“Understand the Importance of a Degree": Top Public Safety Leaders Address Students on College and Career
October 24, 2025
The four highest-ranking public safety officials in Dallas appeared together at the University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) on Oct. 24, 2025. They spoke to hundreds of high school students attending the university’s 9th annual Criminal Justice and Public Safety Career Expo.
The UNT Dallas Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology hosts the event. The department, in the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences, offers multiple undergraduate and graduate level degree programs and pathways to public safety professions.
“We are the most proactive police department in the nation,” said Dallas Police Chief
Daniel Comeaux. “We can do better job if we can get some of you to join us.” The Dallas
Police Department needs to hire hundreds of officers.
Last month, it started the second-largest class of recruits in history – 77 potential men and women in blue. In fiscal 2024-25, the city hired 329 new officers. It needs to reach a force of 4,000 by 2029, per a voter-approved proposition.
Chief Comeaux joined Dallas Fire Chief Justin Ball, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown, and Texas Department of Public Safety Regional Director Jeremy Sherrod. Comeaux and Ball are new to their positions and were sworn in the same day in April 2025. Brown was elected Sheriff in 2018. Sherrod was appointed in 2023.
This is the first time leaders of this caliber have come together to address Expo visitors. All four talked about the rewards of a public safety career, whether the role is as a police officer, deputy, firefighter, paramedic or other first responder. “Understand the importance of a college degree,” said Sheriff Brown. “It can make a difference between you and the next person (competing for a job). Do it, stick to it.”
The Expo is one of the largest recruitment events of the year at UNT Dallas, typically attracting nearly 1,000 high school students from across D-FW who have shown interest in public safety professions. The Expo featured interactive exhibits in which students got an up-close look at vehicles, drones and a helicopter, equipment, and uniforms used by first responders.
One of the event’s goals has always been to show students the variety and scope of opportunities under the public safety umbrella, beyond what they might expect. The spectrum of roles includes park and wildlife officers, robotic specialists, canine handlers, divers and many other personnel. “There’s a good mixture of action, lots of opportunities,” said Chief Ball.
There will be even more opportunities in the coming years, as the city of Dallas prepares to build a new police academy on the UNT Dallas campus. Groundbreaking is scheduled next year, with completion expected in 2028.
The new academy will serve as a regional law enforcement training center for departments and jurisdictions across North Texas. UNT Dallas will operate an adjacent criminal justice center where officers-to-be and current officers will receive instruction and opportunities to earn degrees, certificates and leadership training. “I’m really looking forward to it,” said Chief Comeaux. “You’ll get 45 college credit hours when you complete the academy.”
For those who earn an undergraduate degree and want to continue their education at law school, the UNT Dallas College of Law is located in downtown Dallas, in the historic, restored old city hall building.
Regardless of the path to a public safety career, there are a few qualities necessary for any role. “Discipline, passion, commitment,” said Chief Sherrod. “Find your purpose. Today is a call to action.”
Other Moments from the Expo
