The City of Dallas is edging closer to a decision on who will be the next Chief of Police, announcing on Friday that the list of 25 potential candidates had been whittled down to five finalists.
The five finalists were chosen by Dallas City Manager Kimberly Bizor Tolbert.
The search for a new police chief has been ongoing for nearly six months since the previous chief, Eddie Garcia, left Dallas in October to take a civilian role as assistant city manager in Austin, as previously reported on by The Dallas Express.
The current acting police chief, Michael T. Igo, is one of the five finalists. Igo has 33 years of law enforcement experience, beginning as a patrol officer in 1991 and working through the Department ranks. He was promoted to Major in 2019, Deputy Chief in 2021, Assistant Chief in 2022, and Executive Assistant Chief in 2024 before taking over the reins of the Department as interim police chief in October.
Over the years he has worked in various divisions of the Department, including, Communications, Planning, Narcotics, Crime Suppression, Major Crimes, Internal Affairs, and Vice.
Igo holds a Bachelor of Science in Commercial Economics from South Dakota State University and has also completed executive leadership programs at various institutions, including with the FBI.
Igo has recently come under heavy scrutiny for indicating that the Department will not cooperate with federal agencies in detaining individuals based on their immigration status, leading to concerns from Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton about potential non-compliance with state and federal immigration laws. As a result, Paxton has initiated an investigation into the Department and requested various records to assess their adherence to immigration regulations.
Finalist Catrina M. Shead is currently an Assistant Chief with the Dallas Police Department and has 30 years of experience with DPD. She leads the Tactical & Operations Bureau, overseeing SWAT, Gangs, Narcotics, and Drone Operations. She has held leadership positions in various divisions and bureaus throughout her career.
She has a Master of Arts in Psychology/counseling and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and several other leadership programs.
Roberto Arredondo Jr. served with the Dallas Police Department for 23 years before taking on the role of Chief of Police for the City of Victoria in 2020. In 2023, he was appointed Chief of Police for Carrollton. He is an Army veteran with a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Administration from Tarleton State University and a master’s in Public Affairs from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley.
He received executive training at the Senior Management Institute for Police, the Law Enforcement Management Institute of Texas, and the Caruth Police Institute. He has earned two Certificates of Merit, a Life-Saving Award, and a Master Peace Officer Certification.
Brian Boetig is currently working in the private sector as a national security consultant after serving 24 years with the FBI. During his tenure with the FBI, he rose through the ranks, serving in various roles, including Assistant Director, Special Agent in Charge, and Legal Attache in the UK, Ireland, and Canada. He was a first responder to the 9/11 attack on the Pentagon and has investigated international kidnappings and murders and led elite cyber operations.
He holds advanced criminology and justice administration degrees and has completed premier executive leadership programs. In total, he has 35 years of experience in national security, public safety, and consulting.
Daniel C. Comeaux brings 33 years of law enforcement experience to the table and is currently serving as a Special Agent in Charge for the Houston Field Division of the Drug Enforcement Agency. He oversees 12 offices in Texas, including 645 miles along the U.S.-Mexico border. He began his law enforcement career with the Houston Police Department in 1991 before transitioning to the DEA in 1997.
His bio on the City website states that he is a leader in law enforcement recruitment and modern policing strategies, and his vision for the Department includes “enhancing recruitment, implementing innovative crime-fighting tactics, and strengthening public trust.”
Beginning March 31, the five finalists will begin their meet-and-greet sessions with members of the city council, community representatives, law enforcement experts, and other city officials.
On Tuesday, April 1, a public meet-and-greet session will be held from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in the lobby of City Hall, allowing the Dallas community to get acquainted with the candidates.
Tolbert is anticipated to make a final selection for the new Dallas Police Chief role by the second week of April.