Photo: Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux delivers the keynote address during the 18th Annual Outstanding Officer Awards and Scholarship Ceremony hosted by the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of North Texas in Carrollton on June 11, 2026. [TexasN]

[Dallas=TexasN]  Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said expanding recruitment of Asian American officers is critical to strengthening trust and communication between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

Speaking Thursday at the 18th Annual Outstanding Officer Awards and Scholarship Ceremony hosted by the Korean American Chamber of Commerce of North Texas at Sura Korean Restaurant in Carrollton, Comeaux highlighted the importance of diversity within police ranks and emphasized continued engagement with Dallas’ growing Asian American population.

“One of the most effective ways for law enforcement to understand the communities it serves is to have those communities represented within the department,” Comeaux said. “We need more officers from Asian American backgrounds because cultural understanding helps build stronger relationships and greater trust.”

He said increasing representation from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds remains a priority for the Dallas Police Department.

“As the number of Asian American officers grows, communication and trust between law enforcement and those communities will continue to improve,” Comeaux said. “We will continue encouraging qualified candidates from all backgrounds to consider a career in policing.”

Comeaux also pointed to recent public safety improvements across Dallas, crediting both police personnel and community partnerships for the progress.

According to the chief, overall crime declined last year compared with the previous year and continues to trend downward in 2026.

“That success belongs to our officers and to the residents who work with us every day,” Comeaux said.

Reducing emergency response times has been another major focus since he took over leadership of the department. Comeaux said officer-led operational changes have helped improve performance, with response times declining for 14 consecutive months.

“We’re seeing real results from suggestions coming directly from our officers,” he said. “While we’re not satisfied yet, we are moving in the right direction and remain committed to providing faster service to the public.”

The chief also cited technology investments as a key factor in improving police operations. New tools and equipment, he said, are helping officers respond more efficiently and deliver better service to residents.

Comeaux praised the department’s ongoing outreach efforts within Dallas’ Korean American community, noting his participation in recent Koreatown events and neighborhood programs.

“Maintaining regular communication with the Korean American community is extremely important,” he said. “Safer communities are built when residents and law enforcement understand and trust one another.”

Despite budget pressures and staffing challenges that have led some major U.S. cities to scale back community policing programs, Comeaux said Dallas remains committed to maintaining direct engagement with residents.

“Community policing is not something we intend to walk away from,” he said. “Strong public safety begins with strong relationships. Trust is not built overnight, and we will continue investing in those relationships.”

Comeaux said the Dallas Police Department plans to continue working closely with Korean American residents and other communities throughout the city as part of its broader effort to improve public safety and strengthen public confidence in law enforcement.

Catherine Wahrmund amiangs0210@gmail.com