Introduction to the Dallas Police Training Academy

The proposed Dallas Police Training Academy took an important step forward today when the Dallas City Council approved a lease with the University of North Texas Dallas campus.

The lease paves the way for the development of a new Law Enforcement Training Center and Criminal Justice Center on a 20-acre site at UNT-Dallas, representing a major milestone in the City’s efforts to modernize police training and deepen academic partnerships.

Facilities and Training

The new facility will house the Dallas Police Department’s Basic and In-Service Training Academy, along with a Criminal Justice Center, creating a centralized, state-of-the-art campus for officer development. Training spaces will include modern classrooms, indoor simulation labs, and areas for defensive tactics instruction.

“This partnership reflects our commitment to preparing officers through modern, state of the art, community-connected training,” said Dominique Artis, Dallas Chief of Public Safety. “The combination of a police academy and Criminal Justice Center at a university campus enhances recruitment, education, and public trust.”

Key Benefits of the Law Enforcement Training Center and Criminal Justice Center

The new facility will have several benefits, including:

• Academic Partnership: Collaboration with UNT-Dallas opens doors for research, continuing education, and career pathways for both officers and students alike – creating a pipeline to future cadets and expanding opportunities for local talent.
• Modern Training Facilities: The campus will feature simulation environments, flexible classroom space, and the latest instructional technology.
• Strategic Location: As the first police training academy in southern Dallas, the project brings long-term public investment to the area.
• Dual-Campus Model: This site complements a planned Public Safety Complex elsewhere in Dallas that will serve as a field training location for both DPD and Dallas Fire-Rescue.

Construction and Funding

The lease approval follows months of coordination with UNT-Dallas, DPD leadership, design professionals, and community stakeholders. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with funding provided by the 2024 Bond Program passed by the voters in May 2024, State and other public support, and private philanthropic contributions.

City staff will continue to work closely with all partners to finalize design and ensure the facility meets both operational and community needs.

Conclusion

The Dallas Police Training Academy is an exciting development for the city, and the new facility will provide a state-of-the-art space for officer training and development. The partnership with UNT-Dallas will also create opportunities for research, education, and career pathways for both officers and students. With construction expected to begin in 2026, the city is one step closer to creating a modern and community-connected police training academy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about the Dallas Police Training Academy:

• Q: What is the Dallas Police Training Academy?
  A: The Dallas Police Training Academy is a new facility that will house the Dallas Police Department’s Basic and In-Service Training Academy, along with a Criminal Justice Center.
• Q: Where will the academy be located?
  A: The academy will be located on a 20-acre site at the University of North Texas Dallas campus.
• Q: What are the benefits of the academy?
  A: The academy will provide modern training facilities, academic partnerships, and a strategic location that brings long-term public investment to the area.
• Q: When is construction expected to begin?
  A: Construction is expected to begin in 2026.
• Q: How will the academy be funded?
  A: The academy will be funded by the 2024 Bond Program, State and other public support, and private philanthropic contributions.