City of Dallas Approves Lease Agreement with UNT Dallas for New Law Enforcement Training Center
The proposed Dallas Police Training Academy took an important step forward today when the Dallas City Council approved a lease with the University of North Texas at Dallas campus.
The lease paves the way for the development of a new Law Enforcement Training Center and Criminal Justice Center on a 20-acre site at UNT Dallas, representing a major milestone in the City’s efforts to modernize police training and deepen academic partnerships.
The new facility will house the Dallas Police Department’s Basic and In-Service Training Academy, along with a Criminal Justice Center, creating a centralized, state-of-the-art campus for officer development. Training spaces will include modern classrooms, indoor simulation labs, and areas for defensive tactics instruction.
“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 Benefits of the Law Enforcement Training Center and Criminal Justice Center:
- Academic Partnership: Collaboration with UNT Dallas opens doors for research, continuing education, and career pathways for both officers and students alike – creating a pipeline to future cadets and expanding opportunities for local talent.
- Modern Training Facilities: The campus will feature simulation environments, flexible classroom space, and the latest instructional technology.
- Strategic Location: As the first police training academy in southern Dallas, the project brings long-term public investment to the area.
- Dual-Campus Model: This site complements a planned Public Safety Complex elsewhere in Dallas that will serve as a field training location for both DPD and Dallas Fire-Rescue.
The lease approval follows months of coordination with UNT Dallas, DPD leadership, design professionals, and community stakeholders. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with funding provided by the 2024 Bond Program passed by the voters in May 2024, State and other public support, and private philanthropic contributions.
City staff will continue to work closely with all partners to finalize design and ensure the facility meets both operational and community needs.
