Dallas Begins Construction on Modern Police Academy to Replace Aging Warehouse Facility
Dallas, Friday, 4 September 2026.
Dallas has broken ground on a $227 million police academy at UNT Dallas, replacing a converted warehouse used since 1990. Graduates can earn up to 42 college credit hours.
Infrastructure Modernization and Timeline
On September 3, 2026, the City of Dallas and the University of North Texas at Dallas held a groundbreaking ceremony for the new Law Enforcement Training Center (LETC) on the university campus [2]. This event marks a significant shift from the department’s previous arrangement, which utilized a converted warehouse facility leased in 1990 [1]. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux highlighted the urgency of the upgrade, noting that previous attempts to secure a new academy date back to May 1987 [1]. The modernization effort is designed to replace infrastructure that Chief Comeaux described as falling down, stating he was shocked that an elite police department was training in such conditions [1]. The facility is scheduled to open in 2028, providing a permanent solution to decades of temporary housing for police training operations [2].
Financial Structure and Bond Measures
The project carries an estimated total cost of approximately $227 million, though initial voter approval in 2024 secured only $50 million in bond funding [1][2]. This leaves a significant funding gap of 177 million that city leaders must address to complete all planned phases of the facility [1]. To bridge this discrepancy, Dallas City Council approved a proposed public safety bond package on August 12, 2026, via an 11-4 vote [3]. Voters are scheduled to decide on this new bond proposal, which includes over $400 million for public safety upgrades, on November 3, 2026 [3]. City officials have indicated that the initial $50 million is insufficient for a state-of-the-art facility, necessitating the additional capital request [1].
Educational Partnership and Political Support
The collaboration extends beyond physical infrastructure, as graduates of the Dallas Police Department’s 10-month academy program will be eligible for 42 academic credit hours toward a baccalaureate degree at UNT Dallas [2]. UNT Dallas President Warren von Eschenbach described the partnership as a unique model that brings police training and higher education together on separate tracks that now converge [2]. Political support spans multiple levels of government, with State Senator Royce West (D-TX 23) noting the endeavor will help recruit the next generation of officers [2]. Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson emphasized that the backbone of public safety is the men and women who wear the uniform, asserting that Dallas will set a new standard for police training [2]. The proposed November 2026 bond package also covers additional public safety infrastructure, including a Public Safety Training Complex at Dallas Executive Airport and the replacement of Fire Station No. 4 [1][3].