Ulysha Hall makes history as Dallas Police Dept.'s first female chief

DALLAS -- Detroit Deputy Chief Ulysha Renee Hall has been chosen as the new police chief of the Dallas Police Department, sources tell CBS Dallas/Fort Worth.

"I am honored to be chosen to lead the Dallas Police Department at this critical time in its history," Hall said in a statement. "I look forward to building on the successes of the past, preserving community trust and ensuring the safety of our officers and the entire Dallas community."

Hall is the first woman to serve as police chief in the department's history.

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings celebrated the news with a post on Twitter saying, "Pleased to welcome our new @DallasPD Chief of Police U. Renee Hall."

There were seven candidates vying for the position and interviews just wrapped up, CBS DFW reports. City manager T.C. Broadnax had said he was happy to get input from residents during a public meeting with the candidates, but ultimately the decision was his.

Hall has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from Grambling State University and master's degrees in security administration and intelligence analysis from the University of Detroit Mercy. She is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

She was one of two women under consideration to be the next Dallas police chief, along with Seattle Deputy Chief Carmen Best. Under Hall's leadership in Michigan, the city of Detroit experienced a 40-year low in homicides and double-digit reductions in violent crime for three consecutive years.

Hall is expected to begin her job as the new Dallas police chief on September 5.

Dallas District Attorney Faith Johnson released a statement to CBS DFW saying Hall has an impressive resume and is proud that she is joining her and the Dallas County sheriff.

"I want to welcome our new Chief of Police, Ulysha Renee Hall to Dallas. She has an impressive resume and it's exciting that she will serve as the first female chief at the Dallas Police Department. I am proud that she is joining me and Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez on the growing list of females in top law enforcement positions in Dallas County," Johnson wrote. "There is much work to be done building bridges between law enforcement and our communities, and I am looking forward to all of us working together to ensure success."

Former Police Chief David O. Brown took to Twitter to congratulate Hall.

Hall is replacing Brown, who retired in October, The Associated Press reports. The former chief's leadership was lauded after four Dallas officers and one transit officer were killed in July 2016. However, he drew criticism from unions for not doing enough to retain officers.

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