After a year on the job, Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia Comeaux says his approach has centered on listening and acting on what he’s learned. “I think it’s important. I told everyone when I came in, I was going to listen, look and learn,” Comeaux said. Within months, Comeaux said he u sed that approach to shape his command staff and department priorities, focusing on promotions and strategy changes. One major focus has been targeting violent offenders. Under Comeaux’s leadership and partnerships with federal agencies, more than 350 violent offenders have been taken off the streets — something he calls one of his proudest accomplishments so far. Another key milestone: staffing. The department has hired 407 new officers in the last 12 months. “There’s not many departments in the United States that can say they have more officers today than they did 10 years ago,” Comeaux said. The chief also pointed to a drop in crime during his first year. “Crime’s going down. Last year, we were down 43 murders, and that was a really lofty number,” Comeaux said. Comeaux said concerns about homelessness have been consistent across Dallas neighborhoods. In response, the department created a Homeless Outreach Team that works to clear encampments and connect people with resources through nonprofit organizations and the VA. “When you have the elderly talking about, hey, chief, I don’t feel safe going in a convenience store. I don’t feel safe at red lights… we have to bring that and look at it from a police department,” Comeaux said. Less than two months into his tenure, Comeaux was also pulled into the national debate over immigration enforcement. He said he stands by his decision not to partner with Immigration and Customs Enforcement under the 287(g) program. “I do. We still believe in that. We’re not immigration officers. We’re the Dallas Police Department. We’re here to take care of the city of Dallas,” Comeaux said. Looking ahead, the department is preparing to help secure the FIFA World Cup, which will bring large crowds to the city. Comeaux compared the scale of the event to a 45-day Texas-Oklahoma game at Fair Park, emphasizing readiness. He also addressed public safety concerns tied to large gatherings, including New Year’s Eve celebrations. “There will not be cars stopped on a bridge, I can assure you that,” Comeaux said. As he enters his second year as chief, Comeaux said his priorities include improving response times, continuing recruitment efforts and boosting morale within the department. “To continue to grow, continue to listen, continue to learn, and make our city better,” Comeaux said. This story was originally reported for broadcast by NBC DFW. AI tools helped convert the story into a digital article, and an NBC DFW journalist edited it again before publication. ...read more read less