DPS News

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce that its Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) has been named the recipient of the 2025 Leadership in Police Aviation Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The award was presented during the IACP Annual Awards Banquet at the Denver Convention Center on Tuesday, Oct. 21, as a part of the 2025 IACP Annual Conference.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the first law enforcement agency in the nation to deploy Airborne Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems (ACUS) – a cutting-edge technology mounted on helicopters designed to detect and respond to drones that may pose a potential threat to public safety or emergency operations.

AUSTIN – Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities captured Derrick Flowers in Houston, Texas and Spencer Giron in Lake Charles, La. on Oct. 8 and 9, respectively. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid for either arrest.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), with assistance from the Office of the Attorney General, has captured Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender and October Featured Fugitive Dante Odom. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid for his arrest.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information on the 2001 murder of 46-year-old James Charles “Jimmy” Schuessler. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for his death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Anyone with information in this case is asked to please come forward.

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) launched part three of its 90 Days of Safety campaign: Keeping Texas Families Safe. This third and final piece of the campaign will run for 30 days and feature a new public service announcement video (PSA), social media messaging across all of DPS’ official platforms and videos airing in the waiting areas of driver license offices across the state.

AUSTIN – Today, several Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) personnel were honored during the October meeting of the Public Safety Commission, which was held at DPS Headquarters in Austin. PSC Chairman Stephen P. Mach, Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord, Larry Long and Steven Stodghill, along with DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin, presented two Director’s Citations along with four Lifesaving Awards.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces two leadership changes, which were confirmed by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) during its meeting today at DPS Headquarters.