The Texas Department of Public Safety is an agency of this state created to provide public safety services to those people in the state of Texas by enforcing laws, administering programs, educating the public, and managing emergencies, both directly and through interaction with other agencies.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is an agency in which all employees are working together to achieve a safer Texas by providing enhanced public safety services. All members of the Department shall serve the public to the best of their ability by being dedicated and accountable and by managing all allocated resources effectively and efficiently. This agency seeks to preserve the peace and to protect the persons, property, rights, and privileges of all people in the state of Texas through ethical leadership and superior employee development. To this end, it is imperative that we uphold the Department motto of COURTESY – SERVICE – PROTECTION and respect the constitutional rights of all persons to liberty, equality, and justice.
To be an agency in which all employees work together to achieve a safer Texas by:
Texas Highway Patrol Division (THP) is responsible for general police patrol, traffic supervision, vehicle crash investigation, and criminal law enforcement on the rural highways of Texas. THP field operations are comprised of specialized services including Highway Patrol Service, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service, Motor Carrier Bureau, Vehicle Inspection and Emissions, Communications Service, and Breath Alcohol Test Bureau. Highway Patrol Service provides general police patrol, vehicle crash investigation, supervises traffic along the state’s rural roads and highways, and provides safety education programs to the public. Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service enforces state laws and federal regulations governing the operation of commercial motor vehicles (CMV’s) via police patrol on rural highways and conducting roadside inspections of CMV’s, as well as conducting CMV inspections at fixed locations throughout the state and at nine inpection facilities located on the Texas-Mexico border. Motor Carrier Bureau develops statistical data from Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Service activity reports, creates motor carrier safety profiles from this data, transmits CMV inspection and crash data to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, performs compliance reviews and safety audits on motor carriers operating in Texas, and prepares enforcement cases and assesses administrative penalties on motor carriers for violations of applicable commercial vehicle regulations. Vehicle Inspection and Emissions supervises the statewide Vehicle Inspection Program.
The Driver License Division (DLD) is responsible for maintaining the integrity of the Texas driver license and meeting the agency’s goal of traffic safety through the examination of drivers, the improvement and control of problem drivers, and traffic and criminal law enforcement. The division also recognizes customers’ needs and demands for service have changed and stands ready to meet and exceed these expectations using innovative technology. The DLD is comprised of the Field Service, Administrative License Revocation (ALR) Service, and Headquarters Service which includes the Customer Service Bureau, Driver Records Bureau, Driver Improvement & Compliance Bureau and License Issuance Bureau. The Field Service is responsible for 256 full-time, part-time, and mobile driver license offices serving approximately 299 locations statewide and provides services for the examination of new drivers; improvement and control of drivers posing a potential safety risk. Commissioned personnel in driver license offices conduct original investigations of identity and fraud issues as well as arrest wanted persons who are detected through the license issuance process. The DLD Fraud Investigative Unit (FIU) is charged with the investigative and intelligence gathering associated with preventing identity theft and DL/ID fraud. FIU trooper/investigators assist state and federal task forces, partner and coordinate with federal agencies on complex identity theft and fraud related investigations. The ALR Service administers the process by which the Department suspends the driver licenses of individuals who are arrested for the offense of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI). The Headquarters Service is comprised of four (4) bureaus responsible for the administrative processes supporting the division’s licensing programs. The Customer Service Bureau is the Contact center for DLD and provides services to disseminate driver license related information to customers via the telephone, website, fax, e-mail and general correspondence. The Driver Improvement and Compliance Bureau is responsible for enforcing statutory responsibilities by initiating enforcement actions against unsafe or potentially unsafe drivers who violate Texas traffic laws and process all compliance items received for driver license reinstatement under the Texas Motor Vehicle Safety Responsibility Act. The Driver Records Bureau processes and maintains records of over 21 million driver license and identification cards issued by the Department. The bureau is also responsible for managing Ecommerce programs to provide online services for driver license and identification card renewals, address changes and driver records. The License Issuance Bureau is responsible for the verification of an applicant’s eligibility for a driver license or identification card. The bureau also provides administrative and technical assistance to the public and DPS field personnel regarding the licensing process and monitor the production, quality, issuance, and mailing of DL/ID cards.
