DALLAS — Voters in Dallas this month passed Proposition U , an amendment to the city’s charter requiring it to maintain a police force of at least 4,000 officers, more than it’s ever had before.
That would be a tough feat for the city, despite recent recruiting success.
With about 200 officers leaving the department each year, it has worked hard just to keep the force from shrinking, and 2024 marks the first in several years it’s actually ending a fiscal calendar with more officers than it began.
It wrapped up the 2023-2024 year at the end of September with 3,121. That’s 63 more than last year. At a graduation ceremony Friday, the department’s 32 newest officers received their badges.
“I made it through, so I’m pretty proud of myself,” said Officer Darian Brisco.
“There are no words to explain it. So many emotions,” said Officer Alma Alejandra.
After 10 months of training, they’re finally ready to hit the streets.