Monument Dedication Honors Life of DPS Trooper (Central Texas Region)

WACO – Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) held a monument dedication ceremony at its Waco District Office to honor the life and service of retired Trooper Daniel Robert Shown. Shown, 66, died on Feb. 27, 2026, from complications directly resulting from a line-of-duty injury.

DPS Modernizes Access to Crime Laboratory Records with Texas CLR Connect

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety’s (DPS) statewide rollout of the new Texas Crime Lab Records (CLR) Connect Discovery Portal is complete. Texas CLR Connect – pronounced clear connect – is a new online platform that streamlines access to crime laboratory records for authorized attorneys in the criminal discovery process.

Rapid DNA Pilot Program Produces “Hit” Days After Going Live

AUSTIN – Days after launching the second phase of the state’s Rapid DNA Testing Program, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Crime Laboratory Division announces a positive Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) “hit” in Montgomery Co. The second phase launched on Oct. 15, 2026, after more than a year of training and preparation. That’s the day participating agencies in both Williamson and Montgomery counties began entering arrestee samples into CODIS.
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement

Texas DPS Receives Leadership in Police Aviation Award for Fifth Time

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce that its Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) has received the 2026 Leadership in Police Aviation Award from the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP). The award was presented during the IACP Annual Awards Banquet in Orlando, Florida, on Tuesday.

DPS Shares Halloween Safety Tips for Texas Families

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) urges Texans to take extra precautions this Halloween to help keep themselves and others safe. From choosing safe costumes and staying visible while trick-or-treating to staying alert behind the wheel and watching for pedestrians, a few simple steps can help prevent accidents and ensure Halloween remains a fun and safe tradition.

DPS Urges Drivers to Prioritize School Bus Safety During National School Bus Safety Week

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds drivers to slow down, stay alert and stop for school buses as communities across the nation recognize National School Bus Safety Week, October 19–23, 2026. Millions of children ride school buses every day, making school bus safety a shared responsibility for drivers, parents, school personnel and communities.

Authorities Seek New Tips in El Paso Mother’s Cold Case Murder

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information about the 1995 murder of Celia Loya, 30, on El Paso’s east side. The reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for her death is now increased to $6,000 if the tip is received before the next featured Texas Rangers cold case is announced. Investigators are asking anyone with information about the case to come forward.