DALLAS, TX — The City of Dallas took a major step toward overhauling its law enforcement training infrastructure on Wednesday, June 5, with the Dallas City Council’s approval of a lease agreement with the University of North Texas at Dallas. The agreement greenlights the development of a state-of-the-art Law Enforcement Training Center and Criminal Justice Center on a 20-acre site on the university’s southern Dallas campus.
The project marks a milestone in the city’s efforts to modernize police training, enhance recruitment pipelines, and deepen academic and community partnerships.
“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 Features of the New Facility
- Dual-Use Facility: The center will serve as the home of the Dallas Police Department’s Basic and In-Service Training Academy, while also housing a Criminal Justice Center.
- Modern Training Capabilities: The campus will include high-tech classrooms, indoor simulation labs, and specialized training spaces for defensive tactics and scenario-based learning.
- Academic Integration: The collaboration with UNT-Dallas will open new pathways for officers and students, including joint programs, research opportunities, and a stronger recruitment pipeline for future cadets.
- Equity in Location: As southern Dallas’s first-ever police training academy, the facility brings critical public investment to a historically underserved area.
- Dual-Campus Model: The UNT-Dallas location will focus on classroom and in-service instruction, while a future Public Safety Complex elsewhere in the city will provide field training for both police and fire departments.
Timeline and Funding
Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with a projected timeline to be finalized later this year. Funding for the facility will come from multiple sources, including:
- The 2024 Bond Program, overwhelmingly approved by Dallas voters in May
- Additional state support
- Private philanthropic contributions
City officials emphasized the collaborative nature of the planning process, which has involved DPD leadership, UNT-Dallas administrators, architects, and community stakeholders. The lease approval sets the stage for detailed design work to begin immediately.
Community Impact
Supporters say the center will not only elevate law enforcement training standards but also serve as a model for how municipalities and educational institutions can work together to rebuild public trust and ensure officers are better equipped to serve diverse urban communities.
“This center represents more than bricks and mortar,” said City Council Member Tennell Atkins, whose district includes UNT-Dallas. “It’s an investment in the future of public safety and in the young people of southern Dallas.”
Further updates on the project, including design plans and community engagement opportunities, are expected in the coming months.
