Dallas Police Target Homeless Encampments, Arrest Over 100 People with Warrants

Dallas police are stepping up their efforts to clear long‑standing homeless encampments in the city, with a new outreach team led by Sgt. Silver Valencia taking more than 100 individuals into custody and building rapport with residents.

The New Outreach Initiative

Sgt. Silver Valencia heads Dallas Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team, a six‑member unit that is four months into a six‑month pilot program. The pilot, launched under Chief Daniel Comeaux, aims to locate encampments across Dallas and obtain a headcount of people experiencing homelessness. “We want to offer every individual in these camps an opportunity to better their situation,” Valencia told reporters.

The team’s work began in the Southwest Dallas neighborhood just off West Davis Street near Walton Walker. The encampment there has developed over several years, remaining largely hidden from public view until recently. Valencia’s unit has visited the site and other similar locations, speaking with residents multiple times and coordinating with Emergency Management Crisis Response, Code Enforcement and US Marshals before any enforcement action is taken.

Building Rapport Before Enforcement

Valencia emphasized the importance of establishing trust with those living in the encampments. “It’s building that rapport is one of our main focuses when we initially come in now,” he said. By engaging residents early, the team hopes to encourage voluntary departure and provide access to resources such as shelter, medical care and job assistance.

The outreach approach also involves identifying individuals who are wanted by law. In a recent operation on Tuesday, the team detained two people who had active criminal arrest warrants. To date, the unit has taken more than 100 people into custody, either because they have warrants or because they refuse to leave the encampment.

Collaboration Across Departments

The success of the pilot relies on close cooperation between Dallas Police and several city agencies. Valencia noted that the team works closely with Emergency Management Crisis Response, which helps coordinate emergency services; Code Enforcement, which can impose fines or order removal of illegal structures; and US Marshals, who handle warrants and federal law enforcement matters. This multi‑agency partnership allows the team to address both the humanitarian and legal aspects of homelessness.

The pilot’s data collection is also intended to inform future policy decisions. By identifying the locations and sizes of encampments, the department hopes to allocate resources more efficiently and develop long‑term solutions for people experiencing homelessness.

Key Takeaways

• Dallas Police’s Homeless Outreach Team is a six‑person unit under Sgt. Silver Valencia.
• The team is four months into a six‑month pilot program launched by Chief Daniel Comeaux.
• More than 100 individuals have been taken into custody, either due to warrants or refusal to leave encampments.
• The approach prioritizes rapport building and collaboration with Emergency Management Crisis Response, Code Enforcement and US Marshals.

The pilot reflects Dallas Police’s commitment to addressing homelessness through a combination of outreach, resource provision and law enforcement. As the program continues, the department plans to refine its methods and expand its impact across the city.