DALLAS – A New Chapter Begins for the Dallas Police Department
On his first day as Dallas’ new Chief of Police, Daniel Comeaux sat down with reporters to share his vision for the department and the challenges that lie ahead.
A veteran of federal law enforcement, Comeaux brings more than two decades of experience with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), most recently leading its Houston field office. His impressive résumé includes leadership roles across Arizona, California, Mississippi, and Texas.
Comeaux assumes leadership of a department that has seen recent declines in violent crime—a trend he hopes to sustain while also tackling the city’s ambitious goal to significantly expand the police force.
“It feels like coming full circle,” Comeaux said, visibly energized in his police uniform. “I’m excited to be back in uniform and to serve this community in a new capacity.”
Earlier this year, Comeaux was selected as Dallas’ next police chief from a pool of five finalists, including two internal candidates. His appointment marks a new direction for the department—and he’s approaching the job with both urgency and determination.
Staffing Up and Building Trust
One of Comeaux’s top priorities is staffing. Last November, voters approved a measure to expand the department to 4,000 officers. With current staffing at around 3,100, the Dallas City Council has already committed to hiring 300 additional officers in the next fiscal year.
“The community wants more officers. The council wants more officers. And our officers want more officers,” Comeaux said. “We’re going to work hard to meet that expectation.”
But adding personnel is just one piece of the puzzle. Comeaux emphasized the importance of building trust within Dallas’ diverse communities—especially among residents who may be hesitant to engage with law enforcement.
“We’ve got to go back to the basics—being present in the neighborhoods, showing people that we’re part of their community,” he said. “When people feel comfortable calling or texting an officer, that makes everyone safer. It helps us solve crimes and build relationships.”
Balancing Leadership and Accountability
Comeaux also addressed how he plans to navigate relationships within the department and with City Hall.
“For me, it’s simple—I’ll always do what I believe is right,” he said. “That approach will serve our officers, our city leaders, and our residents well.”
As an outsider, Comeaux says he brings a fresh, impartial perspective—free from prior allegiances or internal politics.
“I don’t owe anyone any favors,” he noted. “I’m not tied to any internal circles. That allows me to evaluate everything with clear eyes. Those who are working hard will be rewarded. Those who aren’t will need to step up.”
With former Interim Chief Michael Igo’s recent retirement, Comeaux said he’s currently evaluating his leadership team and will make changes as necessary.
As Dallas enters this new chapter under Chief Comeaux’s leadership, the city will be watching closely to see how he delivers on his promises—ensuring public safety, restoring trust, and preparing the department for the future.