Press Releases

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.

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.