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DPD reports higher applicant processing, steady attrition; citywide violent crime down year-to-date
Summary
Deputy Chief Jordan Colunga reported 383 applicants processed this fiscal year and class-level details; department attrition in October and November remained steady (retirement cited as primary reason). Staff and chiefs also reported a 12.46% year-to-date decrease in violent crime and cited collaborative operations and focused-deterrence lists of 77 clients.
Dallas Police Department staff on Dec. 8 updated the Public Safety Committee on recruitment, attrition and violent-crime trends.
Deputy Chief Jordan Colunga said the department has processed 383 applicants this fiscal year, including a 140-applicant off-site in New York. He reported class 409 began Nov. 19 with 60 in the class (57 new hires and 3 rehires) and that class 410 is scheduled to start Jan. 14 with 25 candidates already slated. Colunga noted the department is up 41% in processed applicants compared with the same time last year and that 22 applicants were scheduled for psychological and medical screens with four pending—those steps are the final stage before offers are issued. "54 applicants processed," Colunga said of a single on-site event, and staff emphasized the need to maintain high standards while processing higher volumes.
On attrition, staff said 16 sworn left in October and 13 in November, with retirement the primary explanation. Colunga said the department anticipates planning for attrition and hiring within the budget.
On violent-crime metrics, Andre Taylor reported a 12.46% year-to-date reduction in violent crime. The department gave comparative figures: 7,512 incidents this year versus 8,589 last year and 1,077 fewer victims year to date. Taylor said murders were down 22.89% for November, and he attributed some progress to focused-deterrence operations. "Our focus-deterrence list is being revamped slightly," Taylor said, adding the list currently has 77 clients and is the subject of continued refinement.
Council members asked for neighborhood-level breakdowns after some members reported constituent complaints that appeared to conflict with citywide improvements. Staff said they would provide more division-level and district-level information and work with council offices to follow up.
Next steps: staff agreed to prepare an annual report on pathway program hires, provide further district-level violent-crime metrics, and continue coordination with prosecutorial partners for warrant operations.
