TEXAS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Overview for the 85th Legislative Session

Texas Department of Public Safety Office of Government Relations

Office of Government Relations The Office of Government Relations is responsible for the department’s interaction with the Texas Legislature, state and federal agencies, statewide elected officials, and their staff.

The goal of the Government Relations team is to respond to all legislative inquiries in a timely manner with accurate information. The team is also responsible for monitoring legislation that has an impact on the agency, researching and analyzing legislative and policy issues, attending legislative hearings and preparing the department’s testimony for those hearings, and facilitates educational briefings and tours for members and staff.

In an effort to ensure we are able to accommodate all legislative requests, we ask that the following contact information be utilized by legislative members and their staff only – please do not release this contact information to the public or to constituents.

Office of Government Relations (Main)  (512) 424-7272  [email protected]

Robert Bodisch - Deputy Director  Office: (512) 424-2368  Mobile: (512) 563-3895  Email: [email protected]

Amy Clay – Senior Legislative Liaison  Office: (512) 486-6450  Mobile: (512) 422-9419  Email: [email protected]

Pamela Harden – Legislative Coordinator  Office: (512) 424-2933  Mobile: (512) 563-3911  Email: [email protected]

Blair Walsh – Legislative Coordinator  Office: (512) 438-6518  Mobile: (512) 284-4829  Email: [email protected]

Carl Weeks – Legislative Coordinator  Office: (512) 424-2149  Mobile: (512) 535-8334  Email: [email protected] 2

Region 7 Capitol Complex

The Capitol Complex Region 7 is charged with primary law enforcement and security responsibilities for the State Capitol and 29 state buildings in the Capitol Complex covering a 46 block area including the Governor’s Mansion. Department personnel assigned to the Capitol Security Program provide year round security to ensure the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House, Legislators, State employees, and visitors at the State Capitol are safe and secure.

Region 7 is comprised of commissioned Troopers, Agents and non-commissioned Security Officers, vehicle patrols, a Bike Patrol, a Motorcycle Patrol, an Explosive Detection Canine Unit, and a Mounted Horse Patrol Unit.

Should you or your staff experience any threats or suspicious activities (persons, emails, or letters) or need assistance on any security related matter, notify any of our DPS Employees at the State Capitol as soon as possible.

Region 7 Executive Staff:

Regional Commander Jose P. Ortiz, III 512-463-3472 512-484-1617 Executive Assistant Lori Faucett 512-463-3473 Major/THP Casey Goetz 512-936-2363 512-284-4196 Executive Assistant/Victim Services Marilyn Moller 512-305-9073 512-801-6235 Media & Communications/Safety Education Victor Taylor 512-463-3066 512-701-5247 Major/CID Jim Jordan 512-463-3480 512-801-4966 Executive Assistant Katie Ibanez 512-936-2208 Security Programs Manager/Access Cards Kari Raesz 512-424-0203 512-565-9078 DPS Police Assistance Non -Emergency 512 -463-3556 DPS Emergency Number Emergency 512-463-3333 Capitol Security Monitor Room 24/7 - E1.217 512-936-2333 1500 N. Parking 512-463-3476 Congress Security Access Cards/Capitol E1.219 512-463-3477 Webpage – Region 7 http://www.dps.texas.gov/tle/cap/index.htm

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Texas Department of Public Safety Department Overview

Mission:  Protect and Serve Texas

Our mission is to Protect and Serve Texas which we have done since 1823, first as the Texas Rangers and since 1935 as the Texas Department of Public Safety. As of December 2016, the Department accomplishes our mission with 3,932 commissioned and 5,834 non commissioned professionals.

DPS Motto:  Courtesy, Service, Protection

Core Values:  Integrity: We demonstrate honesty, openness, and respect in all we do.  Excellence: We strive to be the best and continually improve our performance.  Accountability: We seek and accept responsibility for our actions and results.  Teamwork: We work together within the Department and with other agencies to achieve common objectives.

Goals:  Combat Crime and Terrorism  Enhance Public Safety  Enhance Statewide Emergency Management  Enhance Licensing and Regulatory Oversight

To accomplish its goals, DPS:  Conducts Patrols across over 226,000 miles of highways  Conducts major organized crime, violent crime, terrorism and public corruption investigations  Conducts tactical operations on the border and throughout the state  Oversees the State’s Emergency Management and Homeland Security Operations  Provides laboratory, aviation, maritime, information sharing, intelligence, training, communications, patrol and investigative support to local and federal law enforcement agencies  Provides licensing and regulatory oversight of Private Security, Motor Vehicle Inspection, Narcotics, Metals, Concealed Handguns and Driver Licenses

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Texas Department of Public Safety Department Overview

Oversight of the Department is vested in the Public Safety Commission (PSC), a five-member board appointed by the Governor to serve staggered six-year terms.

