# Security in Dallas, United States Canonical page: https://closeprotectionhire.com/cities/dallas/ Executive protection and close protection in Dallas, United States. Texas DPS-licensed operators for corporate principals across Downtown, Uptown, and the Arts District. ## Threats - **Property and vehicle crime**: DPD Annual Crime Report 2024: Dallas records elevated vehicle theft and property crime citywide, with hotspots concentrated in outer residential zones away from the central business district. - **Carjacking incidents**: DPD Crime Report 2024: carjacking incidents increased across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, particularly at predictable stopping points such as petrol stations, drive-throughs, and hotel drop-off areas. - **Protest and civil disruption**: DPD public-order logs 2024: Dallas hosts major political and civic events; the Downtown corridor experiences periodic route disruptions during demonstrations at City Hall and the Arts District. ## Regulations - **Licensing**: Private security in Texas is regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety under the Private Security Act (chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code) and the rules in 37 TAC Part 1, Chapter 35. Ask any provider for its DPS company licence and for each officer's commission or personal protection officer licence. - **Firearms**: Under section 1702.161 of the Texas Occupations Code, a security officer may not carry a firearm on duty without a security officer commission issued by the Department of Public Safety. Under section 1702.202, a person who protects another individual from bodily harm while carrying a firearm is acting as a personal protection officer and needs a personal protection officer licence. That licence requires the applicant to hold a security officer commission, be at least 21 and work for a licensed guard or investigations company (section 1702.204). - **Foreign operators**: Chapter 1702 sets out no separate route for a foreign security company. Use a DPS-licensed company for protective work in Texas, and take US immigration and local legal advice before a foreign team carries out protective duties. Sources, checked 2026-10-06: - [Texas DPS, private security laws and regulations](https://www.dps.texas.gov/section/private-security/laws-and-regulations) - [Texas Occupations Code section 1702.001, text (Public.Law)](https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._occ._code_section_1702.001) - [Texas Occupations Code section 1702.161, text (Public.Law)](https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._occ._code_section_1702.161) - [Texas Occupations Code section 1702.202, text (Public.Law)](https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._occ._code_section_1702.202) - [Texas Occupations Code section 1702.204, text (Public.Law)](https://texas.public.law/statutes/tex._occ._code_section_1702.204) ## Zones Lower-risk areas: - Downtown Dallas and the Arts District: primary corporate and hotel zone, consistent with lower DPD 2024 crime rates. - Uptown: high-density residential and hospitality area, well-lit, active policing, preferred for executive accommodation. - Knox-Henderson and Park Cities corridor: upscale retail and dining, lower street crime per DPD 2024 data. Elevated-risk areas: - South Dallas and Oak Cliff: DPD 2024 records elevated violent crime; avoid after dark without close protection cover. - West Dallas industrial corridors: limited lighting and irregular response times; route pre-survey required before any scheduled visit. ## Emergency contacts - Emergency services: 911 - Dallas Police Department (non-emergency): 214-671-3000 - Baylor University Medical Center: 214-820-0111 ## Warnings - FCDO advises normal precautions for the United States (2026); no travel restriction applies to Dallas. - DFW International Airport is approximately 29km from Downtown Dallas; allow 30-50 minutes outside peak hours and up to 75 minutes during rush hour. Love Field (DAL) is approximately 11km from Downtown. Pre-survey your airport-to-hotel route before arrival. - Baylor University Medical Center (214-820-0111) is the principal Level 1 trauma centre for Dallas. Parkland Memorial Hospital (214-590-8000) also provides Level 1 trauma care for the wider Dallas County. Dallas presents a moderate risk profile for visiting executives: property crime and carjacking incidents are elevated across the wider metropolitan area, while the Downtown core, Uptown corridor, and Arts District record materially lower rates per DPD Annual Crime Report 2024. Vehicle security discipline is a consistent operational priority throughout the city. The FCDO advises normal precautions for the United States (2026). For principals requiring close protection in Dallas, all operators must hold a current Texas DPS licence under Chapter 1702 of the Texas Occupations Code. Our [executive protection services in Dallas](/executive-protection/dallas/) cover the Downtown core, the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center, and the Uptown corridor. [Vetted security drivers in Dallas](/security-drivers/dallas/) cover DFW and Love Field airport arrivals and intercity transfers. For regional context, see our briefing for [Houston](/cities/houston/). ## Frequently asked questions ### Is Dallas safe for executive and corporate travellers? Dallas presents a moderate risk profile for corporate principals who remain within the central business districts. Downtown Dallas, Uptown, and the Arts District record materially lower crime rates than South Dallas and Oak Cliff, according to DPD Annual Crime Report 2024. Close protection is advisable for principals with a public profile, those attending high-value negotiations, or those whose itineraries extend into elevated-risk areas. ### What close protection licensing applies in Texas? All private security contractors in Texas must hold a current licence under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702, regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Armed operators need a DPS security officer commission, and an officer who protects a person while armed also needs a personal protection officer licence. Clients should verify operator licence status with the Texas Department of Public Safety before engagement. ### What are the main security zones for executives in Dallas? Downtown Dallas, Uptown, Knox-Henderson, and the Arts District form the standard lower-risk corporate footprint. The Turtle Creek corridor and the Park Cities are also well-policed per DPD 2024 data. South Dallas and Oak Cliff present elevated risk and require close protection cover and pre-planned routes for any site visits. ### What medical facilities serve international executives in Dallas? Baylor University Medical Center (214-820-0111) is the principal Level 1 trauma centre for Dallas proper. Parkland Memorial Hospital (214-590-8000) also provides Level 1 trauma care. Both facilities operate international patient services. Medical evacuation coordination should be confirmed with your travel insurance provider before departure.