Credit: City of Dallas
Dallas city leaders have unveiled a revised proposal to build two new police training centers, a shift that has angered state officials and deviates from the initial plan that was approved by voters.
Under the updated proposal, which was presented to city councilmembers on Wednesday, the city still intends to build a training center on the UNT Dallas campus. However, this new facility will be smaller than originally planned and will primarily focus on in-service training for existing Dallas Police Department (DPD) officers. The city has allocated $80 million for this project.
A second facility, intended for fresh recruits, will be constructed at a location still to be determined. The estimated cost for this new facility is at least $70 million, although feasibility studies for potential sites have not yet been conducted.
City Manager Kim Tolbert emphasized that the project’s goals remain unchanged. “We are excited to bring to you today the reimagined plans,” she said. However, councilmembers voiced frustration over the changes, particularly regarding the shift from the original design that voters approved with the 2024 bond.
Councilmember Chad West expressed disappointment, stating, “I’m disappointed that what was originally told to the voters and was in the 2024 bond has now been shifted.” He added that his vision for the project was a single, comprehensive facility that could serve all training needs.
The city’s decision to split the training facilities into two locations also raised concerns about further delays in replacing the outdated and inadequate current recruit training center. Former DPD Chief Eddie Garcia had championed the initial UNT Dallas plan, calling it a crucial recruitment tool. Councilmember Kathy Stewart reinforced this sentiment, stressing the importance of a modern facility to attract new officers. “Our biggest need right now is the training facility for our new recruits,” she said.
City officials explained that the 14-acre space at UNT Dallas would not be sufficient to accommodate both new recruit training and in-service training for existing officers, and it lacked space for necessary amenities like a driving track and outdoor gun range. Training officers have expressed a preference for keeping all cadet training at a single location.
Despite these challenges, the city is committed to building the facility at UNT Dallas due to a $25 million pledge from Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick. However, when the Dallas Morning News reported on the changes, Patrick suspended the remaining $5 million of state funding, expressing dissatisfaction with the lack of prior notification regarding the shift in plans. “This is a very disappointing turn of events,” said Patrick’s spokesperson.
Funding and Financial Concerns
The revised proposal has raised additional financial concerns. The city has allocated $50 million from the bond for the in-service training facility at UNT Dallas, along with $20 million in state funding and a $10 million donation from the Communities Foundation of Texas. However, the second campus for recruits will require at least $58.5 million, and private fundraising has stalled due to the change in plans.
The city’s new timeline for the project is also delayed. Initially, construction was slated to begin in 2024 with a grand opening in 2027. Now, city leaders hope to secure approval for a lease with UNT Dallas by the end of this month, with a groundbreaking at UNT Dallas expected in Summer 2026. A feasibility study for the recruit training facility is yet to be conducted, and there is no clear timeline for moving cadets out of the current, deteriorating facility. Councilmember Paula Blackmon expressed concerns, stating, “I don’t think we’ll get to phase two in the next 5 to 10 years, to be honest.”
A Long-Standing Need
The city has been seeking a permanent police academy for new recruits since at least 1985, according to city records. Mayor Eric Johnson urged caution in light of the changes, stressing that the city’s reputation could suffer if it is seen as unable to follow through on its commitments. “Let’s not mess up the city’s reputation,” he said.
City staff explained that the revised plans were necessary due to the increased demand for officers under Proposition U, the need to keep all basic cadet training at one site, and concerns about other agencies potentially poaching young recruits. However, councilmembers expressed doubts about some of the reasons for the changes. “That seems to be a very flimsy reason,” said Councilmember Paul Ridley.
Despite the challenges and frustrations, Councilmember Stewart expressed confidence that the project would move forward. “Oh, it will work,” she said. “We will make it work. I think it’s just a challenge.”
