The Official Account for the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Courtesy, Service, Protection | Dial 911 in an emergency 🚹

Austin, Texas
Joined October 2008
Whether it’s assisting with a pursuit or a search and rescue for a missing person, DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division (AOD) is always ready to help.   @KAMCNews' @__gracegates__ interviews Lieutenant Lee Tarter as he talks AOD’s capabilities and what’s the most rewarding part about the job.   Read more about the story here: bit.ly/4zV2qEu   #DPS #Aviation
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Last week, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin spoke at the biannual Roadrunner Rally in Comfort, Texas. Colonel Martin discussed the current state of the agency and gave a glimpse at what the future holds. A huge thank you to this dedicated group of DPS retirees for its continued support! #DPS
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DPS wants to remind Texans to keep Halloween safe for everyone. Take extra precautions to prevent accidents and ensure it remains a fun tradition. To learn more on how to keep everyone safe, click here: bit.ly/3USR4lv #PublicSafety #Halloween
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Fentanyl can be hiding anywhere from fake prescription pills to common street drugs. Don’t take a gamble. Only take drugs prescribed to you – the risk is not worth your life. Learn more here: bit.ly/4x375lU #OnePillKills
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WHY JOIN DPS? | Trooper Briones When you think of the Texas Department of Public Safety, the first thing that may come to mind is the Texas Highway Patrol—but did you know there’s a world of career possibilities? At DPS, there’s an opportunity for a wide range of skills and interests. Find your place and purpose here: bit.ly/4ydzc2S #JoinDPS
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Focused In On Formula One Safety Hundreds of thousands of Formula One racing fans have taken over Austin. All weekend long, air crews with DPS’ Aircraft Operations Division will provide eyes in the sky – helping ensure that everyone enjoying F1, or other high-profile events, stays safe. From the air, these pilots have a unique view that allows them to provide valuable assistance to crews on the ground. It’s an invaluable asset – helping make Texas safer!
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This week, the @TPWDnews Law Enforcement Division awarded a Director’s Award to Lt. Lance Meier and Sgt. Steven Mayfield for their life-saving efforts during a flood rescue near Pandale. Lt. Lance Meier assisted in a search for a missing early couple—successfully identifying a safe landing zone even when operating in rugged terrain with limited communications. He skillfully landed the DPS helicopter and rescued the victim despite conditions making ground transport nearly impossible. Because of his actions, the victim survived. Sgt. Steven Mayfield also responded by air to assist in the search and provided critical medical stabilization measures after the victim was located. The continued medical care and DPS’ ability to transport to a medical facility made it possible for the victim to survive. Lt. Meier’s aviation expertise and Sgt. Mayfield’s medical expertise combined with their dedication, reflects the true courage of their character and that f DPS. Please help us in congratulating them on their leadership and commitment to the safety of Texans. #PublicSafety
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Shout out to La Joya ISD for giving our Troopers the opportunity to ride along with their students! DPS wants to ensure our kids are safe before and after class—if you see a stop sign and red flashing lights, STOP.   #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #PublicSafety
🚌🚹 SAFETY STARTS ON THE ROAD! đŸš”âš ïž This National School Bus Safety Week, La Joya ISD teamed up with the Texas Department of Public Safety - South Texas Region to put school bus safety in the spotlight! đŸ‘źđŸ»â€â™‚ïžđŸ‘źđŸ»â€â™€ïž DPS Sergeant Casarez and Trooper Salinas joined our bus drivers for an early-morning ride-along, monitoring traffic and ensuring motorists followed traffic laws designed to protect students as they travel to and from school. Because getting our students to school safely takes ALL of us! đŸ€â€ïž #LaJoyaISD #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #TexasDPS #StudentSafety #SafetyStartsOnTheRoad
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One of our HYROX Athletes in Action Shoutout to DPS Trooper Jacob Piel who recently competed in HYROX Boston. Competing in the relay division, he and his teammates placed 2nd out of 220 teams! Fun fact, Trooper Piel played defensive end for the @AngeloStateFB Rams – one of his HYROX teammates was the Rams’ All-Conference Quarterback. Rounding out this elite group of four are two members of the @NationalGuard. Congratulations to Trooper Piel and his incredible team. Next up—HYROX Dallas with the DPS HYROX team. #DPS #HYROX
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If you put Texans in danger, our Troopers will make sure you face the consequences. This DWI suspect attempted to drive off and then ran off by foot after being pulled over. K-9 Eki and her handler successfully located him after a two-mile track. Great job Eki for keeping the roads safe! đŸŸ Please remember, don’t drink and drive – find a sober ride. #PublicSafety #K9
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Don’t Let This Be Your Teen’s Last Time on the Road. According to the @NHTSAgov, 2,162 young drivers died in traffic crashes in 2024. That’s 2,162 families changed forever. Start the safe-driving conversation before it’s too late. #NationalTeenDriverSafetyWeek #PublicSafety
The greatest dangers that lead to teen fatalities include: ⚫ Inconsistent seat belt use ⚫ Speeding ⚫ Distracted driving ⚫ Alcohol Safety starts at home!
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“Just” two seconds can change lives forever. Real consequences don’t wait for you like your phone can. Put the distractions away and always stay alert. #NationalTeenDriverSafetyWeek #PublicSafety
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DPS wants to remind parents to talk to your teens about safe driving.🚩 A quick conversation about the rules and responsibilities can help prevent a life-changing crash. #NationalTeenDriverSafetyWeek #PublicSafety
As we kick off National Teen Driver Safety Week, parents — remember that teens often model the driving habits they see at home. Sit down with your young driver this week to establish clear house rules around these non-negotiables. —
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When you put our children at risk, you’ll be stopped by our Troopers.🛑 One of our Troopers caught a driver failing to stop for a school bus—one decision that can change lives forever. Pay attention on the roads and always stop for school buses. #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #PublicSafety
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Know what's REALLY scary? Drivers who ignore a school bus's flashing red lights and extended stop sign. These are REAL drivers putting REAL kids at risk. This National School Bus Safety Week: when the red lights flash and the stop sign comes out, STOP. No excuses. #TxDPSSETX
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No text, share or scroll is worth a life. For National Teen Driver Safety Week, we join our partners at @TxDOT in reminding our most tech-savy Texans to never text and drive.đŸ“± Always keep your eyes on the road. Just a few seconds can change your life forever. #DriveLikeaTexan #NationalTeenDriverSafetyWeek
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When it stops—remember someone’s whole world is stepping in and out of that yellow bus. Although Texans should ALWAYS be careful on the road, DPS wants to give everyone an extra reminder for National School Bus Safety Week. If you see a stop sign and red flashing lights—STOP. Let’s make sure our children can make it back to their desks the next morning. #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #PublicSafety
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Today, DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin delivered the welcome address at the 2026 State Crash Manager’s Meeting. This year, Texas is hosting the annual State Crash Manager’s Meeting — where state leaders of several crash reconstruction programs meet to discuss high-profile cases, lessons learned, emerging technology and more. DPS’ State Crash Reconstruction Team is instrumental in work happening across the state to make Texas roads safer for all. #DPS
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Remember—if you see a stop sign and red flashing lights, STOP. Yesterday morning, our Troopers joined La Joya ISD students on the road to help ensure drivers were following all school bus safety laws. For DPS, keeping our students safe is always a top priority. Let’s keep Texas safe and always stay alert on the roads.đŸ€ #NationalSchoolBusSafetyWeek #PublicSafety
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