On Oct. 26 and 27, 2023, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) joined with federal, state and local partners for the 2023 Texas Statewide Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack (CCTA) Full-Scale Exercise. The CCTA exercise was more than a year in the making, requiring extensive planning and coordination. DPS worked closely with the four Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Field Offices in Texas along with many other agencies at the state and local level – […]
DPS
DPS Partners with Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to Offer New IPC Program
On Sept. 25-29, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) again partnered with the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma to offer a five-day Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) Train the Trainer Course. IPC is a crimes against children class that includes human trafficking. IPC trains front-line officers to recognize indicators that a child may be a victim, at risk of victimization or missing, as well as recognizing high-risk threats to children. “DPS is honored to once again partner […]
DPS Encourages Vigilance During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Human trafficking – the use of force, fraud or coercion in any type of labor exploitation or commercial sex act, or when an individual under the age of 18 is involved in commercial sex – can happen to anyone, anywhere. It occurs in every state, every day and often goes unnoticed by those in the community. To draw attention to those victims, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans to be vigilant […]
DPS Honors More Than a Dozen with Awards at Final PSC Meeting of the Year
The Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw presented eight Lifesaving Awards, two Director’s Awards and a Unit Citation at the PSC meeting on Thursday, Dec. 15, at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Two criminal intelligence analysts were also recognized for their tremendous work. “I’m honored to recognize these individuals for their commitment and dedication to the mission,” said DPS Director Steven McCraw. “These are people who are saving lives, and we’re […]
DPS Offers Safety Tips Ahead of Labor Day Holiday
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) encourages everyone to drive safely as they celebrate the unofficial end of summer over the Labor Day weekend. In an effort to reduce crashes, the Texas Highway Patrol will be increasing enforcement from Sept. 2 through Sept. 5, looking for people not wearing their seat belts, speeders, people driving while intoxicated and drivers who fail to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law, among other traffic violations. “Safety […]
DPS Offers Tips and Resources Ahead of New School Year
As the new school year nears, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers to use extra caution in and around school zones and neighborhoods. This includes knowing the Texas laws about driving near stopped school buses and not using cell phones when you’re behind the wheel. It also means utilizing the many safety resources available to parents, school staff and students. “Heading back to school is such an exciting time and we all […]
DPS Honors Fallen Officers at Peace Officers Memorial Service
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) remembered those lost in the line of duty throughout the department’s history at the 2022 Peace Officers Memorial Service today. Those honored included Sgt. Paul Mooney, Special Agent Dustin Slovacek, and Special Agent Anthony “AC” Salas. The ceremony was held at DPS Headquarters in Austin, with Public Safety Commission Chairman Steven P. Mach as the guest speaker. “The word ‘hero’ is often used in our society, but these […]
DPS Encourages Safe Driving for the Holidays
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is encouraging everyone to end 2021 safely as they head out on the road for the holidays. The Texas Highway Patrol will conduct its annual Christmas and New Year’s holiday traffic enforcement campaigns beginning Dec. 23, looking for people who are speeding, not wearing their seat belts, driving while intoxicated or committing other traffic violations. “It’s always nice to celebrate the holidays with friends and family, but please […]
DPS Urges Children, Drivers to Learn Safe Habits During National School Bus Safety Week
National School Bus Safety Week is Oct. 18-22 and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) would like to remind the public that they play an important role in ensuring the school buses make it to their destinations safely each day. “School buses are the safest mode of travel for children to get to school, and drivers need to do simple but crucial things, such as not passing a school bus or paying attention when […]
DPS Recognizes Lifesaving Actions, Awards Purple Heart
The Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw presented one Purple Heart and eight Lifesaving Awards to members of the Texas Highway Patrol at the PSC meeting on Thursday, Feb. 11, at the DPS Headquarters in Austin. “The Texas Highway Patrol has highly-trained, outstanding men and women who embody the DPS motto of courtesy, service, protection, while doing extraordinary things on a daily basis,” McCraw said. “I’m proud to recognize […]