As the 2025–2026 school year kicks off, the Dallas ISD Police Department is introducing a new traffic enforcement unit to improve safety during the busiest times of the school day.This marks the district’s first dedicated traffic unit, with officers specially trained to monitor school zones.
Easily identifiable by the red on their uniforms, these officers will be stationed near campuses starting at 6:30 a.m. and will return during afternoon dismissal hours.
The goal is to increase visibility, promote safer driving habits, and help protect students, families, and team members during high-traffic periods.
“We’re going to be watching for speeding, distracted drivers on cell phones, seatbelt violations, and ensuring proper use of child safety seats,” said Manuel Murillo, a lieutenant with Dallas ISD Police.
Murillo emphasized that child safety seat guidelines are based on height, not just age, and encouraged parents to make sure their children are properly secured, especially those in elementary grades who may still need booster seats.
In addition to monitoring cars, traffic officers will be watching for unsafe pedestrian behavior and ensuring drivers yield at crosswalks and bus stops.
At bus stops, flashing yellow lights mean a bus is preparing to stop, so drivers are required to slow down and be ready to stop. Flashing red lights and an extended stop sign mean the bus is loading or unloading children. All drivers must come to a complete stop until the lights turn off and the sign retracts.
Depending on the school, drop-off and pickup can bring anywhere from 200 to over 1,000 people to a campus at once, Murillo added.
He also said drivers should prepare for more traffic on the roads.
“With the new school year, there will be a significant increase in traffic,” Murillo said. “Everyone is trying to get to the same place at the same time, so patience and awareness are key.”
Families and community members can stay informed and receive real-time updates by following Dallas ISD Police on X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram.
