The Dallas City Council meeting on April 14, 2025, focused on public safety, highlighting key discussions around police response times and fire department initiatives.

Councilor Willis expressed concerns regarding the Dallas Police Department's (DPD) response times, particularly in relation to the categorization of priority calls. She noted that DPD has significantly more calls classified as priority 1 compared to other cities, which may impact response efficiency. Chief Reyes acknowledged these concerns and confirmed that the categorization of calls is under review, with discussions planned with the incoming police chief to address the issue.

The meeting also addressed staffing levels within the police department, which have increased by 78 officers compared to the previous year. Despite these staffing challenges, the department has managed to reduce violent crime, a point of commendation from council members.

In addition to police matters, the fire department's dashboard was reviewed, with Chief Ball reporting a rise in smoke detector installations, which are crucial for community safety. The department has also increased inspections and reinspections, attributed to improved staffing and educational outreach to business owners about the importance of timely inspections.

The council discussed ongoing projects, including an alerting system for fire stations and HVAC maintenance plans to ensure operational efficiency during the summer months. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue addressing these public safety issues and to keep the community informed on progress.