Press Releases

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commissioned 79 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit class C-2023 during a graduation ceremony on Friday, Dec. 8, which was held at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin. Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick gave the keynote address.

AUSTIN – On Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, the Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, presented several prestigious awards to DPS personnel, including five Director’s Citations, one Lifesaving Award and a Unit Citation. The Awards were presented at the PSC meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Four Director’s Awards were also given to people outside the department.

DPS’ Office of Inspector General has completed its investigation regarding concerns related to Operation Lone Star, specifically to Shelby Park in Eagle Pass. The investigation over a roughly three-month period included interviews with over 51 individuals, reviewing over 180 gigabits of body worn camera, reports, emails, messages, etc.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Sex Offender Kenneth Wayne Dove Jr., is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $6,000 for the next month if the tip is received in December.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is preparing to implement the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) commercial driver license (CDL) Skills Test Modernization initiative after the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently announced its approval. AAMVA has already prepared the process changes and training guides for states to implement the initiative.

AUSTIN – A Texas 10 Most Wanted offender is back in custody after their arrest on Nov. 15, in San Bernardino, Calif. A Crime Stoppers reward will be paid in this arrest.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) commissioned 94 new Texas Highway Patrol Troopers from recruit class B-2023 during a graduation ceremony on Friday, Nov. 17, which was held at Great Hills Baptist Church in Austin. The department was honored to have Governor Greg Abbott serve as the keynote speaker.

AUSTIN – Two of Texas’ 10 Most Wanted Sex Offenders are back in custody following their arrests on November 9. A Crime Stoppers reward will not be paid in either capture.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has added Alvin Charles McKnight Jr., of Gilmer, to the Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitives List. Texas Crime Stoppers is now offering a cash reward of up to $7,500 for information leading to his arrest, and Upshur County Crime Stoppers is offering up to $10,000 in reward money for any anonymous tip that leads to McKnight’s arrest. All tips are guaranteed to be anonymous.

El Paso – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Special Agents from the Criminal Investigations Division (CID) assigned to Operation Lone Star have seized weapons, body armor and ammunition from a human smuggling ring believed to have ties to cartel.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently graduated seven new K-9 teams from the Texas Highway Patrol’s Canine Program. A total of four tracking handlers and three drug detection handlers, along with their canines, graduated at a ceremony, which was held on Friday, Oct. 27, at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Of special note, this was the first tracking handler class taught solely by DPS.

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is pleased to announce that Alice Amilhat has promoted to the newly created position of Assistant Chief of the Crime Laboratory Division. In this new role as Assistant Chief, she will have a hand in planning, directing and coordinating forensic laboratory services across the state.

AUSTIN – On Oct. 26 and 27, 2023, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) joined with federal, state and local partners for the 2023 Texas Statewide Complex Coordinated Terrorist Attack (CCTA) Full-Scale Exercise.

AUSTIN – Texas 10 Most Wanted Fugitive Chad Everett King is this month’s Featured Fugitive. The reward for information leading to his arrest is increased to $6,000 during November if the tip is received this month.

AUSTIN – On Thursday, Oct. 26, 2023, the Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC), along with Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, presented several prestigious awards to DPS personnel, including a Medal of Valor, two Purple Hearts, five Director’s Citations, nine Lifesaving Awards and two Unit Citations. The Awards were presented at the Public Safety Commission meeting at DPS Headquarters in Austin. Four Director’s Awards were also given to law enforcement personnel outside the department.