Dallas is an attractive city, and its skyline one of the best in the world.
But, apparently, it's not attractive when it comes to recruiting police officers.
The last two academy classes have been canceled because there weren't enough applicants. Now it may have to be canceled a third time.
Dallas is an attractive city, and its skyline one of the best in the world.
But, apparently, it's not attractive when it comes to recruiting police officers.
"It's getting to the point that it's critical," said Mike Mata, vice president of the Dallas Police Association, as the department struggles to hire.
The last two academy classes have been canceled because there weren't enough applicants. Now it may have to be canceled a third time.
"When you are getting recruit classes that you aren't able to get 10 recruits in there it's not financially workable to carry that class through," Mata said.
New Dallas Police Department officers make about $45,000 a year.
They can make $10,000 to $15,000 more if they go to surrounding cities, WFAA TV reports.

Patrol work hasn’t changed—but the expectations on officers have. See how one police chief helped officers get the right information at the right time, improve patrol visibility, and strengthen trust without adding complexity or surveillance. This real-world story shows how patrol-driven technology can make the job safer, smarter, and more effective—starting on day one.
Read More →Let’s hear from Ryan Bracken, head of product, about why your agency should send someone to the first annual DroneSense Innovation Summit by Versaterm in April.
Read More →
What if Level I retention didn’t require a full duty rig? Safariland’s Solis delivers trusted ALS security in a streamlined OWB platform built for administrative and plainclothes professionals who need protection without the bulk.
Read More →
Caswell Live Fire has spun off from parent company InVeris, coinciding with the 100th anniversary of Caswell’s founding. Over the past 100 years, Caswell has developed pioneering solutions that support military, law enforcement, and commercial clients worldwide.
Read More →Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips with a yellow headline that reads When Do You Transport a Wounded Officer Instead of Waiting for EMS?
Read More →In this video, hear from Dustin Mowery, a product specialist at Team Wendy, as he discusses how to best use a patrol vehicle for cover.
Read More →
Sydney Vail, M.D., explains what officers should carry in their IFAKs, the importance of carrying two tourniquets, and the necessity of locating medical gear in a location that can be easily accessed with either hand.
Read More →
Learn how your agency can get free active threat response training. Mike Willis, of the United States Deputy Sheriff’s Association, details what the program teaches and explains other available free training programs.
Read More →
While a patrol vehicle offers some cover protection when taking fire, remain mobile and don’t stick to one piece of cover indefinitely. Dustin Mowery, of Team Wendy, shares what he teaches about using vehicles as cover.
Read More →Recruit Officer Jon-Marques Psalms, 30, reportedly suffered a medical emergency after completing a training exercise on Wednesday August 20, 2025, at the Academy.
Read More →