Dallas just got serious about public safety. The city’s police department launched Academy Class 408 this week with 77 officer trainees, making it the second-largest class in department history. Only one other class—back in 2019—brought in more recruits at once.
The numbers tell a compelling story. Of the 77 trainees, 20 are women, marking the second-highest female representation in any Dallas Police Academy class. The department also welcomed 10 veterans, including six former Marines and four Army veterans, who bring combat experience and leadership skills to Dallas streets.
Why This Matters for Your Neighborhood
Public safety consistently ranks as the top concern for Dallas residents. This graduating class, set to complete their ten-month training program next year, represents a major step toward meeting those concerns head-on.
“This is an important step toward meeting our police hiring goals and honoring public safety as one of our residents’ top priorities,” said Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.
The department has blown past its hiring targets for the current fiscal year, bringing on 329 new officers total—including eight experienced officers who returned to Dallas after working with other agencies. That’s not just meeting a goal; that’s exceeding it.
Building a Department That Looks Like Dallas
Police Chief Daniel C. Comeaux emphasized that these recruits represent more than just numbers. They’re people from different backgrounds and experiences who chose Dallas specifically.
“People around the country, and around the world want to come to work for the most proactive police department in America,” Comeaux said. “We’re making Dallas the safest big city and these recruits want to help make that happen.”
The department focused on attracting candidates who reflect the community they’ll serve. That means different genders, backgrounds, and life experiences—from former military personnel who’ve handled high-pressure situations overseas to civilians bringing fresh perspectives on community policing.
What Happens Next
These 77 trainees face ten months of intensive training before they hit the streets. They’ll learn everything from de-escalation techniques to traffic law, emergency response to community relations. The academy transforms civilians into officers ready to handle whatever Dallas throws at them.
For residents, this class represents tangible progress on a promise. More officers mean faster response times, more visible patrols in your neighborhood, and additional resources for investigating crimes and preventing them in the first place.
The department’s recruiting success also signals something larger: Dallas is becoming known as a place where law enforcement professionals want to work. That reputation helps attract quality candidates who have options about where they serve.
The Bigger Picture
Class 408 builds on momentum that started with the department’s record-breaking 2019 class. By consistently bringing in large, diverse groups of trainees, Dallas is positioning itself to maintain adequate staffing levels even as officers retire or move on.
The military veterans in this class bring particularly valuable experience. Combat veterans understand high-stress decision-making, teamwork under pressure, and serving something larger than themselves—all qualities that translate directly to effective policing.
Meanwhile, the strong female representation addresses longstanding gaps in law enforcement. Studies show that female officers often excel at de-escalation and community relations, skills that prove crucial in modern policing.
The department’s hiring surge comes at a critical time for American cities. Many police departments nationwide struggle to attract candidates, making Dallas’s success even more noteworthy. While other cities post “Now Hiring” signs, Dallas draws applicants from across the country and around the world.
Academy Class 408 by the Numbers:
- 77 total officer trainees (75 new hires, 2 rehires)
- 20 female recruits
- 10 military veterans (6 Marines, 4 Army)
- 10-month training program
- Second-largest class in department history
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Hiring Total: 329 officers (including 8 rehires)
Training Timeline: Class 408 began this month and will graduate after ten months of academy training
Pro Tip: Want to support these future officers? The Dallas Police Department welcomes community engagement. Consider attending a citizen police academy session or neighborhood watch meeting to learn more about how these recruits will serve your area once they graduate.
