Dallas leaders are ramping up efforts to reduce violent crime by addressing a shortage of police officers, in hopes of continuing a drop in crime rates over the past three years.
The Dallas Police Department employs just over 3,100 officers but estimates it needs an additional 500 to adequately serve the city. Interim Police Chief Michael Igo said the department aims to hire 400 officers this year, emphasizing the city's recent success in lowering violent crime as a key incentive for recruits.
“Our recruiting team is working hard and it's showing by the number of classes that we have coming up and the number of recruits in those classes,” Igo said.
City Councilwoman Cara Mendelsohn echoed Igo’s sentiments, calling for increased funding to support recruitment efforts.
"That's 65 less people that died this year because of murder in Dallas," she said. "That's incredible."
The council is considering initiatives to recruit experienced officers from across the state to join the Dallas force, which could bolster the department’s capabilities and ensure public safety.
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