Dallas City Council Briefed on New Police Department Training Facilities

Dallas City Council heard an update on the Law Enforcement Training Center to be constructed at the University of North Texas at Dallas and plans for a second Dallas Police Department facility, which would be called the DPD Public Safety Training Complex.

The city issued a press release summarizing the briefing on Wednesday. The training center was approved by voters as part of the May 2024 City of Dallas Bond. It will replace the aging police academy at Red Bird.

In addition to funds from the 2024 bond, the city received $25 million in grants from the Texas Legislature and $25.1 million from private donations, totaling $96.5 million in committed funds. The city is expecting the private donations to reach up to $70 million.

City Council learned about the planned construction schedule on Wednesday. The project is expected to break ground in September, with completion slated for 2028.

Staff also presented plans for a second facility, which would include components such as a training course for emergency vehicle operations, and a firearm range. Potential sites for the Public Safety Training Complex were presented to City Council for consideration. It should cost approximately $169 million to build.

During the briefing, council members requested additional information on funding options for the training facilities. There is a planned briefing in June where City Council will hear proposed strategies to secure funds for several city public safety programs, including the new DPD Training Facilities.