Dallas police assume freeway traffic enforcement and crash response inside city limits today after Dallas County ended a funding deal that had sheriff’s deputies covering those highways.
The Dallas County Highway Traffic Program agreement terminates Friday, Aug. 28, the Dallas Police Department said in an official statement. The current contract began Oct. 1, 2025, and provided about $1.2 million for the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office to handle freeway enforcement and crash response in the city. NBC 5 reported versions of the partnership dated to 2008.
DPD said the county sent certified notice ending the deal without cause. Chief Daniel Comeaux said the department had planned for months and is expanding its Traffic Unit to cover freeway patrol, high-occupancy vehicle lanes and crash investigations.
The Dallas Police Department has received a certified notice from Dallas County regarding the termination of the current interlocal agreement for the Dallas County Highway Traffic Program. According to the notice, the agreement will terminate effective August 28, 2026.
— Dallas Police Dept (@DallasPD) August 7, 2026
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“Expanding our Traffic Unit allows us to provide faster, more specialized response to traffic incidents, assume responsibility for HOV lane enforcement, and keep patrol officers focused on responding to calls for service,” Comeaux said in the department statement.
Comeaux told NBC 5 that TxDOT data showed the sheriff’s office responded to about 6,500 crashes on state roadways under the latest agreement. DPD said dedicated traffic investigators will now handle those scenes so patrol officers stay on emergency calls.
Drivers should see Dallas police, not sheriff’s deputies, on city freeways and HOV lanes going forward. State highways outside Dallas city limits remain under other agencies. DPD has not announced a change in how motorists report wrecks: 911 for emergencies remains the number.
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