The Dallas Police Department announced that it will transition its Violent Crime Reduction Plan research and training components to two local institutions starting in the fall of 2026. This shift moves key analytical and educational functions from out-of-state partners to universities located within the city.
Under the new agreement, the University of Texas at Dallas will assume primary responsibility for analyzing crime data. Researchers at UTD will identify specific hotspots and provide strategic recommendations to DPD command staff and city leadership. The department stated that this data-driven approach has contributed to year-over-year decreases in violent crime since the plan was established in 2021.
The University of North Texas at Dallas will take the next step in the process by converting UTD’s research findings into customized training curricula. These courses are designed for DPD personnel across various career stages, including rank and file officers, front-line supervisors, and command staff. The training will also account for different job functions within the department.
Previously, the department relied on criminologists and researchers at the University of Texas at San Antonio for data analysis. UTD researchers will continue using a grid system that divides the city into zones of approximately 330 square feet, enabling detailed tracking of hotspot locations.
Chief of Police Daniel C. Comeaux described the move as a reflection of strong community collaboration. "Bringing this partnership home to Dallas reflects the strong collaboration between DPD and our community," Comeaux said. He added that the plan has made progress by identifying the limited number of locations experiencing the most violent crime and implementing new prevention methods.
