The city of Dallas is working on plans for a new police academy.
The city wants to build a new Police Academy on the campus of UNT Dallas which houses the Caruth Police Institute, near I-20.
Dallas City Council Member Gay Donnell Willis says the current training facility for police cadets is in bad shape.
"In 2017 I toured this facility and I was just appalled by the state. And then in 2021 to come back as a new council member to see it in the same state. We have to build a new Dallas Police Academy," Council Member Gay Donnell Willis told NBC 5.
The current Dallas Police Academy is near Dallas Executive Airport. The latest plans show the cost of building a new facility would be $152 million.
From the State of Texas, police have secured a commitment of $20 million for the new academy. Another $50 million would come from a planned 2024 public improvement bond referendum if Dallas voters approve it.
"Our academy, as it is now, is embarrassing. It's not what this city and this department stands for. It's amazing the training that goes on at the academy. It's amazing the men and women that graduate from the academy. But we need a better product," Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia said to NBC 5.
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Tell your Smart Speaker to "PLAY 1080 KRLD"
Sign Up to receive our KRLD Insider Newsletter for more news
Follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube
