Texas Department of Public Safety Celebrates 90 Years of Service and Innovation

AUSTIN – Today, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) proudly marks its 90th anniversary, honoring nine decades of unwavering commitment to public safety, service and innovation. Since 1935, DPS has grown into one of the nation’s most comprehensive public safety agencies, encompassing divisions that lead in law enforcement, technology, forensics, aviation, intelligence and more.

DPS Announces Leadership Changes Across the State

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces several changes to key leadership positions across the department, which were confirmed by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) during its meeting today. The changes are a result of personnel retiring after many years of dedicated service or new positions being created in various divisions throughout the department.

DPS Establishes New Homeland Security Division to Strengthen Statewide Threat Response

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is proud to announce the creation of the new Homeland Security Division following the passage of Senate Bill 36 by the 89th Texas Legislature. This landmark legislation marks a significant step forward in the state’s effort to modernize and enhance its security posture by formally establishing a division dedicated to unifying, coordinating, and leading statewide homeland security efforts.

DPS Hosts Largest Legacy Run in Department History to Commemorate 90th Anniversary

AUSTIN – In celebration of its 90th anniversary, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) held its largest Legacy Run this morning ahead of Friday’s graduation for Recruit Class A-2025. Just under 200 DPS personnel, both past and present, from across the state, joined the recruit class for the special six-mile run from Camp Mabry, the original home of DPS, to the Texas State Capitol. Colonel Freeman Martin also took part – his first time running the Legacy Run since becoming Colonel in Dec. 2024.

DPS Offers Reminders for a Safer School Year

AUSTIN – As students begin heading back to school, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds all Texans to exercise heightened caution and adhere to safety measures implemented to protect students, staff and fellow drivers this school year. This includes tips on how to safely drop off and pick up your child from school, drive cautiously through school zones and talk to your family and loved ones about staying safe this school year and beyond.

Texas Rangers Seek Tips in Eastland Co. Cold Case

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is seeking information on the 2019 murder of 37-year-old Courtney Allan Sholar. 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.

Man Gets 10 Year Sentence in Cloned Truck Human Smuggling Case (South Texas Region)

DEL RIO – The man arrested by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) for smuggling more than a dozen illegal immigrants inside a cloned home improvement store delivery truck last year will spend the next decade behind bars. Cezanne Megel Patterson, 29, of Jackson, Miss., was sentenced to 10 years of confinement in a Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) prison on July 24, 2025.