Aug 25, 2009 9:51 pm US/Central
TABC Changes Policy Following CBS 11 Investigation
On the heels of public criticism and a
CBS11 News investigation into use of force by its agents, the
Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission announced changes in its policy Tuesday. But the real surprise was when the TABC agent that sparked the incident at the Rainbow Lounge nightclub announced he had something to say.
At today's TABC commissioners meeting, Administrator Alan Steen invited CBS 11 News back into his office to talk about the issues confronting his agency. Mr. Steen has a message for the people of North Texas."I want to be clear to the people of Fort Worth, this is not about violating policy or making mistakes or being lazy - this is about attitude with me - we don't treat people like we did at the Rainbow Lounge."
At Tuesday's meeting, TABC's Chief of Enforcement said, "There is no more sacred role for agents than to conduct bar inspections." But in a recent CBS 11 News investigation, we showed how TABC agents are conducting surveillance for narcotic activity, monitoring local police radios, and responding to violent calls - sometimes deploying their personal shot guns and rifles to back up local police on calls unrelated to alcoholic beverages.
Steen says the agency is charged with protecting the public safety but hinted the policy may need to be looked at.
The big surprise during Tuesday's meeting came when TABC agent Christopher Aller showed up with his family. Aller was the agent who initiated the arrest of Chad Gibson at the Rainbow Lounge. The arrest of Gibson set off a firestorm from citizens and legislators. For the first time Aller responded to those critics "I don't feel I have been represented well - I am not Rambo, and I look forward to the opportunity clear my name."
The TABC states it's developing an in house use-of-force expert who will help train other agents and reiterated that there will be times where agents will use force but arrests are last resort.
The Fort Worth Police Department and the TABC are still investigating the use of force at the Rainbow Lounge incident.
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