Board Members Dates of Term Hometown A. Cynthia "Cindy" Leon, Chair 01/01/2016 Mission, TX Randy Watson. Member 01/01/2018 Burleson, TX Steven Mach, Member 12/31/2019 Houston, TX Many Flores Jr., Member 12/31/2017 Austin, TX Vacant Seat N/A N/A

The day-to-day operations of the Department are the responsibility of the Director, Steven, C. McCraw, who is supported by 2 Deputy Directors (Deputy Director of Law Enforcement Operations, Deputy Director of Homeland Security and Services) and 15 Assistant Directors. The operations of the Department are performed by the following major Divisions:

 Public Safety Commission: o Office of Inspector General (OIG) o Chief Auditor’s Office (CAO)  Director’s Staff: o Office of General Counsel (OGC) o Texas Rangers  Law Enforcement Operations: o Intelligence and Counterterrorism (ICT) o Criminal Investigations (CID) o Texas Highway Patrol (THP) o Aircraft Operations o Regional Commands (I-VII)  Homeland Security and Services: o Administrative Operations o Education, Training & Research (ETR) o Financial Operations o Law Enforcement Support (LESD) o Driver License (DLD) o Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) o Information Technology (IT) o Regulatory Services (RSD) o Executive Protection Bureau (EPB) o Media & Communications o Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) o Government Relations (OGR) o Dispute Resolution Office 5

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Department of Public Safety Regional Commands

In addition, the Department established seven DPS Regions across the state, and appointed a Commander for each region. The Regional Commanders, who report to the Deputy Director of Law Enforcement, are responsible for coordinating all DPS functions within their areas of responsibility.

 Region 1: Dallas – Jack Webster (214) 861-2460  Region 2: Houston – Philip Duane Steen (281) 517-1210  Region 3: Weslaco – Jose Rodriguez III (956) 565-7100  Region 4: El Paso – Carey Matthews (915) 849-4139  Region 5: Lubbock – Gary Albus (806) 740-8711  Region 6: San Antonio – Martin Freeman (210) 531-4325  Region 7: Austin/Capitol Complex – Jose P. Ortiz III (512) 463-3472

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DPS, REGION ONE, DALLAS AREA REGIONAL COMMANDER Jack Webster, Regional Commander ...... 214-861-2460 350 West IH 30, Garland, Texas 75043

Region One Counties Anderson Denton Henderson Morris Rusk Wood Bowie Ellis Hood Navarro Smith Camp Erath Hopkins Palo Pinto Somerville Cass Fannin Hunt Panola Tarrant Cherokee Franklin Johnson Parker Titus Collin Grayson Kaufman Rains Upshur Cooke Gregg Lamar Red River Van Zandt Dallas Harrison Marion Rockwall Wise

DPS REGION TWO, HOUSTON AREA REGIONAL COMMANDER Philip “Duane” Steen, Regional Commander……………………………………………………………..…….. 281-517-1210 12230 West Road, Houston, Texas 77065

Region Two Counties Angelina Chambers Hardin Leon Nacogdoches Sabine Walker Austin Colorado Harris Liberty Newton San Jacinto Waller Brazoria Fort Bend Houston Madison Orange Shelby Washington Brazos Galveston Jasper Matagorda Polk Trinity Wharton Burleson Grimes Jefferson Montgomery Robertson Tyler

DPS REGION THREE, REGIONAL COMMANDER Jose C. Rodriguez III, Regional Commander ...... 956-565-7100 2525 North International Boulevard, Weslaco, Texas 78599

Region Three Counties Aransas Dimmitt Jim Hogg Kleberg McMullen San Patricio Webb Bee Duval Jim Wells La Salle Nueces Starr Willacy Brooks Edwards Kenedy Live Oak Real Uvalde Zapata Cameron Hidalgo Kinney Maverick Refugio Val Verde Zavala

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DPS REGION FOUR, EL PASO AREA REGIONAL COMMANDER Carey Matthews, Regional Commander ...... 915-849-4051 11612 Scott Simpson, El Paso, Texas 79936

