Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to increase security measures around places of worship in response to a rise in violent incidents targeting religious sites across the United States. The initiative will involve cooperation between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to enhance protection at churches, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations throughout Texas.
“Places of worship are sacred,” said Governor Abbott. “We will marshal all resources necessary to safeguard our places of faith. To accomplish that objective, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to bolster security efforts to protect places of worship.”
The DPS operation will include personnel from the Texas Highway Patrol, Criminal Investigations Division special agents, and Texas Rangers. These teams will be supported by the DPS Homeland Security Division with a focus on identifying threats and preventing attacks before they occur.
Residents are encouraged to use the iWatchTexas Community Reporting System to report suspicious activity or behaviors near schools, religious institutions, or within their communities that could signal criminal or terroristic threats. Reports can be submitted through a mobile app, online at www.iwatchtx.org, or by calling 1-844-643-2251. Each submission is reviewed by law enforcement analysts and remains confidential unless contact information is provided for follow-up.
The iWatchTexas app is available for free download on both iPhone and Android devices. Officials urge Texans to install the app as soon as possible. However, authorities remind the public that emergencies should still be reported directly via 9-1-1 rather than through this system.
