The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a state agency responsible for protecting and serving the citizens of Texas. It is the largest state law enforcement agency in the United States, with over 9,000 employees and a budget of over $1 billion. In this article, we will explore the role of Texas DPS and its various divisions and responsibilities.
What is Texas DPS?
The Texas Department of Public Safety was established in 1935 by the Texas Legislature. Its mission is to protect and serve the citizens of Texas by enforcing laws, regulating traffic, and providing public safety services. The agency is headed by a Director who is appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
Divisions of Texas DPS
Texas DPS is divided into several divisions, each with its own specific responsibilities. These divisions include:
- Highway Patrol Division: Responsible for enforcing traffic laws and investigating traffic accidents on state highways.
- Criminal Investigations Division: Investigates major crimes, including organized crime, drug trafficking, and public corruption.
- Texas Rangers: A division within the Criminal Investigations Division, the Texas Rangers are responsible for investigating major crimes and providing support to local law enforcement agencies.
- Texas Highway Patrol: Responsible for patrolling state highways and enforcing traffic laws.
- Driver License Division: Issues driver licenses and identification cards, conducts driver license exams, and maintains driver records.
- Texas Division of Emergency Management: Coordinates the state’s response to natural and man-made disasters.
- Texas Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division: Collects and analyzes intelligence to prevent and respond to terrorist threats.
- Texas Rangers Special Operations Group: A specialized unit within the Texas Rangers that responds to high-risk situations and provides tactical support to other law enforcement agencies.
Responsibilities of Texas DPS
The primary responsibility of The Texas Department of Public Safety is to protect and serve the citizens of Texas. This includes enforcing laws, regulating traffic, and providing public safety services. Some of the specific responsibilities of Texas DPS include:
Enforcing Laws
One of the main responsibilities of Texas DPS is to enforce laws and maintain public order. This includes enforcing traffic laws, investigating crimes, and apprehending criminals. Texas DPS officers have the authority to make arrests, issue citations, and conduct investigations.
Regulating Traffic
The Texas Department of Public Safety is responsible for regulating traffic on state highways. This includes enforcing traffic laws, investigating traffic accidents, and providing assistance to motorists in need. Texas DPS officers also conduct commercial vehicle inspections to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
Providing Public Safety Services
The Texas Department of Public Safety provides a variety of public safety services to the citizens of Texas. This includes issuing driver licenses and identification cards, conducting driver license exams, and maintaining driver records. Texas DPS also provides support to local law enforcement agencies, responds to natural and man-made disasters, and collects and analyzes intelligence to prevent and respond to terrorist threats.
Texas DPS Locations
The Texas Department of Public Safety has over 200 locations throughout the state, including headquarters in Austin and regional offices in major cities such as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio. In addition, there are several specialized facilities, including the Texas DPS Training Academy in Austin and the Texas DPS Crime Laboratory in Garland.
Notable Texas DPS Locations
- Department of Public Safety Corsicana Texas: This location houses the Texas Highway Patrol and the Driver License Division for Navarro County.
- Department of Public Safety Huntsville Texas: This location houses the Texas Highway Patrol and the Driver License Division for Walker County.
- Department of Public Safety Cleburne Texas: This location houses the Texas Highway Patrol and the Driver License Division for Johnson County.
- Department of Public Safety Weslaco: This location houses the Texas Highway Patrol and the Driver License Division for Hidalgo County.
- Victoria Texas Public Safety Department: This site accommodates the Driver License Division and the Texas Highway Patrol for Victoria County.
- Department of Public Safety Denton: This location houses the Texas Highway Patrol and the Driver License Division for Denton County.
- Department of Public Safety in San Antonio Texas: This location houses the Texas Highway Patrol and the Driver License Division for Bexar County.
- Texas Department of Public Safety Beaumont TX: This location houses the Texas Highway Patrol and the Driver License Division for Jefferson County.
Public Information
As a government agency, Texas DPS is subject to the Texas Public Information Act, which gives the public the right to access government records. This includes records related to law enforcement activities, such as arrest reports and accident reports. However, certain records may be exempt from disclosure, such as those related to ongoing criminal investigations.
How to Request Public Information from Texas DPS
To request public information from The Texas Department of Public Safety, you can submit a request in writing to the agency’s Public Information Officer. The request should include a description of the information you are seeking and your contact information. You may also be required to pay a fee for the information, depending on the type and amount of information requested.
Conclusion
The Texas Department of Public Safety carries significant responsibility in securing and attending to the residents of Texas. This includes activities such as implementing laws, managing traffic, delivering public safety solutions, and disaster responses. As a crucial element of the state’s government system, Texas DPS, through its diverse divisions and offices, successfully executes its purpose, safeguarding the security and welfare of all Texans. The Screening Source’s National Criminal Database screening incorporates records for the Texas Department of Public Safety.