Region Four Counties Andrews Ector Loving Reeves Borden El Paso Martin Schleicher Brewster Gaines Mason Sterling Coke Glasscock McCulloch Sutton Concho Howard Menard Terrell Crane Hudspeth Midland Tom Green Crockett Irion Pecos Upton Culberson Jeff Davis Presidio Ward Dawson Kimble Reagan Winkler

DPS REGION FIVE, LUBBOCK AREA REGIONAL COMMANDER Gary Albus, Regional Commander ...... 806-740-8711 1404 Lubbock Business Park Boulevard Ste. 100, Lubbock, Texas 79403

Region Five Counties Archer Comanche Hall Lipscomb Runnels Armstrong Cottle Hansford Lubbock Scurry Bailey Crosby Hardeman Lynn Shackelford Baylor Dallam Hartley Mitchell Sherman Briscoe Deaf Smith Haskell Montague Stephens Brown Dickens Hemphill Moore Stonewall Callahan Donley Hockley Motley Swisher Carson Eastland Hutchinson Nolan Taylor Castro Fisher Jack Ochiltree Terry Childress Floyd Jones Oldham Throckmorton Clay Foard Kent Parmer Wheeler Cochran Garza King Potter Wichita Coleman Gray Knox Randall Wilbarger Collingsworth Hale Lamb Roberts Yoakum Young

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DPS REGION SIX, SAN ANTONIO AREA, REGIONAL COMMANDER 6502 South New Braunfels Avenue, San Antonio, Texas 78223 (210) 531-2200 Martin Freeman, Regional Commander...... 210-531-4325

Region Six Counties Atascosa Comal Guadalupe Lee Williamson Bandera Coryell Hamilton Limestone Wilson Bastrop Dewitt Hays Llano Bell Falls Hill McLennan Bexar Fayette Jackson Medina Blanco Freestone Karnes Milam Bosque Frio Kendall Mills Burnet Gillespie Kerr San Saba Caldwell Goliad Lampasas Travis Calhoun Gonzales Lavaca Victoria

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Texas Department of Public Safety Division Overviews

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMISSION

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL (OIG) The business functions of the OIG are to prevent and detect serious breaches of departmental policy, fraud, and abuse of office. Also, the OIG has departmental jurisdiction for oversight and coordination over all investigations occurring on department property or involving department employees. Investigation oversight includes those subjects mentioned above, as well as criminal activity occurring in all divisions of the department, allegations of wrongdoing by department employees and crimes committed on department property.

CHIEF AUDITOR’S OFFICE (CAO) The business functions of the CAO are to provide independent, objective assurance and advisory services designed to aid management and to improve Department operations. The CAO assists the Department in achieving its objectives through audits, evaluations and analyses of operational areas, focusing on the effectiveness of the Department’s risk management, control, and governance processes. With a commitment to integrity and accountability, the CAO provides value to the Department as an objective source of independent advice and recommendations.

DIRECTOR’S STAFF

OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL The Office of General Counsel provides legal advice to the Public Safety Commission and the Department of Public Safety management in all legal matters affecting the agency. The General Counsel supervises and directs the activities of in-house staff of attorneys and support staff handling general counsel duties. The General Counsel also oversees the Administrative License Revocation hearing program, the Regulatory Services Division Office of Regulatory Counsel, and Crime Records Legal Support.

TEXAS RANGERS The Texas Ranger Division is a major division within the Texas Department of Public Safety with lead criminal investigative responsibility for the following: major incident crime investigations, unsolved crime/serial crime investigations, public corruption investigations, officer involved shooting investigations, and border security operations.

The Texas Ranger Division is comprised of full time employees; including 222 commissioned Rangers and support personnel; Border Security Operations Center, Joint Operations Intelligence Centers, and the Special Weapons and Tactics team.

The Texas Ranger Division created a Special Operations Group to be tasked with the oversight of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team, Regional Special Response Teams (SRT’s), Ranger

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Reconnaissance Team (RECON), Crisis Negotiations Unit, and the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD). The Texas Rangers currently coordinate border security operations through six (6) Joint Operations Intelligence Centers (JOICs) along the Texas-Mexico border and Coastal Bend area of the state. In response to legislation, the Texas Rangers created a Public Corruption Unit and an Unsolved Crimes Investigation Program.