Criminal Law Enforcement Division (CLE) provides specialized assistance to law enforcement agencies. The Division includes : Crime Laboratory Service, Motor Vehicle Theft Service, Narcotics Service, Criminal Intelligence Service, and the Bureau of Information Analysis. The Crime Laboratory Service provides support for local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies in Texas by scientifically examining evidentiary materials, assisting in crime scene investigations and providing expert testimony in criminal proceedings. This Service operates a total of thirteen laboratories in the state, manages the Combined DNA Index System (CODIS) database, and the National Integrated Ballistics Information Network (NIBIN) to help in solving crimes. In addition, the Crime Laboratory Service manages the accreditation process for all crime laboratories that perform forensic work in the State of Texas. The Motor Vehicle Theft Service is responsible for planning, designing, and implementing statewide programs to promote cooperation and to provide leadership for coordinated efforts in vehicle theft control activities among all law enforcement and interested agencies. This Service is also responsible for promoting effective law enforcement through the apprehension of persons involved in motor vehicle theft activities and other theft-related crimes in Texas. The Service is also primarily responsible for Fugitive Apprehension efforts, monitoring Pari-Mutuel Racing activity, and conducting Texas Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive Apprehension Program investigations. The Narcotics Service conducts investigations directed at drug trafficking organizations to dismantle and disrupt these organizations to reduce drug trafficking and drug abuse in Texas. The Service supervises controlled substances registration, administers official prescription forms for Schedule II controlled substances, supervises permits for the transfer of laboratory apparatuses and chemical precursors, and investigates the diversion of controlled substances. The Criminal Intelligence Service identifies and reduces criminal activity by investigating individuals who are involved in organized criminal or terrorist activity. This is accomplished by accruing criminal intelligence and arresting criminals. Additionally, the Criminal Intelligence Service is responsible for monitoring and tracking sexually violent predators that are civilly committed, enforcing state gambling laws, providing dignitary protection, and conducting special investigations as directed. The Criminal Intelligence Service is also responsible for assisting local and state agencies by conducting criminal specific polygraph examinations. The Criminal Intelligence Service oversees a nationally accredited polygraph school, which provides polygraph training to various local and state agencies throughout the United States. The Bureau of Information Analysis is responsible for the staffing and operation of the Texas Intelligence Center and provides analytical support for criminal and terrorism investigations conducted by the Department or other local, state, and federal agencies. The Bureau uses all of its analytical capabilities for developing, acquiring, analyzing, and disseminating intelligence related to criminal activity. International and domestic terrorist organizations, violent criminal organizations, such as prison gangs and outlaw motorcycle gangs, along with other organized criminal enterprise groups and repeat career criminals represent an extreme threat to the State of Texas and are a major challenge to law enforcement.
Texas Rangers Division The Texas Ranger Division provides investigative assistance to federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies within and outside the State of Texas. The Rangers conduct criminal and public integrity investigations, arrest criminals for violations of state and federal laws, suppress major disturbances, protect life and property, and renders assistance to local law enforcement officials in suppressing crime and violence. The Division has established an Unsolved Crimes Investigation Unit to investigate unsolved murders and serial type crimes. There is one UCIT Ranger Sergeant assigned to each Company within the Division to conduct "Cold Case" investigations within that area of responsibility. In addition, the Rangers, along with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies conduct investigations to prevent terrorism and arrest subjects involved in acts of terrorism. The Division has also recently dedicated personnel to coordinate multi-agency Border Security operations, at five (5) specific Joint Operation Information Centers (J.O.I.C.s) located along the Texas/Mexico border, to enhance the Department’s efforts in securing the border.
The Administration Division is responsible for Building Program; Crime Records Service, Fleet Operations, General Services, Human Resources, Psychological Services, Regulatory Licensing Service, Staff Support, Training Academy, Radio Frequency Unit and the Equal Employment Opportunity Officer. The DPS Training Bureau provides training for DPS officers and other law enforcement personnel throughout Texas. Also under the Training Academy is the Motorcycle Safety Unit. This unit provides safety training courses for motorcycles and All Terrain Vehicle (ATV’s) users. Psychological Services Bureau provides a comprehensive psychological services program to employees, families, victims of crime and affected communities. Crime Records Service maintains statewide systems for arrest records, fingerprint files, theft reports, warrants, sex offender registration and other criminal justice information, as well as statistical data on crime and criminals in Texas. The Regulatory Licensing Service administers the Concealed Handgun licensing program and the Private Security licensing and regulation program, as well as registering metal recycling entitities.
The Emergency Management Division (EMD) is charged with carrying out a comprehensive all-hazard emergency management program for the State and for assisting cities, counties, and state agencies in planning and implementing their emergency management programs. A comprehensive emergency management program includes pre and post-disaster mitigation of known hazards to reduce their impact; preparedness activities, such as emergency planning, training, and exercises; provisions for effective response to emergency situations; and recovery programs for major disasters. EMD is also responsible for supporting development of the Governor’s Homeland Security Strategy and implementing programs and projects to achieve state homeland security goals and objectives. The Division serves as the State Administrative Agency for U.S. Department of Homeland Security grant programs. EMD operates its own Public Information Office (PIO) to respond to media inquiries, issue news releases and conducts press conferences relating to emergency management programs. The PIO staff also provides public education materials for citizen preparedness. EMD operates its own web site www.txdps.state.tx.us/dem/pages/index.htm that focuses on emergency management and homeland security programs and activities.
The Director’s Staff is comprised of a Director and Assistant Director. The following special sections report to the Directors: Accounting and Budget Control, Office of General Counsel, Office of Audit and Inspection, Aircraft, Information Management Service, Internal Affairs, Public Information Office, the Employee Relations Officer and Legislative Liaison.
For a more detailed description of the Texas Department of Public Safety, please access our web site at: www.txdps.state.tx.us/overview.
