In an effort to address staffing shortages, the Dallas Police Department (DPD) is considering a pilot program that would allow high school graduates to apply for the police academy without the current college credit requirement.
The proposal aims to expand the applicant pool and help the department reach its goal of 4,000 sworn officers, a number it has struggled to achieve.
Under the proposed plan, applicants must be at least 21 years old and have three years of stable employment.
The program would also partner with the University of North Texas at Dallas, allowing recruits to earn up to 45 college credit hours during their training.
The City Council's Public Safety Committee has recommended advancing the proposal, but concerns remain about whether young applicants will be mature enough for the responsibilities of policing.
Council member Cara Mendelsohn expressed reservations, stating, "We’re giving someone a gun and the ability to kill other people. I’m not going to support lowering our police requirements."
The full City Council is expected to discuss the proposal in the coming weeks.
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