AUSTIN – Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Director Steven McCraw, Texas Public Safety Commission (PSC) Chair Cynthia Leon, PSC Commissioners Manny Flores and Randy Watson, and DPS leadership today were joined by Texas State Representative Richard Raymond as the department commissioned 52 men and women as the state’s newest Highway Patrol Troopers. Representative Raymond was the keynote speaker during the recruit graduation ceremony held today in Austin.
This eight-week advanced recruit school was specifically designed for current and eligible Texas law enforcement officers to train to become troopers. This school provided officers in Texas an accelerated path to becoming a trooper versus the standard course that spans more than 20 weeks.
“These exceptional recruits – and former peace officers in their own communities – have courageously answered the call of duty not once but twice; and they have stood up to the extraordinary challenge of becoming Texas Highway Patrol Troopers,” said Rep. Raymond, who serves as chair of the House Human Services Committee and is a member of the House Judiciary and Civil Jurisprudence Committee. “Texas truly appreciates their unwavering commitment to protect and serve others, and we are proud to have them serving this great state.”
The new troopers will report to duty stations across Texas in the coming weeks and spend the first six months in on-the-job training. The graduates of this particular class will be assigned to DPS Regions 3 and 4 to fulfill current needs in those areas, which includes the Texas-Mexico border.
“Before today, each of you was an established peace officer in your own right, having already made the selfless commitment to serve and protect your communities, and today the Department of Public Safety is pleased to now call you Texas Highway Patrol Troopers,” Chair Leon. “Welcome to the DPS family, and I wish you all the best as you continue this incredible journey.”
The troopers began the eight-week training academy in June. Instruction covered more than 400 hours of training, including counterterrorism, traffic and criminal law, arrest and control procedures, accident reconstruction, and first aid. They also received training in use of force, communication skills, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction, and physical fitness.
“Whether at the local, state or federal level, we are all law enforcement brethren working toward the same goal of keeping our communities safe; and DPS recognizes and deeply values the essential expertise and training you received as peace officers before joining this department,” said Director McCraw. “Each of you is a highly qualified professional, and DPS is grateful for your continued commitment to protecting this great state.”
The department encourages all individuals considering a career in law enforcement to consider joining the DPS family as a Texas Highway Patrol Trooper. DPS is currently accepting applications for two upcoming recruit schools, one beginning in January and the other in March. Deadlines to apply are approaching quickly. For more information on how to apply, visit Joindps.com.
DPS also schedules recruiting events throughout the year. To find an event in your region, visit Job Fairs/Recruiting Events.
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