DPS is committed to providing quality customer service. We pledge to:
Our Customer Relations Representatives, Mimzie Herklotz and Arlene Mendez are responsible for directing your suggestions and or concerns to the appropriate department for review and response. Please feel free to contact Mimzie or Arlene at:
Texas Department of Public Safety
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0300
Mimzie.Herklotz@txdps.state.tx.us
(512) 424-2600
Arlene.Mendez@txdps.state.tx.us
(512) 424-2600
Some of DPS’ responsibilities include licensing/registration for drivers, private security professionals, metal recycling entities and concealed handgun owners. In addition, DPS supervises the registration of controlled substances.
The Driver License Division is responsible for 299 driver
license offices throughout Texas. For a complete listing of locations, telephone
numbers, frequently asked questions and hours of service, please visit our web
site at www.txdps.state.tx.us.
Our web site also provides information regarding the appropriate documents
required when obtaining your driver license. Customer wait time will
vary from office to office due to demographics (rural compared to metropolitan
areas). Your wait time can range anywhere from immediate service to
an hour in the more heavily populated areas.
In an effort to increase customer service and decrease customer wait time
in our driver license offices, the Department offers mail, online and telephone
services to renew a driver license and identification card and also offers
mail and online address changes and online driver record requests. (www.txdps.state.tx.us)
The Customer Service Contact Center is available Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to answer driver license related calls and e-mail inquiries. The Contact Center frequently experiences high call volumes, therefore hold and wait times will vary. The telephone number and e-mail address to Customer Service is (512) 424-2600 and e-mail.
The Concealed Handgun Licensing Bureau of the Administration Division performs the licensing functions required of the Department by the Texas Concealed Handgun License Law, Chapter 411, Subchapter H, Government Code.
The Private Security Bureau of the Administration Division regulates the private security professions in Texas as outlined under Texas Occupations Code, Chapter 1702. Private security services include both armed and unarmed security guards, alarm companies, residential and public video security companies, armored cars and armored car couriers, private investigators, body guards, locksmiths and electronic access control device installers, as well as the companies that employ these individuals.
The Criminal Law Enforcement’s Narcotics Service supervises controlled substances registration, administers official prescription forms for Schedule II controlled substances and supervises permits the transfer of laboratory apparatuses and chemical precursors. Procedures for obtaining Controlled Substances Registrations Official Prescription forms, and Precursor Chemical/Laboratory Apparatus Permits are outlined in the DPS Drug Rules. Please reference 37 TAC Chapter 13. You may reach the Narcotics Service at (512) 424-2150.
It is the policy of the Department to courteously receive and to investigate complaints concerning the personal behavior or official acts of its employees. A complaint is a formal written allegation against a member of the Department, which could result in disciplinary action up to and including termination, and which alleges one or more of the following:
It is the policy of DPS to acknowledge receipt of a complaint. At the conclusion of an investigation or inquiry into the complaint, the complainant will be notified of the outcome. If the investigation or inquiry has not reached a final conclusion within 90 days, you will be notified of the status of the investigation. For additional information regarding the DPS’ Complaint Process, please visit our web site at www.txdps.state.tx.us. Or, you may write or call:
Department of Public Safety
Internal Affairs Unit
5805 North Lamar Blvd.
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, Texas 78773-0160
(512) 424-2015 or 424-2016
All other concerns or suggestions should be submitted to Division Chiefs or Program Managers.
The personnel at DPS are continually striving to provide you with exceptional customer service. Please take a moment and visit our website to complete the online Customer Service Survey and let us know how we are doing. The survey is located on our DPS website address at www.txdps.state.tx.us.
For a detailed description of DPS, please visit our web site address. The following information is provided to give you a contact telephone number and/or email address for specific DPS services.
Accounting and Budget Control |
(512) 424-2060 |
Breath Alcohol Testing Bureau |
(512) 424-5201 |
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement |
(512) 424-7509 |
Communications Service |
(512) 424-2312 |
Concealed Handgun Licensing Bureau |
(512) 424-7293 |
Crime Records Service |
(512) 424-2734 |
Crime Laboratory Service |
(512) 424-2105 |
Driver License Division |
Office locations, hours, and telephone |
Emergency Management Service |
(512) 424-2138 |
Criminal History Record Information |
(512) 424-2079 |
Highway Patrol Service |
(512) 424-2110 |
Human Resources Bureau |
For current job vacancies |
Information Management Service |
(512) 424-2260 |
Internal Affairs |
(512) 424-2015 |
Motor Carrier Bureau |
(512) 424-2051 |
Motorcycle Safety Unit |
(512) 424-2803 |
Motor Vehicle Theft Service |
(512) 424-2140 |
Narcotics Service |
(512) 424-2150 |
Office of Audit and Inspection |
(512) 424-5711 |
Polygraph Service |
(512) 424-2200 |
Private Security Bureau |
(512) 424-7710 |
Public Information Office |
(512) 424-2080 |
Regulatory Licensing Services |
(512) 424-2000 |
Criminal Intelligence Service |
(512) 424-2200 |
Texas Highway Patrol Division |
(512) 424-2110 |
Texas Ranger Division |
(512) 424-2160 |
Training Academy |
(512) 424-5780 |
Vehicle Inspection and Emissions |
(512) 424-2550 |