TEXAS CRIMES AGAINST CHILDREN There can be no greater duty and responsibility placed on Law Enforcement than protecting the innocence of children. Due to the multiple risks that endanger children and the various ways a child can be victimized it requires a proactive way of interceding. The Texas Department of Public Safety has taken a proactive approach by creating and implementing the Texas Crimes Against Children Center (TCACC) which provides an avenue to conduct training geared toward law enforcement officers in the Interdiction and Protection of Children (IPC) while providing investigative assistance and resources to law enforcement. In addition, the TCACC provides a central repository for capturing detailed and relevant information related to crimes against children.

LAW ENFORCEMENT OPERATIONS

INTELLIGENCE AND COUNTERTERRORISM (ICT) The mission of the Intelligence and Counterterrorism (ICT) Division is to provide timely information and analysis necessary to prevent and protect against all threats.

The goals of the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division are:  Provide situational awareness  Provide situational understanding o "Connect the Dots" Identify correlation among members of gangs, criminal enterprises, and terror organizations-anticipate probable/likely activities o Identify vulnerabilities and risks to Texans and their interests  Produce and provide multi-agency intelligence assessments o State Intelligence Estimates on high-priority threats throughout Texas o Guide statewide strategies and enforcement operations lAW highest priority threats  Assess risk and solve problems to reduce risk, sharing best practices and lessons learned

The Joint Crime Information Center (JCIC) is comprised of four units: the Watch Center, Intelligence, Counterterrorism, and Criminal Case Support.

CRIMINAL INVESTIGATIONS DIVISION (CID) Criminal Investigations Division is responsible for conducting criminal enterprise investigations targeting those organized criminal groups that constitute the greatest threat to Texas. This includes programs focused on drug trafficking, gang activity and other specialized investigations such as fraud, cargo theft, human smuggling, vehicle theft and illegal gambling. CID works closely with local, state, and federal agencies to identify and arrest high threat criminals such as sex offenders and other violent fugitives. CID also provides technical investigative support both within the Department and to other law enforcement agencies.

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TEXAS HIGHWAY PATROL (THP) The Department’s primary responsibility for traffic supervision on 226,000 miles of rural Texas highways and related regulatory functions is vested in the Texas Highway Patrol Division. The Division’s goal is to help maintain public safety through the efficient and effective administration of the division's various programs.

The Texas Highway Patrol Division includes the following programs:  Highway Patrol (HP)  Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE)  Motor Carrier Bureau (MCB)  Tactical Marine Unit (TMU)  Canine Program  State Crash Reconstruction Team

Highway Patrol Troopers investigate rural traffic crashes, recover stolen vehicles, apprehend persons wanted by DPS and other police agencies, provide assistance to motorists and provide programs to promote traffic safety and public education activities related to crime prevention.

Troopers often come into contact with high-threat criminals, including drug and human smugglers, murderers and other dangerous offenders. Troopers are able to provide valuable information about potential threats to the state through their criminal interdictions, especially along the border.

Commercial Vehicle Enforcement CVE Troopers, Inspectors and Investigators enforce laws regulating weight, registration and other motor carrier regulations governing the transportation of property and passengers by commercial vehicles. CVE personnel weigh and check commercial vehicle traffic operating on Texas roadways to ensure compliance with statutes related to vehicle weight, motor carrier safety and the registration of and transportation of persons, hazardous material and other property.

Motor Carrier Bureau MCB is a repository for all CVE documents relating to commercial vehicle operations. The bureau interacts daily with the Texas Department of Transportation, the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the Texas Secretary of State, the Federal Highway Administration (FHA) and the trucking industry. In addition, the bureau is responsible for managing the Department’s compliance review, safety audit and commercial vehicle enforcement training programs. Finally, the bureau responds to inquiries from the public about transportation and trucking regulations.

Tactical Marine Unit The Tactical Marine Unit (TMU) is operational along the Rio Grande River and on Texas lakes that share a national border with Mexico and along the intra-coastal waterways of Texas. They utilize shallow water interceptors to increase law enforcement presence and border security. These watercrafts are used in the prevention of acts of terrorism, human trafficking and spillover violence from Mexican drug trafficking organizations that exploit our border with Mexico daily. The Tactical Marine Unit enhances our ability to conduct inter-agency, multi-jurisdictional law enforcement operations along the Texas- Mexico border.

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In addition, the Tactical Marine Unit also enhances our State’s emergency preparedness capabilities of evacuation and response to disasters such as hurricanes, flooding, and mitigates the lack of state- sponsored water response in water rescue and recovery operations during weather related events.

The DPS Dive Recovery Team was created in 1995, and assists with underwater searches to help find victims of violence or natural disasters as well as locate evidence used in crimes. In 2011, the Dive Team was included as a branch of the Tactical Marine Unit.

