Texas Department of Public Safety
Recent News About Texas Department of Public Safety
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iWatchTexas sees record rise in school safety reports for September
The Texas Department of Public Safety's iWatchTexas program recorded a significant increase in school safety reports for September 2024, more than doubling the numbers from previous years.
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Crime Stoppers tip leads to arrest of murder suspect Adiah Roberson
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the arrest of Adiah Roberson, a fugitive listed among Texas' 10 Most Wanted.
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Texas DPS releases report on compassionate use program to lawmakers
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has made public a report concerning the sustainability and accessibility of the state's Compassionate Use Program (CUP). This report has been shared with members of the Texas Public Safety Commission as well as state lawmakers.
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Texas DPS honors officers' bravery at PSC meeting
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) and the Public Safety Commission (PSC) held a meeting in Austin to honor several individuals for their exemplary service. The awards were presented by DPS Director Steven McCraw, who praised the honorees for their dedication to public safety.
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DPS names new training center after retiring director Steven C. McCraw
Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven C. McCraw was recognized for his leadership and service at his final Public Safety Commission (PSC) meeting before retiring later this year. The meeting, held at DPS headquarters in Austin, saw PSC Chairman Steven P. Mach and commissioners Nelda Luce Blair, Dan Hord III, Larry Long, and Steve Stodghill adopt a resolution to name the new training facility in Williamson County as the Steven C. McCraw Law Enforcement Academy and Training Center.
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Texas DPS Fitness Wellness Unit wins national officer wellness award
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that its Fitness Wellness Unit (FWU) has received the 2024 Officer Wellness Award. This recognition is for the unit's significant efforts to enhance the physical and mental health of DPS personnel throughout Texas.
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Texas DPS honors fallen trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez
Today, a large gathering took place at Community of Faith Church in Hockley to honor Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez. His family, including his parents and three siblings, were present alongside friends and colleagues to bid farewell to the trooper who joined DPS in 2023.
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Texas DPS enhances 'One Pill Kills' campaign during Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is intensifying its One Pill Kills public awareness campaign starting today, coinciding with Fentanyl Poisoning Awareness Month. This initiative was established through House Bill 3144, signed into law by Governor Greg Abbott last year. The bill designates October as a month dedicated to raising awareness and educating the public about the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of opioid poisoning reversal medication.
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Texas DPS arrests suspects during human smuggling traffic stop in Hidalgo County
On October 1, 2024, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) conducted a significant operation in Hidalgo County as part of Operation Lone Star. The DPS Brush Team made several arrests following a vehicle pursuit involving human smugglers.
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Texas DPS trooper dies after being struck during crash investigation
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the death of Highway Patrol Trooper Kevin Alexis Ramirez Vasquez, who was struck by a vehicle while investigating a traffic crash in Ector County. The incident occurred on SH 302 around 9 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
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Texas Rangers solve Ector County cold case; suspect pleads guilty
A man has pled guilty to a decades-old cold case murder in Ector County and will serve 20 years in prison. Billy Wayne Ludwigson, 62, was arrested by the Texas Rangers after years of investigation. He admitted to murdering 64-year-old Velma Nesset and was sentenced by an Ector County jury in August.
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Texas DPS emphasizes child passenger safety during awareness week
In recognition of Child Passenger Safety Week, which runs from September 15 to 20, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is urging drivers to familiarize themselves with the best child safety seat practices to ensure the safety of young passengers on the road.
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Texas Department of Public Safety highlights crime lab achievements during National Forensic Science Week
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is recognizing the contributions of its Crime Laboratory Division during National Forensic Science Week, which runs from September 15 to 21.
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Public Safety Commission forms committee to select new DPS director
The Public Safety Commission (PSC) has established a selection committee to oversee the process of appointing a new Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director. The decision was made during a meeting held at DPS Headquarters in Austin, attended by PSC members Chairman Steven P. Mach, Nelda L. Blair, Dan Hord III, Larry Long, and Steve Stodghill.
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DPS announces featured fugitive Robert Gonzales for September
AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Robert Gonzales is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $4,000 for the month if the tip is received in September.
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Two most wanted offenders back in custody
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced that two offenders from the Texas 10 Most Wanted list are back in custody. Authorities arrested Dewarren Knowles on August 17 and Antioneo Sims on August 27. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid for Sims' arrest.
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Texas DPS rescues stranded hikers in Guadalupe Mountains National Park
AUSTIN – Last week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) rescued a family of stranded hikers in Guadalupe Mountains National Park in Culberson County.
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DPS offers safety tips ahead of Labor Day holiday
As part of an effort to keep drivers safe this Labor Day weekend, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is increasing enforcement efforts, including Operation Crash Awareness Reduction Effort (CARE) from Aug. 30 through Sept. 2, statewide.
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Public Safety Commission honors courageous acts at August meeting
AUSTIN – The Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, recognized the service of several Texans at the PSC meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Commissioners and Director McCraw presented one Medal of Valor, three Director’s Awards, five Lifesaving Awards, and one Unit Citation.
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Texas DPS director Steven McCraw announces retirement after 15 years
AUSTIN – This morning, in a letter to his more than 11,000 Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) officers and employees, Director Steven C. McCraw announced that after leading the agency for 15 years, he plans to retire.