The Texas Department of Public Safety reinstated a retire/rehire program for commissioned officers starting September 1, 2025. This program allows honorably retired officers to return to service, leveraging their experience to benefit both the department and the retirees. Participation will be subject to specific eligibility criteria, a selection process, and rehire requirements.
- Program Overview and Eligibility: An eligible candidate must be an honorably retired commissioned officer who has retired from the Employees Retirement System of Texas and whose last position was as a commissioned officer. Job postings for available positions will be published through CAPPS, and selection will be based on the division's established procedures which may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of past performance, agency needs, interview, and other applicable factors. Eligible ranks include Trooper, Sergeant, Special Agent, Texas Rangers (sergeants), and Lieutenant in certain roles. Rehired employees retain their previous grade and step, with limited promotional opportunities after rehiring.
- Application Process and Eligibility: Vacancies will be posted on CAPPS and updated periodically to reflect changes in duty station availability. State law requires a 90-day gap between retirement and rehire; however, retirees may apply for current retire/rehire job postings any time after separation. The department will try to accommodate applicants with suitable duty stations when feasible.
Conditions for Rehire and Continued Employment: Rehired officers must comply with department and TCOLE employment and background investigation requirements, as outlined below, based on the length of their separation from the department. Continuation of employment through this program will be subject to a periodic (special) or annual review and will be contingent upon satisfactory performance, operational needs, and budget availability.
FAQs
1. What is the purpose of the retire/rehire program for commissioned officers?
The retire/rehire program enables honorably retired DPS officers to return to employment with DPS, allowing the department to retain the talents and experience of retired officers.
2. Who is eligible to apply for the retire/rehire program?
An honorably retired commissioned officer who has retired from the Employees Retirement System of Texas and whose last position was as a commissioned officer within the department is eligible to apply for the retire/rehire job postings.
3. Are there any guarantees of being rehired under this program?
No, state law and DPS policy prohibit a guarantee of being rehired. All rehire vacancies will be published through CAPPS, and the selection process will follow the division's established procedures, which may include, but are not limited to, an evaluation of past performance, agency needs, interview, and other applicable factors.
4. What is the required period between a retiree's separation date and the date of rehire?
State law requires a 90-day period between a retiree's separation date and the date of rehire. However, an honorably retired commissioned officer may apply for a retiree position at any time after their separation date.
5. Why was the 90-day waiting period implemented?
The 90-day waiting period was implemented to prevent individuals from retiring with the expectation of quickly returning to work in a similar position, which could be seen as manipulating the retirement system.
6. What ranks/positions are eligible for the retire/rehire program
The eligible ranks/positions and promotional opportunities include the following positions:
- Trooper and Sergeant-THP/TOD/EPB/RSD, AOD Tactical Flight Officers
- Special Agent-CID, EPB, RSD
- Texas Rangers (sergeants)
- Lieutenant-AOD Pilots/OIG
7. At what grade and step will the rehired commissioned employee be hired
Candidates may retain up to their previous grade and step upon rehire; however, seniority for transfers, safe driver awards, and vacation accruals will be based on length of service after the employee's retirement date.
8. What are the assessment and background investigative requirements for retire/rehired employees?
Retired/rehired officers must comply with department and TCOLE employment and background investigation requirements, which will be based on the length of separation from DPS until the date of their TCOLE appointment.
9. How long can a retiree stay employed under this program?
Continuation of employment through this program will be subject to periodic and annual reviews and will be contingent upon satisfactory performance, operational needs, and budget availability.
10. Will retired/rehired employees receive the same benefits as other commissioned employees?
Retirees rehired by the department will continue to receive their annuity but will not contribute to an ERS account and therefore cannot accrue a second retirement benefit. If a retiree enrolls in active benefits upon return to work, they will also have the option to enroll in AD&D, TIPP (disability), optional life insurance, TexFlex, and TexSaver. If the retiree is currently enrolled in MedicareAdvantage, ERS will enroll them in the last health and prescription plans they had before Medicare. If a retiree is eligible for Medicare and keeps retiree benefits upon return to work, HealthSelect will remain the primary payer.
11. Who can a retiree contact if they have a question?
You may contact the division directly or the appropriate HR Service Team, whose contact information will be listed on the job posting.