Press Releases

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information about the 1995 murder of Celia Loya, 30, on El Paso’s east side. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for her death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.

AUSTIN – Today, the members of the Public Safety Commission (PSC) honored two Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers for bringing home the top team trophy at this year’s National Top Trooper Competition. Trooper Melanie Moreno (Seguin) and Trooper Brody Telfer (Belton) were at the meeting to be recognized. The pair was named the top team overall at the second annual National Top Trooper Competition in Columbus, Ohio, last month.

AUSTIN – Today, members of the Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, honored courage, quick thinking and dedication to safety during the October PSC meeting held at DPS Headquarters in Austin.

AUSTIN – After more than 42 years, using modern forensic DNA technology and extensive police work, investigators have finally identified the victim of a brutal murder in Hamilton Co. as 44-year-old Betty Jo Norris.

AUSTIN – This October, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing One Pill Kills public awareness efforts as part of Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month. Signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott in 2024, House Bill 3144 established the month of October as Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month — a statewide effort to bring awareness and education to the public about the dangers of fentanyl and the life-saving power of opioid poisoning reversal medication.

LAREDO – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), as part of a joint operation with federal authorities during Operation Lone Star (OLS), seized over 153 pounds of narcotics– including more than 19,868,181 potentially lethal doses of fentanyl – during a commercial vehicle inspection in Webb Co. this week.

AUSTIN – During National Forensic Science Week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to recognize the hardworking men and women of the Crime Laboratory Division.

AUSTIN – In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs Sept. 20-26, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers to learn the best child safety seat practices to keep our state’s youngest passengers safe on the road.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety is recognizing the continued service and evolution of the Capitol Area Strike Team (CAST), a specialized team dedicated to protecting the Texas State Capitol, safeguarding dignitaries, managing large-scale crowds and providing rapid response capabilities when needed.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Regulatory Services Division (RSD) announces the upcoming launch of RSD Connect – a new online licensing platform that will enhance the state’s License to Carry (LTC) program experience for applicants, license holders and instructors. The new licensing platform is set to go live on Oct. 1, 2026.

AUSTIN – A Texas 10 Most Wanted Criminal Illegal Immigrant is back in custody after being captured in Travis Co. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid for his arrest.

AUSTIN – Two of Texas’s 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities captured Abelardo Garza in Brownsville and Elliott Reed in Benbrook last week. A Texas Crime Stoppers reward will be paid for Garza’s arrest.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Anthony Dewayne Oliver, a violent repeat offender with a lengthy criminal history, is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $4,000 during September if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is stepping up enforcement efforts for Labor Day weekend. To keep everyone safe this holiday weekend, more Troopers will be out on the roads, including for the Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE), which runs Sept. 4-7.

AUSTIN – As football season kicks off across Texas, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds fans that the best game plan for any celebration is never to drive impaired. Whether you're tailgating before kickoff, cheering on your favorite team at a sports bar or celebrating a victory with friends, DPS encourages Texans to make a plan for a safe and sober ride home before the celebration begins.