Canine Program The Texas Highway Patrol Canine Unit drug detection program began in 1993, and the Capitol bomb dog detection program started in 2002.

Drug-detection canines and handlers are stationed across the state and assist with drug interdiction cases for DPS and other law enforcement agencies in their areas. From 1993 – 1997, canines were trained by U.S. Customs. DPS began its own training in 1997.

State Crash Reconstruction Team The State Crash Reconstruction Team investigates/reconstructs crashes that involve severe injury or death to a Department employee operating a Department vehicle or another party involved with a Department vehicle. The State Crash Team is also responsible for reviewing District Crash Team reconstructions before they are presented to prosecutors. The primary goal of crash reconstruction is to determine the causes and contributing factors in fatal crashes occurring in our state and to work with other governmental entities and manufacturers to make our roads and modes of transportation safer.

The reports generated by DPS crash reconstruction teams are commonly used in court and by law enforcement agencies in establishing cause and responsibility of collisions. The State Crash Team is also responsible for coordinating and instructing Department crash schools.

AVIATION & OPERATION SUPPORT The DPS Aircraft Section utilizes the latest aviation technology, equipment, and training to advance the law enforcement mission and maintain the highest level of flight safety.

The DPS Aircraft Section responds to a large spectrum of law enforcement support requests including pursuits, manhunts, search and rescue, disaster relief, surveillance, aerial photography, criminal transport, domestic marijuana eradication, and border security operations. The Section supports not only DPS personnel, but also requests for assistance from any law enforcement agency within the State of Texas.

The DPS Aircraft Section is composed of pilots, tactical flight officers, lieutenants, captain, assistant chief pilot, and chief pilot. All of the DPS pilots hold commercial pilot licenses with instrument ratings, and receive recurrent pilot training annually. All DPS pilots are also certified in night vision goggle flight operations.

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The Section currently runs a fleet of 14 Airbus H125 helicopters, an Airbus H145 twin engine helicopter, 6 single engine Cessna airplanes, 2 single engine turbine Pilatus airplanes, and a twin engine Aero Commander airplane.

REGIONAL COMMANDERS The seven Regional Commanders are responsible for coordinating all DPS functions within their geographical areas of responsibility. They are referenced earlier in this document.

HOMELAND SECURITY AND SERVICES

ADMINISTRATIVE OPERATIONS The Administration Section provides critical support to division operations, including budgeting, procurement, inventory, grant management, statistics, policy and procedure development, computer network support, report writing, and file maintenance. Section personnel also manage the division’s employment processes, including maintaining vacancies and FTEs, hiring new personnel, and managing transfers, reinstatements, resignations, and retirements. In addition, the section coordinates investigative training for the division, oversees the division’s line inspection program, and supervises the cooperative individual program.

EDUCATION, TRAINING AND RESEARCH The Education, Training and Research Division (ETR) exists to provide a level of training which sets a standard for which all other training providers aim to meet. ETR does this by providing state of the art education and training to police and the public which is based on proactive research to meet an ever changing threat environment. ETR is comprised of six (6) training units and a dining facility. The six (6) training units are: Leadership and Professional Development; Recruiting and Recruit Training; Tactical Training Center; Employee Development; Public Education; and Fitness and Wellness.

Leadership and Professional Development The Leadership and Professional Development (LPD) Unit conducts in-service, leadership development and specialized training for the agency and its Divisions. The LPD is developing a Command College to provide additional leadership training opportunities for the Department and other agencies throughout the state. This Command College concept, focused on leadership principles, methods, and accepted practices, is designed to provide working skills and functional knowledge of leadership concepts to those who have assumed leadership positions as well as those aspiring to assume those responsibilities. Other responsibilities include conducting active shooter training; ethics training; instructor development; use of force; and legislatively mandated training for peace officers throughout the state.

Recruiting and Recruit Training The recruiting and training of highly qualified applicants is an extremely important function of ETR. The success of the Department is based upon recruiting, training and retaining these highly qualified applicants to fill current and anticipated vacancies. Recruiters are stationed in each Regional Office. These recruiters attend public and military jobs fairs and recruiting opportunities to recruit qualified and motivated persons who may be interested in a career as a State Trooper. Those qualified applicants who successfully complete the application process attend a recruit training school conducted in Austin.

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Upon successful completion of the training course and licensing as a peace officer, they assume their duties as Troopers throughout the state.

