More than 1,000 high school and college students expected for career-focused event featuring top law enforcement officials alongside interactive exhibits from dozens of agencies – from trying on firefighter gear to exploring SWAT vehicles, ambulances, helicopters, and other attractions
WHAT: The University of North Texas at Dallas (UNT Dallas) will welcome the region’s top law enforcement and public safety leaders at its annual Criminal Justice and Public Safety Career Expo on Friday, Oct. 24, from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Featured speakers will include Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux, Dallas Fire Chief Justin Ball, Dallas County Sheriff Marian Brown, and Jeremy Sherrod, Regional Director for the Texas Department of Public Safety. They will address students at noon.
Leaders will gather in the Hart Amphitheater to speak with hundreds of college and high school students about criminal justice and public safety careers. Before their remarks, students will explore dozens of interactive exhibits featuring local, state, and federal agencies – from law enforcement, fire rescue, and emergency medical to public service organizations from across North Texas. In the event of rain, the event will move indoors.
They’ll also meet face-to-face with law enforcement and emergency services leaders to gain insight regarding what they do on a day-to-day basis and why they chose their career path.
WHY: As cities across the nation face ongoing shortages of police officers and first responders, UNT Dallas is helping recruit and inspire the next generation of professionals who will serve and protect their communities. The Expo connects students directly with representatives from local, state, and federal agencies – and demonstrates that public safety offers a range of well-paying, purpose-driven careers that cannot be replaced by artificial intelligence.
Students can meet agency members, view specialized equipment and vehicles, and learn how academic programs at UNT Dallas align with real-world opportunities in criminal justice, emergency services, and public administration. The event reflects UNT Dallas’ commitment to workforce development, career readiness, and strengthening the bond between public safety organizations and the community. A new Dallas police academy will be built on the UNT Dallas campus and is expected to open in 2028.
WHO: UNT Dallas students will have an opportunity to hear from and meet up with dozens of local, state, federal, and private agencies. They include police, fire, and sheriff’s departments; constable and marshal’s offices; the Texas Department of Public Safety; Texas Parks and Wildlife; the DEA; TSA; U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and the U.S. Secret Service.
Participants include federal agents, state troopers, local patrol officers, sheriff’s deputies, detectives, crime scene investigators, firefighters, EMTs, search-and-rescue teams and K-9 units, along with operators of specialized vehicles, helicopters, and drones.
WHEN: Friday (Oct. 24) from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Leaders speak at noon.
WHERE: UNT Dallas campus, 7300 University Hills Blvd. in southern Dallas.
Police Chief Comeaux, Fire Chief Ball, Sheriff Brown, and other law enforcement leaders will address students in the Hart Amphitheatre (under the blue awning) toward the end of the expo.
PARKING: Media may park in the lots adjacent to Dallas Hall or Founders Hall. Park in visitor or general parking spaces only. Please do not park in reserved or numbered parking spaces. See the parking map for additional information.
MEDIA OPS: Interviews with UNT Dallas representatives are available now through Friday morning for preview coverage. On-site interviews with organizers, public safety officials, and student participants will be available during the Expo.
Please note: Spokespersons will ONLY address questions regarding the expo and the future police academy.
TECHNICAL: A mult-box will be provided during the noon remarks.
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