In September, 1991, the Texas Legislature transferred all duties and responsibilities of the Capitol Security Police Division of the State Purchasing and General Services Commission to the Texas Department of Public Safety. Region VII is commanded by a Major who reports directly to the Chief of the Texas Highway Patrol Division of the Department.
Capitol Complex
The Capitol Complex encompasses a 46 square block area in downtown Austin.
The Capitol Complex is bounded on the south by 10th Street, on the north by Martin
Luther King Boulevard, on the east by Trinity Street, and on the west by Lavaca
Street. The Director of the Department may also designate other state office
facilities within Austin to fall under the control of Region VII. The Capitol
Complex includes the State Capitol, state office buildings, parking lots and
garages, and private office buildings.
Region VII has commissioned and non-commissioned personnel to administer the various law enforcement, security, and administrative programs required. Capitol personnel are assigned to "Details" with operations conducted 24 hours a day/7 days a week. A Captain commands each Detail.
The Capitol Detail is charged with providing police and security functions for the Capitol Building and grounds, Capitol Extension, and the Supreme Court Building. Troopers and security personnel duties include police and security patrol, traffic supervision around the Capitol Building, dignitary protection for visiting dignitaries, security at the Governor's Mansion, monitoring of surveillance cameras and equipment, and operation of X-ray and metal detection equipment.
The Patrol and Security Operations Detail provides general patrol and security duties within the Capitol Complex. Duties include traffic supervision and enforcement, accident investigation, non-commissioned security for state buildings, security escorts, and criminal investigation.
The Special Police Operations Detail provides specialized police and administrative
functions. These services include criminal investigations, parking administration,
locksmith services, a K-9 unit, and a Safety Education Officer who provides
crime prevention training to state employees as well as in house training
to troopers and security personnel.
Personnel assigned to this Detail also provide evidence
and property control and conduct threat assessments for state officials or
facilities as needed. This Detail is also in charge of the commissioned and
non-commissioned personnel whom perform security duties at the headquarters
complex.
The functions of Administration fall under the commander of Region VII. Under this section is a building adjutant who oversees the day to day operation of the Regional office, a Crime Victim's Liaison who assists victims of crime in the Capitol Complex, and a 24-hour communications facility which receives calls and dispatches troopers to assist state employees. Communications also monitors and dispatches calls received on the statewide Stranded Disabled Motorist hotline, the Railroad Assistance hotline and the Crime Stoppers hotline.
Region VII, from time to time, must deal with large crowds who come to the Complex on a variety of issues. In response to these situations, a Civil Disturbance Management Team stands ready to deal with crowd control. These Troopers are trained in the use of special techniques and equipment to effectively and safely deal with large crowds, rallies, and demonstrations.
A "courtesy truck" has been equipped to provide for minor emergency assistance for visitors and workers within the Capitol Complex and usually available for calls from 6am - 6pm, Monday through Friday. The truck is equipped with jumper cables, water cans, tire changing equipment, and certain tools to help stranded motorists get back on the road.
