Bennie R. “Ben” Click, who led the Dallas Police Department for six years, has died at the age of 84 in Mississippi, where he spent his retirement.
His son, James Click, shared that he passed away peacefully due to an illness while surrounded by family.
Leading the Dallas police from 1993 to 1999, Click’s arrival marked a significant transition for the department, which was in turmoil after experiencing three chiefs in five years.
Before moving to Texas, Click had dedicated nearly 30 years to the Phoenix police department, where he held the title of executive assistant police chief.
During his initial press conference as police chief, Click emphasized his commitment to restoring stability within the beleaguered department.
He highlighted his plan to address various challenges through extensive research and discussions, making use of committees that incorporated perspectives both from department personnel and the community.
Click remembered the skepticism surrounding committee-based decisions but defended their effectiveness, stating, “It’s an effective way to deal with issues — make sure you’ve considered all the different concerns, all the information, before you ultimately make a decision.”
The timing of Click’s appointment was critical; his predecessor, William Rathburn, was away when a violent incident erupted during a Dallas Cowboys Super Bowl parade in 1993, leading to Rathburn’s resignation shortly thereafter.
During Click’s leadership, he made significant strides in enhancing the department’s diversity and bolstering community policing initiatives.
He made it a priority to assign officers to each of the six patrol substations, which cultivated stronger relationships between police and community members.
Under his watch, the Dallas Police Department saw the inception of a gang unit and a program designed to engage with senior citizens, as well as initiatives aimed at fostering connections with the city’s Asian American community.
Before Click’s tenure, the department enforced a policy excluding the hiring of gay and lesbian officers, which was recently overturned by a court challenge.
In a progressive move just three months into his role, Click promised to recruit gay and lesbian officers, asserting that sexual orientation did not determine an officer’s competence.
After a notable career, Click chose to retire in 1999, making him one of the longest-serving chiefs in department history.
He expressed a desire to focus on his grandchildren in his retirement, reflecting on his time in Dallas with pride.
Even after leaving the agency, Click remained an active advocate for the Dallas Police Department. In 2017, he was among a group of former senior police officials who voiced concerns about the city’s police and fire pension system in a letter addressed to city leaders.
James Click remarked on his father’s deep pride for his service in both Dallas and Phoenix, noting, “He couldn’t stop talking about the great officers, the great people he worked with in both departments.”
The Dallas Police Department expressed its sorrow upon learning of Click’s passing, commending him for his contributions to community policing and the lasting impact he left on both the department and the city at large.
His pioneering spirit and commitment to the community will be remembered as part of his legacy.
image source from：dallasnews
