were tolerated, if not accepted, within the police force.
Racism Beyond the KKK
While the KKK connection is shocking, it wasn’t the only sign of racism in the Dallas Police Department of the 1960s.
The Kennedy Assassination: A Revealing Attitude
When President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dallas, one might expect the local police to be deeply affected. However, detective Jim Lavelle’s response to the assassination was telling. He compared Kennedy’s murder to a “South Dallas n* shooting,” using a highly offensive racial slur. This casual use of racist language shows how deeply ingrained racism was in the department.
Lack of Diversity
While we don’t have exact numbers, the prevalence of KKK members in the force suggests that the Dallas Police Department of the 1960s was not a diverse workplace. This lack of diversity likely contributed to the persistence of racist attitudes.
The Bigger Picture: Racism in 1960s Dallas
The racism in the Dallas Police Department didn’t exist in a vacuum. It reflected broader racial tensions in the city and the country as a whole.
Right-Wing Connections
The police department had connections to right-wing groups beyond just the KKK. For example, many officers frequented Austin’s Barbecue, a popular diner owned by a member of the John Birch Society, a far-right political group. This diner was also connected to General Edwin Walker, a prominent right-wing figure in Dallas.
The Impact on Policing
The prevalence of racist attitudes likely had a significant impact on how the Dallas Police Department operated. It raises questions about fair treatment, equal protection under the law, and the overall justice system in Dallas during this time.
The Legacy of Racism
The revelations about KKK membership and racist attitudes in the 1960s Dallas Police Department have long-lasting implications.
Trust in Law Enforcement
Discovering that a significant portion of a city’s police force was connected to a hate group like the KKK can severely damage public trust, especially among minority communities. This distrust can persist for generations.
The Challenge of Reform
Changing a culture of racism within a police department is not an easy task. It requires more than just new policies – it demands a fundamental shift in attitudes and behaviors.
The Importance of Uncovering the Truth
While these revelations about the Dallas Police Department are disturbing, they serve an important purpose.
Learning from the Past
By understanding the extent of racism in institutions like the police force, we can better appreciate the challenges faced by the Civil Rights Movement and the progress that has been made since the 1960s.
Ongoing Vigilance
The story of the KKK connection in the Dallas Police Department reminds us that racism can exist in even the most trusted institutions. It underscores the need for ongoing vigilance and efforts to combat racism in all its forms.
The Power of Research
The KKK connection in the Dallas Police Department might have remained hidden if not for the work of dedicated researchers like Joe McBride. This highlights the importance of thorough, unbiased investigation into historical events.
The Challenge of Cold Cases
Investigating events from decades ago is not easy. As McBride notes, “This is a cold case going back more than 60 years. So Gavin and I and other people are digging into leads and witnesses that are, you know, a lot of the witnesses are gone.” Despite these challenges, such research is crucial for uncovering the truth.
The Role of Family Secrets
Interestingly, some of the most valuable information about past events comes from family members of those involved. As researcher Gavan McMahon points out:
“Families are very tight. Families are very knowing. Families are very close. And they get told things. And a lot of the information we can glean when we look at it all now is coming back through the families who are being told the truth and are told don’t say anything, all that sort of stuff. And it’s slowly coming out years and years and years and years later.”
This suggests that more revelations may come as family members decide to share long-held secrets.
A Call to Confront Our Past
The story of the KKK connection in the 1960s Dallas Police Department is more than just a historical curiosity. It’s a stark reminder of the deep-rooted racism that has existed in American institutions. We can better understand our past and work towards a more just future by confronting this uncomfortable truth.
As we continue to uncover these hidden histories, we must remember that the goal isn’t to dwell on past mistakes, but to learn from them. The racism of the 1960s Dallas Police Department may seem like ancient history to some, but its effects continue to ripple through our society today. By acknowledging this dark chapter, we can work towards ensuring that such widespread institutional racism never takes hold again.
The journey to uncover the truth is ongoing, and each revelation brings us closer to a full understanding of our complex history. As we move forward, let’s carry these lessons with us, always striving for a more just and equitable society.
