DPS News

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.

AUSTIN – Thursday, several Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel and members of the public were honored during the August Public Safety Commission (PSC) meeting held at DPS Headquarters in Austin. PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach, Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord, Larry Long and Steven H. Stodghill, along with DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, presented two Purple Hearts, several Lifesaving Awards, one Director’s Citation, one Director’s Award and one Unit Citation. One additional Director’s Award was also presented to a member of the public.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) welcomed 51 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from Recruit Class A-2026 during a graduation ceremony at Hill Country Bible Church in Cedar Park. This is the department’s 182nd graduating class.

AUSTIN – An Arizona man will soon be extradited to Texas on capital murder charges after modern forensic testing identified him as the person responsible for a 1981 sexual assault and murder. The suspect, Kelly Lee Brower, 68, was arrested on Aug. 19, 2026, in Cottonwood, Ariz.

Austin – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce Mimzie Dennis as the new Chief of the Driver License Division (DLD), a promotion confirmed today by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) during its meeting at DPS Headquarters. Mimzie Dennis takes over from Chief Sheri Gipson, who is leaving after more than 40 years of dedicated service with the department.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly announces Jason Bobo as the new Chief of the Texas Rangers Division (TRD), a promotion confirmed today by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) during its meeting at DPS Headquarters. Jason Bobo takes over for Chief Scotty Shiver, who is retiring after 31 years of dedicated service with the department.

AUSTIN – This morning, members of the Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Colonel Freeman F. Martin, awarded DPS’ Criminal Investigations Division (CID) Amarillo a Unit Citation in recognition of their efforts and swift, decisive actions that prevented a mass July 4th attack in Northwest Texas last year. Their work resulted in the arrest of Kevin Hunt, now 19, who pled guilty to federal charges for attempted use of a weapon of mass destruction on April 29, 2026.

AUSTIN – A Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) 10 Most Wanted Fugitive is back in custody after his capture last week in Midland. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid.