Canales Investigation
The Canales Investigation was a 1919 legislative hearing into criminal conduct of the Texas Rangers, named for Texas State Representative José Tomás (J.T.) Canales. The purpose of the hearing was to "investigate the activities and necessity for a continuance of the force."[1]: 435 The investigations surfaced several allegations of wrongdoing, from murder to intimidation charges, with varying degrees of evidence.[2]: 78 The committee absolved the Texas Rangers of all legal wrongdoing while acknowledging a track record of abuse, and commended the adjutant general of the Texas Rangers.[2]: 82 Nonetheless, the investigation sparked internal reform of the Texas Rangers aimed to increase professionalism and accountability.[1]: 465
Conclusions[edit]
The committee disbanded on February 13. On February 18, it issued a verdict absolving the Rangers of wrongdoing and suggested the force be allowed to continue, despite supporting the claim that Garcia had been murdered by agents, and other evidence of "gross violation of both civil and criminal laws.” It argued that the Rangers had violated the laws in searching homes without warrants and that it had illegally seized firearms.[2]: 82 Nonetheless, it offered praise to General Harley, head of the Ranger Force, declaring him "entitled to the commendation of the Senate and House for the able, efficient, impartial, and fearless manner in which he has discharged the duties placed upon him."[2]: 82 The committee backed Canales' bill, calling for a reduction of the force and higher pay.[1]: 459
The House scratched Canales' proposal in favor of a new bill which raised pay, set a cap of 75 Rangers, and otherwise reinforced existing laws; it passed 87–10 with Canales in the minority opposition.[2]: 82 [1]: 459 Nonetheless, the bill was collectively referred to as "the Canales reforms," though they bore little resemblance to Canales' proposal.[1]: 461
Reforms[edit]
The so-called Canales Reforms introduced a smaller force with higher pay standards and a minimum and maximum age requirement for Rangers. It opened a process for filing formal complaints against Ranger misdeeds, which would be directed to the adjutant general of the Rangers; this was a formalization of the process that had already existed.[1]: 462 The Rangers were reorganized into four companies of 16 Rangers, each with one captain, and one headquarters with six men and a captain.[11]: 637
Internally, the Rangers voluntarily adopted increased bureaucracy, requiring daily scout reports and identification badges. A code of conduct was introduced, forbidding drinking, gambling, obscene language and public criticism of fellow Rangers; guns could be worn but were to be hidden in public areas when off duty.[1]: 465