Dallas Mayor Eric L. Johnson, alongside Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick and other local officials, delivered remarks on Thursday during the design kickoff event for the new Regional Law Enforcement Training Center. The state-of-the-art facility, set to be completed by 2027, will provide enhanced training for police officers and boost recruitment efforts for the Dallas Police Department.
“Public safety has always been my highest priority for Dallas,” Mayor Johnson said. “Dallas remains committed to supporting law enforcement, which includes ensuring that our police officers are well-trained and fully equipped to keep the people of Dallas safe.”
The event, held near the future site of the center adjacent to the University of North Texas at Dallas, was attended by local leaders including Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia, Mayor Pro Tem Tennell Atkins, Senator Royce West, and City Councilmember Cara Mendelsohn. Interim City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert also emphasized the importance of public-private collaboration in the project, which is being funded through state contributions and philanthropic efforts.
Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick reiterated his support for law enforcement, saying, “Following the shooting of several Dallas police officers in July 2016, I made it a priority for Texas to deliver protective vests for every Texas law enforcement officer. As Lt. Governor, supporting law enforcement will always be a top priority of mine, and I look forward to fighting for our brave peace officers during the upcoming legislative session in 2025.”
Construction on the facility is slated to begin in 2025. The training center will accommodate hundreds of new police recruits and aims to improve law enforcement training to make Dallas the safest major city in the U.S.
