The Dallas Police Department has a new top cop — and, for the third time in a row, it’s an outside hire that the city manager has selected for the job.
The Dallas Police Department has a new top cop — and, for the third time in a row, it’s an outside hire that the city manager has selected for the job.
The Dallas Police Department has a new top cop — and, for the third time in a row, it’s an outside hire that the city manager has selected for the job.
DALLAS — The City of Dallas has hired a veteran federal law enforcement officer as its next Chief of Police, continuing a trend of selecting leadership from outside the department’s ranks.
City Manager Kim Tolbert announced this week that Daniel Comeaux, currently the Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Division, will take over as chief of the Dallas Police Department on April 23.
He is the first federal agent to take over DPD and the third consecutive chief hired from outside the department.
Tolbert and Comeaux made it official by signing his contract, with the two smiling and shaking hands in a photo released by the city.
Comeaux, a New Orleans native, brings more than 30 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career with the Houston Police Department before joining the DEA in 1997. In his current role, he oversees operations across 114 counties in Texas.
“For me it’s about being present and not only me,” Comeaux said. “I think your last chief did a wonderful job being in the community but improve on the entire command staff… and we peel off some time for officers to actually be in the community… especially with the kids.”
The Dallas Police Department is the ninth largest police department in the U.S., and the third largest in Texas, behind Houston and San Antonio. DPD has 3,100 officers and 600 staff members who serve more than 1.3 million people.
“The City of Dallas continues to achieve crime reduction year after year. I am confident that with SAC Comeaux at the helm, we will continue to be one of the safest large cities in the country, while building trust, and bolstering our recruitment and retention efforts,” said Tolbert.
She goes on to say, “I want to thank Interim Chief Michael T. Igo for his longstanding service to the Dallas Police Department, and his willingness to lead during this time of transition.”
Comeaux has led major crime reduction operations in cities such as San Francisco, Los Angeles and Laredo. He emphasized the importance of youth outreach and community trust.
“It starts with the kids. We need young kids to want to be policemen again instead of running from the police,” he said.
During a recent visit to Dallas, Comeaux outlined plans to increase officer visibility and explore alternative recruitment methods.
“I want to put in a plan where we start hiring maybe some contract officers… retired officers who come back on hourly salaries… so we can get more of a visible presence with officers with experience,” he said.
Local law enforcement associations expressed support for Comeaux’s appointment.
“I think it’s gonna be good for the department… it was a thorough search and we had good candidates,” said Juan Hernandez Jr., president of the Latino Law Enforcement Association.
“We’re looking forward to working with the chief. He’s got interesting, unique experiences,” said Andre Taylor, the President of the Dallas Black Police Association.
Comeaux will be stepping into the role during a critical time for the department, which has faced challenges related to officer shortages. He said recruiting will be a top priority, and he’s willing to take a creative approach.
“I’d rather go talk to a college football team, the track team, and say we want you to be policemen… I think that would be more effective in attracting talent,” he said.
Mayor Eric Johnson issued the following statement:
“It is my pleasure to welcome Daniel C. Comeaux to Dallas to serve as our next Police Chief.
“This appointment comes at a pivotal time for our city. Dallas is now in its fourth consecutive year of violent crime reduction. Last April, violent crime fell to a six-year low in our city. Continuing this extraordinary momentum will not be easy. Dallas needs Chief Comeaux to be a dynamic leader who can thoughtfully and resolutely work to keep our citizens safe every single day.
“Thankfully, Chief Comeaux will bring unique experience to this especially challenging role. As a former Houston police officer and as a commander who has spent years fighting the scourge of illicit drugs such as fentanyl in urban neighborhoods and in border communities at the federal level, he understands that public safety is foundational to building stronger cities.
“I am grateful to our city manager for taking this hiring process so seriously and for selecting a candidate with extensive law enforcement command experience. We must put public safety first in Dallas, and I look forward to working with Chief Comeaux to create even safer neighborhoods and to seeing him lead our skilled, dedicated men and women of the Dallas Police Department in the years ahead.”
Comeaux was one of five finalists selected to participate in a vetting process with the city.
Other Finalists for the Position
Comeaux was selected from a competitive field of finalists that included several notable law enforcement leaders.
- Interim Chief Mike Igo: Chief Igo has dedicated over 33 years to the Dallas Police Department, serving in various capacities that have shaped his extensive law enforcement career. He began his tenure with DPD in 1991, advancing through the ranks from senior corporal in 1997 to sergeant, lieutenant, major, deputy chief, and assistant chief, before being appointed executive assistant chief in January 2024
- Assistant Chief Catrina Shead: Shead is a distinguished veteran of the Dallas Police Department, with a career spanning over three decades. She began her service in the Southeast Patrol Division, dedicating several years to serving the community. Subsequently, she contributed to the Personnel and Development Division as a recruiter and background investigator and has led the Crimes Against Persons Division. Asst. Chief Shead grew up in Dallas and worked her way through the Dallas Police Department.
- Chief Roberto Arredondo: Chief Roberto Arredondo leads the Carrollton Police Department, bringing over 25 years of law enforcement experience. He began his career with the Dallas Police Department (DPD) in 1996, serving in various capacities, including traffic operations, criminal investigations, gang enforcement, and narcotics.
- Brian Boetig: Boetig is a former FBI agent who is a distinguished law enforcement professional with over 35 years of experience in national security, public safety, and consulting. He dedicated 24 years to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), where he held several key positions, including Assistant Director of the International Operations Division and Special Agent in Charge of the Buffalo Division. Notably, Boetig served as the Director of the National Cyber Investigative Joint Task Force, overseeing multi-agency efforts to combat cyber threats. Boetig then transitioned to the private sector, joining FTI Consulting as a Senior Managing Director.