Tactical Training Center The Tactical Training Center (TTC) is located just south of the City of Florence. The TTC houses the Emergency Vehicle Operation Center (EVOC) and the Firearms Training Unit. EVOC staff develops and conducts specialized and tactical vehicle operation training law enforcement, emergency responders and military personnel. EVOC staff also conduct vehicle and related equipment testing and evaluations. Firearms staff conduct firearms training, firearms and related equipment evaluation and testing and Concealed Handgun Instructor training. TTC staff serves as subject matter experts (SME) for agencies throughout the state and nation.

Employee Development Unit The Employee Development Unit (EDU) staff conducts professional and personal development training, computer skills training, defensive driving, first aid/CPR, and development of on-line training courses.

Public Education The Public Education Unit consists of the Motorcycle Safety Training Unit (MSU) and Occupant Protection Training. MSU trains motorcycle/ATV rider safety coaches, provides public motorcycle/ATV rider safety training, oversees the motorcycle/ATV rider safety training, and provides motorcycle/ATV rider training to law enforcement agencies throughout the state. Motorcycle/ATV training is required for every Texas motorcycle operator before they can be licensed to operate a motorcycle in Texas. The Occupant Protection Unit provides training to the public on seatbelt and child safety seat use and education. Members of both of these units serve on national and state committee.

Fitness and Wellness Unit This unit provides training in fitness and nutrition. The fitness staff conducts physical training for the recruit training program, Physical Readiness Testing, and fitness classes for employees of the department and other agencies. Staff members are certified to provide aerobic, strength, yoga, and cross-fit training. Staff members serve on national and state committees as subject matter expert in the field of fitness and wellness. Staff members conduct well and nutrition seminars and have developed a fitness trainer certification course.

FINANCIAL OPERATIONS The Finance Division provides budget, accounting, cash receiving, expenditure, and payroll services to the agency and its stakeholders.

The Finance Division is responsible for following numerous statutes and rules and working closely with oversight agencies to ensure that the Department of Public Safety adheres to sound business practices, maintains financial control, and performs accurate and timely reporting. Additionally, the Enterprise Risk Management section of the Finance Division is charged with minimizing harm to the physical, human, fiscal, and environmental resources of the agency.

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LAW ENFORCEMENT SUPPORT The Law Enforcement Support Division (LESD) is comprised of three main bureaus that include the Crime Lab, Crime Records and Public Safety Communications. LESD supports law enforcement agencies and citizens of Texas by providing them accurate, timely and responsive services that include biometric identification, access to criminal justice and emergency information, as well as technical assistance for LESD programs.

Crime Laboratory The Crime Laboratory Service assists law enforcement agencies by analyzing evidence from criminal cases, reporting findings, and testifying to those findings in criminal trials. Some assistance to local law enforcement agencies is also provided in collection of evidence. The Crime Lab is comprised of thirteen labs throughout the state of Texas.

Crime Records The Crime Records Service operates and maintains statewide information systems that provide vital criminal justice information to authorized criminal and non-criminal justice users in the performance of their duties at the time it is needed and in usable format.

Public Safety Communications The Public Safety Communications Service provides communication services to Department personnel and disseminates emergency information to the Citizens of Texas. It supports the communications and technical assistance needs of first responders throughout the State of Texas and provides leadership in the planning and implementation of voice, data, and video interoperability. The Service is comprised of four sections: Communications (Field Operations), Field Support, Special Projects and Wireless Communications.

Texas Federal Military Surplus The Assistant Director of the Law Enforcement Support Division serves as the Governor's appointed State Coordinator for the Federal 1033 and 1122 military surplus property acquisition programs.

Statewide Interoperability Program The Deputy Assistant Director of the Public Safety Communications Service serves as the Governor's appointed Statewide Interoperability Coordinator and oversees the state's interoperability efforts.

DRIVER LICENSE (DLD) The Driver License Division (DLD) is responsible for issuing driver licenses, identification certificates, maintaining and issuing driver records, and administering the federally governed commercial driver license program, driver improvement and the driver responsibility programs.

The issuance of a driver license not only certifies that the holder may drive on public roads, like the identification certificate, the driver license proves the identity and address of the holder. These documents are foundational to proving identity for the purpose of business, travel and accessing services.

Customers may obtain, renew, replace or modify their driver license or personal identification card at a driver license office. Texas.gov is the state’s online portal to services. Customers may renew, replace or 17

change their address online at www.texas.gov. Licenses and identification certificates expire on the holder’s birth date every six years. Customers are required to renew their documents every 12 years for a new photograph by coming to into a driver license. For Limited Term licenses or identification certificates, the expiration is tied to the expiration date of their immigration documents.

