DPS Capitol Area Strike Team Marks Five Years; Commitment to Mission

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.

DPS Launches RSD Connect, Changes to LTC Licensing Platform

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.

Investigators Capture Two of Texas’ Most Wanted

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.

DPS Stepping Up Enforcement for Labor Day

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.

DPS Encourages Texans to Plan for a Sober Ride This College Football Season

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.

DPS Personnel Honored During August PSC Meeting

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.

DPS Graduates New Class of Texas State Troopers

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.

Texas Rangers, Universal City Police Solve 1981 Murder

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.