The Dallas Police Department says it needs more than $300 million for improvements and upgrades across the department.
But the department on Monday offered Dallas City Council members a list of “top priority needs” totaling just $40 million, to be paid from potential 2017 bond funds.
That includes a $10-million upgrade of the Central Division headquarters in Deep Ellum, which serves our neighborhood. The project would include renovation, expansion and added parking. That plan is in lieu of a $21 million project to find another location and build a new substation.
The department also asked for $20 million in security upgrades at its headquarters on Lamar. Those improvements would include fences, gates that can’t be destroyed by a speeding car crashing into them, lighting, digital cameras, card-access control and an intercom system.
Also requested: Construction of a $10 million reality-based training village and a $10-million renovation of the Southwest Division headquarters in Oak Cliff.
The projects could be funded if voters approve a referendum next May in which the city could acquire $600-$800 million in general obligation bonds.
