DPS Shares Essential Winter Weather Safety Tips

AUSTIN – As many parts of the state prepare to deal with wintry weather, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans that extreme cold, freezing rain, ice and snow can pose major hazards to drivers and pedestrians and urges residents to be prepared and exercise caution in those types of conditions.

Vehicle Safety Inspection Program Changes Now in Effect

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) reminds Texans that changes to the state’s Vehicle Safety Inspection Program are now in effect. These changes—which took effect on Jan. 1, 2025, and eliminate many vehicle safety inspections—are due to House Bill 3297.

DPS Heightens Enforcement this Holiday Season

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is committed to keeping Texans safe this holiday season. The Texas Highway Patrol (THP) will conduct its annual Christmas and New Year’s holiday traffic enforcement campaign beginning Dec. 20 and running through the rest of the year.

DPS Welcomes 130 New Troopers to Texas Highway Patrol

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) today welcomed 130 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit Class B-2024 during a graduation ceremony at Shoreline Church in Austin. The graduating class was joined by DPS personnel and members of the Public Safety Commission including Chairman Steven P. Mach, and Commissioners Nelda Blair, Dan Hord III, Larry Long and Steve Stodghill.

Three of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Back in Custody

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announces three of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted are back in custody following their recent arrests. Authorities arrested Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives Christopher Garay on Nov. 29 and Johnny Wilson on Dec. 2. Michael Petterson, a Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender, was arrested on Nov. 27. Crime Stoppers rewards will be paid in Garay’s and Wilson’s arrests.

DPS Announces Featured Fugitive for December

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Raymond Trejo is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is now increased to $3,000 during December if the tip is received this month.

Freeman F. Martin Assumes Command of DPS

AUSTIN – Today, Freeman F. Martin assumed command of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) during a special swearing-in ceremony held at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Martin, the first Texas Ranger to lead the department, was unanimously selected to serve as DPS’ 14th Director by the Public Safety Commission (PSC) last month.