Trooper Duties

September 3, 2020

DPS is a state police agency.

DPS Troopers enforces traffic laws
The Highway Patrol Division Troopers enforce traffic laws and assist during emergencies

The Highway Patrol Division Troopers enforce traffic laws and assist during emergencies

Highway Patrol Division Troopers enforce traffic laws on rural Texas highways and perform a variety of other duties:

  • Apprehend traffic law violators, investigate most rural traffic accidents, recover stolen vehicles and stolen property, apprehend wanted persons, and assist other officers during emergencies.

  • Provide education and information programs on traffic safety and crime prevention and control.

  • Responsible for security at the State Capitol Complex in Austin.

  • Enforce laws regulating weight, registration and other regulations governing commercial carriers.

DPS Trooper Patrol along the river
DPS Trooper Patrol along the River