The commercial driver license (CDL) program is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). FMCSA authorizes and regulates states issuing CDLs. DLD conducts knowledge and skills testing for CDL applicants and for those applicants seeking endorsements to an existing CDL. Additionally, DLD ensures that CDL applicants maintain compliance with state and federal standards including enforcement actions such as DWI or other driving related offenses that may impact a holder’s ability to operate commercial vehicles.

The enforcement and compliance service operates a number of programs related to driver improvement as well as the driver responsibility program. DLD staff work with the courts, the legal community law enforcement and customers to administer the programs and ensure compliance with state law for customers who have had driving related offenses, DWI or suspensions.

TEXAS DIVISION OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (TDEM) The Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) had its roots in the civil defense programs established during World War II. It dates as a separate organization from The Texas Civil Protection Act of 1951, which established the Division of Defense and Disaster Relief in the Governor’s Office to handle civil defense and disaster response programs. The Division was collocated with the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 1963. The organization was renamed the Division of Disaster Emergency Services in 1973. After several more name changes, it was designated an operating division of the Texas Department of Public Safety in 2005. Legislation passed during the 81st session of the Texas Legislature in 2009 formally changed the name of the organization to the Texas Division of Emergency Management.

TDEM 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. Chapter 418 of the Texas Government Code lays out an extensive set of specific responsibilities assigned to the Division.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY The Information Technology Division (IT) supports the Department’s mission by providing IT solutions throughout the organization that address both current and future business needs and provide leadership & governance for IT policies and practices. IT also maintains the computerized information that is disseminated to other law enforcement agencies in Texas and nationwide. Included in the IT responsibilities are Strategic Planning, Data Security, and Biennial Operation Planning for Information Technology. In addition to supporting DPS, other law enforcement agencies benefit from the technical services provided by IT by using our satellite network, information and data services to meet their individual agency mission.

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The Chief Information Officer is the Assistant Director of IT and is responsible for providing the leadership in technical support to DPS in various hardware and software applications and ensuring the Department is effectively managing its information technology resources including strategic planning and management.

The Chief Information Officer is supported by a Deputy Chief Information Officer; Cybersecurity Chief, a Deputy Assistant Director of Enterprise Operations and Support; a Deputy Assistant Director of Application Development; a Deputy Assistant Director of Governance and a Deputy Assistant Director of DL Innovation and Technology. IT is logically divided in four areas, each led by a Deputy Assistant Director. The following is a brief overview of each area:

Infrastructure and Operations Section The Infrastructure and Operations Section is responsible for providing the planning, development, operations and support of the technology infrastructure for the agency including the technology datacenter, field services, network support, and agency workstation support. IT

Governance Section IT Governance provides the governance and structure for processes, methodologies and standards governing IT functions and performance. This is facilitated by having a clear roadmap of IT projects that have been both agreed and approved by the business partner. IT Governance is comprised of Business Analysis (BA), Quality Assurance (QA), Program Controls, Information Security and Project Management Office (PMO).

DL Innovation and Technology Section This section serves as the IT focal point to the Driver License Division (DLD) and is responsible for understanding and fulfilling the Division’s needs for new technology, data, and information.

Applications Development Section This section provides custom application development and support for applications that are housed on the enterprise server (mainframe) and client server environments which includes support of purchased applications. This team supports the enterprise web services, and the applications hosted on the Texas.gov state portal. In addition to application development the team is responsible for database and application administration

REGULATORY SERVICES DIVISION (RSD) The Regulatory Service Division provides administrative and law enforcement services across 12 programs. Regulatory authority responsibilities vary by program, and may extend to partnerships with other federal, state and local agencies.

Current programs include: Capital Access Pass, Commissioned Online Prescription System, Compassionate Use Program, Handgun Licensing, Ignition Interlock Device, Texas Metals Program, Precursor Chemical Laboratory Apparatus, Peyote, Private Security and Vehicle Inspection.

Division responsibilities include the issuance of licenses or registrations, monitoring of individual or business compliance with statutes/rules and initiation of enforcement actions for administrative or criminal violations. 19

EXECUTIVE PROTECTION BUREAU The Executive Protection Bureau’s Deputy Assistant Director is the commanding officer over Bureau operations, who reports to the Deputy Director of Homeland Security. The Executive Protection Bureau provides security for the Governor’s Mansion, designated elected officials as well as visiting foreign, federal and state dignitaries traveling in the state of Texas

MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS The Media and Communications Office promotes the department’s goals, activities and accomplishments by working with reporters in traditional media organizations and by utilizing social media outlets. The office also coordinates and organizes media events hosted by or involving DPS.

