PILLAR: Safe
AGENDA DATE: September 23, 2026
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): Citywide
DEPARTMENT: Dallas Police Department
PRIORITY: Government Efficiency
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize Supplemental Agreement No. 1 to extend the three-year agreement with the Southern Methodist University Simmons School of Education and Human Development to provide consulting and technical assistance for the Dallas Police Department Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Grant Project for the period October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027 - Financing: No cost consideration to the City
Body
BACKGROUND
This item assists the Dallas Police Department (DPD) in developing Virtual Reality (VR) training scenarios for officers. DPD will use existing data from the Use of Force Analysis System and receive input from stakeholders and trainers to identify common scenarios that require de-escalation skills, such as encounters with individuals experiencing mental health crises. This training will help enhance accuracy and relevance in the creation of virtual scenarios. As trainees navigate through scenarios, the VR system will capture movement, decisions, and actions and provide a dashboard of their responses, allowing for immediate analysis and feedback so they may learn from their mistakes and refine future responses. The VR simulator and dashboard are adapted and updated regularly based on data-driven lessons learned.
This project consists of a team that is well-equipped to conduct the research, including DPD and researchers from Southern Methodist University with expertise in curriculum design, VR simulation, violence prevention, and program evaluation. With experienced trainers at the DPD Academy, a robust research design, and a capable team, the project aims to improve officers' performance, promote community trust, and contribute to the larger goal of strengthening police and community relationships.
An extension of time is needed to fully utilize the $792,862.00 grant funds received by the City in January 2024. Delays in commencing the project have led to the contract term expiring before the grant funds could be fully spent. This action to extend the agreement does not add any additional funding for the project.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On January 24, 2024, the City Council authorized the acceptance of the BJA FY23 Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based Initiative Grant in the amount of $792,862.00 from the U.S. Department of Justice for the purpose of equipping officers with effective de-escalation skills and reducing excessive use of force for the period October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026 by Resolution 24-0191.
On August 28, 2024, the City Council authorized a three-year agreement with Southern Methodist University Simmons School of Education and Human Development to provide consulting and technical assistance for the Dallas Police Department Virtual Reality De-escalation Site-Based initiative Grant Project in an amount not to exceed $662,301.00 for the period October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2026, by Resolution No. 24-1206.
The City Council was briefed by memorandum regarding this matter on September 18, 2026. <https://dallascityhall.com/government/citymanager/Documents/FY25-26%20Memos/September%2023,%202026,%20City%20Council%20Agenda%20Item%20No.%2026-2777A,%2026-2779A,%2026-2778A,%2026-2776A,%2026-2954A,%2026-2952A%20for%20the%20Dallas%20Polic.pdf>
FISCAL INFORMATION
No cost consideration to the City.
LOCAL PARTICIPATION
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Prime |
Status |
Workforce % |
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Southern Methodist University Simmons School of Education and Human Development |
Local |
0.00% |