DPS News

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers in San Antonio and surrounding communities to begin preparing their vehicles for new emissions testing requirements, which take effect later this year under House Bill 3297.

AUSTIN – Throughout January, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding Texans to be vigilant and educate themselves about the dangers of human trafficking as part of Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

AUSTIN – As Texans prepare for the holidays, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds everyone to remain observant, report suspicious activity and take steps to ensure a safe and enjoyable season.

AUSTIN – A Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender is back in custody following his recent arrest. Authorities captured Marvin Bowden in Conroe on Dec. 10. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing enforcement for Christmas and New Year's to ensure Texans have a safe holiday. Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Troopers will surge enforcement efforts from Friday, Dec. 19, through Thursday, Jan. 1, and have Troopers looking for people committing traffic violations including, not wearing seat belts, driving while intoxicated, speeding, failing to follow the state’s Move Over, Slow Down law and others.

AUSTIN – After 42 years of investigation, law enforcement officials have identified the last perpetrator in the abduction and murder of five Texans in Rusk Co. – an event known to many across the country as the Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) murders. The perpetrator, Devan Riggs, had died years before being identified, so no arrests will be made, and the case is now closed.

AUSTIN – Today, several Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel were honored during the December Public Safety Commission meeting held at the new Legacy Hall at DPS Headquarters in Austin. PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach, Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord, Larry Long and Steven Stodghill, along with DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, presented two Purple Hearts, four Lifesaving Awards and one Unit Citation. One Director’s Award was also given to someone outside the department.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) Crime Laboratory Division announces the implementation of the state’s new Limited Consent for DNA Testing Program for sexual assault survivors. The first kit under this new program, which began on Dec. 1, was collected last week.