Exhibits to include patrol cars, motorcycles, crime lab vehicle, SWAT
Mounted Patrol
DPS Canine
AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) invites the public to attend the DPS Museum Day on Sunday, as part of Austin Museum Day, which features free exhibits and interactive activities at participating Austin-area museums and cultural sites. The DPS Historical Museum and Research Center is sponsoring the free public event at DPS Headquarters from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. (The event will take place at the Training Academy, Building C, 5805 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin, TX 78752.)
The department’s theme for this year’s Austin Museum Day is “Safety & Security for Children.” Museum-goers, including children, will learn how to recognize and avoid dangerous situations, and they will meet the professionals involved in the DPS Texas Crimes Against Children Center (TCACC) to learn about safety awareness. The TCACC focuses on assisting law enforcement agencies with all crimes against children investigations. The event will feature a variety of interactive activities, including how cyber-attacks are carried out and an informational scavenger hunt. Participants who complete the scavenger hunt will receive a “Junior Trooper” certificate. Children and adults will also be able to meet current DPS Troopers and Special Agents, and visit multiple displays from various DPS divisions, the Texas Ranger Museum and the DPS Foundation.
Visitors will also have a chance to meet the officers and animals of DPS’ Mounted Horse Patrol Unit and Canine Unit. The Mounted Horse Patrol Unit consists of troopers on horseback, who are assigned to patrol the Capitol Complex, and the Canine Unit uses specially-trained dogs to search for drugs and explosives.
In addition, the Harley-Davidson motorcycle once owned by former Gov. Ann Richards, which was donated to DPS, will be on display, along with a vintage patrol car and motorcycle, and vintage trooper uniforms to represent the department’s rich history.
Equipment, vehicles and resources currently used by the department will also be showcased, including:
- Crime Lab’s Crime Scene Vehicle, which is regularly deployed to crime scenes to assist in investigations in Texas;
- Airbus AS350 helicopter, one of 15 helicopters used by the DPS Aircraft Operations Division on a variety of missions in support of law enforcement across the state;
- Harley-Davidson Road King Police Motorcycle and the Bike Patrol, both assigned to patrol the Capitol Complex in Austin; and
- Texas Ranger SWAT Team will be displaying various equipment used on a daily basis, including incidents that require specialized skills.
Crime Lab Crime Scene Vehicle
DPS Helicopter
DPS is one of many museum venues around Austin that will open their doors free of charge for Austin Museum Day on Sunday. For a complete list of activities, please visit: Austin Museums.
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