The Dallas Police Departments’ Public Integrity Unity (PIU) is investigating two Dallas IT officials after the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) received a tip they were moonlighting at Austin City Hall.
In November 2025, a whistleblower directed the city’s attention to the issue, indicating potential conflicts of interest, time theft and breaches in security. An independent outside firm contracted to review the situation determined that the Dallas IT systems have not experienced any breaches or loss of data.
While both city networks remain secure, the incident raises key concerns for accountability and improper influence. The overlap complicates actions regarding shared vendors, potentially leading to procurement interference and insider insight into competitive pricing for projects. In addition to conflicting disclosure rules, shared responsibilities and hours may indicate exposure for duplicate pay periods.
The case represents one of the first major tests of the Dallas OIG’s independence after voters approved its separation from the city attorney’s office. Established in 2021, the OIG investigates corruption within the city’s operations, covering fraud, abuse and misconduct. Employment overlap between two of Texas’ major cities poses several issues, covering duplicate work hours, responsibilities and potential vendor or system exposure.
However, the OIG only has jurisdiction over administrative and ethics cases and must make criminal prosecution referrals to law enforcement. The case has surfaced in the midst of a period of change within the OIG. Dallas removed the most recent inspector general from his role, leading into a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination and potential reinstitution. Austin has been in a similar state of flux after removing multiple IT leaders following an internal review.
An interim inspector general has filled the role in the meantime, assuming oversight into the alleged moonlighting IT city employee case. With leadership suddenly shifting across both Dallas and Austin, both cities have concerns regarding the efficacy of internal controls, continuity and oversight across senior hierarchies.
Photo by Nate Hovee from Pexels
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