City of Dallas appoints federal drug enforcement veteran as new Chief of Police effective April 23
Dallas, Texas – The City of Dallas has officially named Daniel Comeaux as the next Chief of Police for the Dallas Police Department. Comeaux, a veteran with 33 years of experience in law enforcement, will assume his new role on Wednesday, April 23. The announcement was made by Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert, who emphasized the strength of Comeaux’s leadership, his experience managing large jurisdictions, and his success in reducing crime rates in complex, high-risk areas.
Comeaux currently serves as the Special Agent in Charge (SAC) of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Houston Field Division. His current jurisdiction spans 114 counties and covers nearly 16 million residents, including critical areas along the United States-Mexico border. He oversees 12 offices throughout Texas, including Houston, San Antonio, and Austin. His leadership has been rooted in intelligence-driven crime reduction strategies, effective interagency partnerships, officer development, and increasing operational efficiency.
“Special Agent in Charge Comeaux has consistently demonstrated a proven track record of successfully addressing complex crime challenges across large scale, diverse populations and geographic areas – that span internationally,” said City Manager Tolbert. “The City of Dallas continues to achieve crime reduction year after year. I am confident 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.”
A Career Defined by Community Policing and Crime Reduction
A New Orleans native, Comeaux began his law enforcement journey in 1991 with the Houston Police Department, where he developed a passion for community policing and narcotics enforcement. In 1997, he joined the DEA, where he led significant operations in Houston, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, focusing on violent crime and major drug trafficking networks. His leadership directly contributed to a 40% decrease in overdose deaths in Laredo, Texas.
“I joined the police force because I witnessed what can happen to neighborhoods that aren’t safe,” Comeaux said. “At the federal level, I am known as the local cop because of my collaborative approach to tackling crime and my dedication to developing leaders in public safety who are bridge builders for the community. I am proud that my career in law enforcement has come full circle and look forward to serving alongside the men and women of the Dallas Police Department.”
A Transparent and Thorough Selection Process
Comeaux emerged as the top candidate from a pool of five finalists who were vetted through a rigorous evaluation process. The city invited public and stakeholder input through multiple meet-and-greet sessions and feedback panels, allowing for community voices to be heard in the selection.
Tolbert also expressed gratitude to Interim Chief Michael T. Igo for his leadership during the transition and his continued commitment to the department.
Mayor Johnson and City Leaders Back the New Appointment
Mayor Eric L. Johnson welcomed Comeaux’s appointment, praising his law enforcement experience and understanding of urban crime dynamics.
“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,” Johnson stated. “Thankfully, Chief Comeaux will bring unique experience to this especially challenging role. He understands that public safety is foundational to building stronger cities.”
Johnson also commended City Manager Tolbert for her dedication in selecting a candidate with deep expertise in law enforcement. “We must put public safety first in Dallas, and I look forward to working with Chief Comeaux to create even safer neighborhoods,” he said.
With Comeaux’s federal, state, and community-level experience, city officials hope to maintain Dallas’ momentum in crime reduction while strengthening public trust and the department.
