Chief Reneé Hall swore in 51 new members of the Dallas Police Department in a virtual graduation ceremony held on Friday, March 27, 2020.  In an effort to practice social distancing, the recruits were separated into multiple rooms and live-streamed the feed via teleconferencing equipment. Due to the restrictions in place, the families of the recruits and other members of the Dallas Police Department were unable to attend this ceremony.  

The 51 new recruits will be transferred to the Patrol Bureau where they will complete their field training.

For the safety of the academy recruits and staff, the Dallas Police Academy will transition into an online academy on Monday, March 30, 2020. The training staff has been issued webcams and teleconferencing software from which they will host online classes. Academic testing, physical fitness, and defensive tactics will still occur in person; however, staggered scheduling of these curriculum components and additional social distancing measures will be incorporated for the safety of the academy and its staff.

mg