WHILE STARTING ITS LARGEST ACADEMY CLASS IN HISTORY

CLASS #368

All 82 new recruits of the Dallas Police Department (DPD) reported to work early Wednesday morning to begin their illustrious careers in law enforcement. This is the largest class in the department’s history. DPD set a hiring goal of 256. With this class, the department exceeded its goal with 282 recruits.

“This is evident of what teamwork can achieve,” said Major Irene Alanis of DPD’s personnel and support bureau. “There were many people working together to help with recruiting and hiring.”

Alanis expressed that she is not the least bit surprised at the surge of applicants; given DPD’s aggressive efforts to recruit, along with the mayor and city council’s three-year meet and confer agreement. This agreement allowed police to negotiate a pay hike for new officers.

DPD’s recruiting strategies are a testament to Chief Reneé Hall’s overall commitment to attract the best and brightest while focusing on retention and attrition.

“I couldn’t be prouder of Major Alanis and the impeccable work her staff has done for the Dallas Police Department,” said Hall. “We know there is still work to do, but the task couldn’t be in more capable hands as we work towards increasing the numbers.”

The majority of the recruits are from Texas and others are from California, Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Puerto Rico and Virginia.

The demographics are widely diverse. There are 66 men, 16 women, 36 Whites, 21 Hispanics, 20 African Americans and five Asians. In this class, women make up nearly 20% of the recruits. Alanis said the percent is proof that the unit’s initiative to hire more women in law enforcement is working.

“I am very proud of the diversity that we have attracted to our department,” said Alanis. “I want our department to be reflective of our city.”

As the staff continues its work to increase the department’s numbers, Hall and Alanis agree it will take time, but Class #368 is a great start.