The Dallas City Council received an update on April 15 regarding plans for two new police training facilities, including the Law Enforcement Training Center to be built at the University of North Texas at Dallas and a second site named the DPD Public Safety Training Complex.
These projects are considered important as they aim to modernize police training in Dallas. The initiative is expected to improve recruitment and provide officers with up-to-date skills.
The Law Enforcement Training Center was approved by voters as part of the city’s May 2024 bond, which allocated $50 million for its construction. Additional funding includes $25 million from state grants and $21.5 million from private donations, bringing total committed funds to $96.5 million so far. Private donations for the center could reach up to $70 million once fundraising is complete. Construction is scheduled to begin in September 2026 with completion expected in 2028.
“There is strong momentum behind this project and, once completed, our city will gain enormous benefits such as improvements in recruitment and a police force trained in cutting-edge techniques and operations,” said Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, city manager of Dallas. “The new training curriculum developed in collaboration with UNT Dallas will ensure that our officers are trained in community policing as well as effective crime reduction methods.”
Plans for a second facility were also presented, featuring components like an emergency vehicle operations track and a firing range. The estimated cost for this Public Safety Training Complex stands at $169 million.
During the briefing session, council members requested more information about funding options for both facilities. A follow-up presentation outlining proposed strategies to secure funds for public safety programs and these new training centers is planned for June 2026.
