{"id":404922,"date":"2026-08-12T22:26:09","date_gmt":"2026-08-12T22:26:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/404922\/"},"modified":"2026-08-12T22:26:09","modified_gmt":"2026-08-12T22:26:09","slug":"despite-concerns-dallas-seeks-federal-funding-to-fight-violent-crime","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-tx\/404922\/","title":{"rendered":"Despite concerns, Dallas seeks federal funding to fight violent crime"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Dallas City Council<\/a> has approved moving forward with an application for millions in federal funding aimed at reducing violent crime and improving public safety.<\/p>\n

The funding is part of the U.S. Department of Justice\u2019s Model Cities Initiative<\/a>, a new program designed to help two to four cities develop strategies to reduce crime and strengthen public safety.<\/p>\n

The council\u2019s vote authorizes the city manager to submit Dallas\u2019 application. It does not guarantee the city will receive funding.<\/p>\n

The Justice Department says the initiative will take a \u201cwhole-of-city\u201d approach, bringing together city leaders and public safety agencies to develop a plan addressing crime prevention, enforcement, victim services and other public safety needs.<\/p>\n

Potential uses for the funding include hiring and retaining public safety personnel, buying technology and equipment, expanding mental health and substance-use services, supporting crime victims, and creating youth crime prevention programs.<\/p>\n

While the council approved for the application to be submitted, some council members, including Jesse Moreno, said that accepting the funding could lead to immigration enforcement.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have communities that are scared, we have neighbors living in fear; at the same time I\u2019m hearing how these dollars could be used to make these neighborhoods safer and keep people safe,\u201d he said. \u201cI believe that this council has made it clear that we do not want our local DPD (Dallas Police Department<\/a>) to be federal agents.\u201d <\/p>\n

The funding could also be used for technologies such as real-time crime centers, license plate readers, artificial intelligence systems, drones, body cameras and forensic tools.<\/p>\n

During Wednesday\u2019s council meeting, Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said that while officers \u201c will not become federal agents\u201d the funding could help lower response times and reduce crime in the city. <\/p>\n

\u201cAs long as I\u2019m the chief of police we will not become federal agents,\u201d he said. \u201cI\u2019ve done my time with the federal government, and I\u2019m the chief of Dallas, I\u2019m here to take care of Dallas and keep everyone safe.\u201d<\/p>\n

Councilwoman Laura Cadena also said during the meeting, that while she supports public safety, the funding could \u201ccreate fear.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cAs a Latina I have concerns about how this will affect our community\u2026and there are unknowns because this is a new program.\u201d <\/p>\n

The DOJ said the program will support coordination with state and federal law enforcement agencies while allowing cities to develop comprehensive local strategies.<\/p>\n

Dallas now must prepare and submit its proposal by the Sept. 1 deadline. The DOJ expects to make initial award decisions in late 2026.<\/p>\n

If Dallas is selected, the city would then have to consider the specific terms and conditions attached to the federal funding.<\/p>\n

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