Collection is composed of 16mm color motion picture film and 1/2" color videotape documenting activities and training in the Dallas Police Department. The Dallas Police Academy is a training program for prospective police officers and started as the Dallas Police Training School in 1945.  A temporary recruit training module, however, was in place as early as 1936. 

The Dallas Police Academy accepts women and men and transitions civilians into sworn peace officers through phased training, which includes lectures and coursework, examination, and physical fitness testing. Some of the testing is required of all peace officers in Texas, though other units of instruction are specific to the standards maintained by the Dallas Police Department. 

The movies and videotapes in this collection were used primarily for internal training and not intended for public consumption, although the Traffic Commission films were meant for viewing in schools and by citizen groups. The collection also includes a public service announcement, scenes from the dedication of a police substation, and briefing information for Dallas Police Department security at the 1984 Republican National Convention.

Please note: Original reels and tapes are restricted due to their fragile nature.  Some items may be viewed online at the Texas Archive of the Moving Image.