TEXAS HOMELAND SECURITY Homeland security in Texas encompasses all efforts, both strategic and tactical, that optimally positions our state to prevent, protect from, prepare for, and respond to all hazards. The term “all hazards” refers to all disasters, including natural disasters, criminal and terrorist attacks and catastrophic events. Homeland security includes all activities aimed at preventing terrorist attacks within Texas, gathering intelligence and analyzing threats, reducing vulnerability, protecting our critical infrastructures, and coordinating responses to all hazards. All this will be accomplished while respecting and protecting the rights guaranteed to every individual by the Texas and U.S. Constitutions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY The Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) office administers two major programs for the agency. The EEO is responsible for coordinating the development, implementation and evaluation of the Department’s policies and procedures concerning equal employment opportunity. The EEO officer is responsible for the development of the Department’s recruitment plan and ensuring that the Department’s equal opportunity policy is communicated both internally and externally. Additionally, the EEO is responsible for the implementation of the Department’s Chapter Sexual Harassment & Discrimination policy which involves the education, prevention and investigation of claims of discrimination and/or sexual harassment and unprofessional conduct.

GOVERNMENT RELATIONS The Government Relations Office is responsible for the department’s interaction with the Texas Legislature, other statewide elected officials, and their staff. The goal of the Government Relations team is to respond to all legislative inquiries in a timely manner with accurate information. The team is also responsible for monitoring legislation that has an impact on the agency, researching and analyzing legislative and policy issues, attending legislative hearings and preparing the department’s testimony for those hearings, and facilitates educational briefings and tours for members and staff.

DISPUTE RESOLUTION OFFICE The Dispute Resolution Office is responsible for providing all employees, supervisors, and managers assistance on issues which might not otherwise be brought forth; providing confidential options and processes for reaching resolution of such issues; bringing awareness to upper management concerns of or among employees; and acting as an agent about fairness. 20

Department of Public Safety Helpful Links

Agency Overview

Texas Department of Public Safety: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us

Public Safety Commission: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/public_safety_commission/

DPS Administrative Code: http://texreg.sos.state.tx.us/public/readtac$ext.ViewTAC?tac_view=3&ti=37&pt=1

Agency Strategic Plan: http://www.dps.texas.gov/dpsStrategicPlan/strategicPlan2017-2021.pdf

Texas Homeland Security Strategic Plan: http://www.dps.texas.gov/director_staff/txHomelandSecStratPlan2015-2020.pdf

Texas Gang Threat Assessment http://www.dps.texas.gov/director_staff/media_and_communications/2014/txGangThreatAsse ssment.pdf

Border Security Briefs http://www.dps.texas.gov/PublicInformation/borderSecStats.htm

Agency Dashboards http://www.dps.texas.gov/PublicInformation/dashboard/agencyDashboard.htm

Highway Patrol

Highway Patrol Ticket Search: https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/HighwayPatrol/Citations/

Become a Texas State Trooper: https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/trainingacademy/recruiting/traineelinks.htm

Driver License

Driver License Homepage: https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/driverlicense/

Driver License Office Locations: https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/administration/driver_licensing_control/rolodex/search.asp

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Driver License Eligibility: https://txapps.texas.gov/txapp/txdps/dlreinstatement/login.do

Driver Responsibility Program: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/drp.htm

Municipal Services Bureau: https://www.txsurchargeonline.com/default.aspx

Failure to Appear: http://www.texasfailuretoappear.com/

Driver Record Request: https://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/driverrecords.htm

Identity Theft Information Guide: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/DriverLicense/idtheft/idtheft2.htm

Regulatory Services

Regulatory Homepage: http://www.dps.texas.gov/RSD/

Crime Records Service

Crime Records Service – General Information: http://www.dps.texas.gov/administration/crime_records/pages/index.htm o FAQ’s o Criminal History Reporting o Fingerprinting Services o Texas Data Exchange (TDEx) o Misuse of Identity o Crime Statistics

Crime Records Service Public Website: https://records.txdps.state.tx.us/DpsWebsite/index.aspx o Criminal History Conviction Search o Texas Public Sex Offender Registry o Texas Recovery and Identification Program (T.R.I.P.) o Metals Registration Program

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