The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is commemorating its 90th anniversary, marking nine decades since its establishment in 1935. Over the years, DPS has expanded to become a comprehensive public safety agency with responsibilities that include law enforcement, technology, forensics, aviation, and intelligence.
“Since 1935, DPS has grown with Texas — evolving to meet new challenges while never forgetting our core values of integrity, excellence, accountability and teamwork,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “From our earliest days to today’s modern, multi-mission agency, DPS remains focused on one overarching goal: protecting and serving Texas, while remembering courtesy has a place in all that we do. This anniversary is more than a celebration of our history; it is a moment to honor the past and reaffirm our commitment to the future. None of this would be possible without the people we serve — thank you, Texas, for 90 years of partnership and support.”
DPS was created by the 44th Texas Legislature under Governor James V. Allred as an effort to unify statewide law enforcement and public safety efforts. The department resulted from consolidating agencies dating back as far as 1823—making it part of the oldest law enforcement tradition with statewide jurisdiction in the United States.
Currently, DPS is responsible for protecting over 1,200 miles of international border and providing security for more than 31 million residents across Texas. The department employs nearly 4,800 commissioned officers and almost 7,000 non-commissioned staff members. A recent legislative session approved an additional 1,317 positions to support the agency’s expanding mission.
DPS operates through multiple divisions including Aircraft Operations, Crime Laboratory services, Cyber Security, Highway Patrol, Criminal Investigations and others. Its physical presence includes 384 buildings covering over three million square feet and a fleet approaching 6,000 vehicles. The department manages assets valued at about $1.9 billion.
In response to emerging threats and increased complexity in public safety needs, DPS recently established a new division aimed at enhancing prevention and response capabilities regarding threats against Texans and critical infrastructure during the latest legislative session. This initiative reflects an ongoing focus on innovation and preparedness as part of its broader strategy to adapt to evolving risks facing the state.
As part of its anniversary observance, DPS is highlighting contributions from each of its core divisions in maintaining public safety throughout Texas.
