Drivers traveling on major Dallas highways may soon encounter officers from the Dallas Police Department rather than county or state personnel. The department has expanded its Traffic Unit to cover every freeway within city limits, including roads managed by the North Texas Tollway Authority.
This transition marks the end of a 17-year agreement with the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office. That specific patrol arrangement concludes on August 28. Additionally, the Texas Department of Public Safety’s contract to monitor tollway roads expires shortly after, on Monday.
For years, the city has relied heavily on other agencies for highway safety and crash investigation. The shift now places a larger operational role directly into the hands of Dallas police officers. Officers will handle both traffic enforcement duties and accident investigations on these previously shared corridors.
The department began expanding its traffic capabilities this month to prepare for the change. The goal is to ensure continuous coverage as the previous inter-agency deals expire in quick succession.
