Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux says a new Dallas Police Foundation will help support officers, improve morale, and strengthen public safety efforts across the city.
Comeaux joined Sarah Zubiate Bennett on Let’s Talk Local to discuss the foundation, officer mental health, the department’s response to homelessness, and his vision for a safer downtown Dallas.
Comeaux said the idea for the foundation grew after a conversation about how Dallas could better support its police department.
“Houston can’t have anything better than Dallas,” Comeaux recalled one supporter saying during an early conversation about the need for a stronger police foundation structure.
The foundation is now accepting contributions, Comeaux said, and will help fund needs that fall outside the department’s regular budget.
“What I’m really looking forward to do is when I have a certain group or certain division or office that wants something, needs something, and they feel like it can help the department or help the city, but it’s really not in our budget to do it,” Comeaux said. “We’re going to utilize the foundation.”
Some requests are simple but meaningful, he said. Comeaux recalled visiting one station where officers asked for chairs with two armrests.
“That goes to morale,” Comeaux said. “If an officer feels good, it’s my belief, and you know what, it’s not just my belief, I think it’s fact, that they’re going to work that much better.”
Officer Wellness
Comeaux said mental health remains a major priority for the Dallas Police Department because officers regularly see traumatic situations most residents never encounter.
“We want to build a culture where it’s okay to go talk to a counselor,” Comeaux said. “Sometimes you just need to unload your toolbox.”
He said DPD’s wellness unit helps officers process stress and stay sharp on the job.
RightCare And Homeless Outreach
Comeaux also discussed DPD’s RightCare team, which pairs officers with trained mental health professionals on appropriate calls.
He said officers still respond alone when a call involves an immediate threat, such as a person pointing a gun. But when a call involves a person who may need help and does not pose that kind of threat, a trained professional can respond with officers.
The department also uses its Homeless Outreach Team, or HOT, to work with nonprofit organizations while still enforcing the law when needed.
“We want to show some empathy and some compassion, but we also have to enforce the laws,” Comeaux said.
Downtown Safety
Comeaux said downtown Dallas remains one of his top priorities and described public safety as essential to attracting businesses, residents, and investment.
“One thing that I want to see stay in place when I leave is how important downtown is to the Dallas Police Department,” Comeaux said.
He said DPD will speak directly with business owners and entrepreneurs considering downtown Dallas.
“We need downtown to be safe and we need it to be vibrant. So I hope that everyone that hears this says, ‘I want to invest in downtown,’” Comeaux said.
Comeaux said those investors have a commitment from him and the department.
“They have a commitment from me as the chief of police and the Dallas Police Department that we’re going to do everything to keep you safe down there,” Comeaux said.
Comeaux also pointed to a new joint operations center downtown, regular mounted patrols, motor units, and increased enforcement.
“You should be able to walk anywhere downtown and feel safe in doing that,” Comeaux said. “And that’s our goal to make it that type of downtown.”
Watch the full conversation with Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux on Let’s Talk Local.
Provided by Dallas Express
