Texas Highway Patrol

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The Texas Highway Patrol is responsible for general police traffic supervision, traffic, and criminal law enforcement on the rural highways of Texas. The Division's goal is to help maintain public safety through the efficient and effective administration of the division's various programs.

Highway Patrol Division Troopers enforce traffic laws on rural Texas highways and perform a variety of other duties:

Apprehend traffic law violators, investigate most rural traffic accidents, recover stolen vehicles and stolen property, apprehend wanted persons, and assist other officers during emergencies.
Supervise the State Vehicle Inspection Program which includes inspection stations and mechanic inspectors.
Provide education and information programs on traffic safety and crime prevention and control.
Responsible for security at the State Capitol Complex in Austin.
Enforce laws regulating weight, registration and other regulations governing commercial carriers.
Driver License Division Troopers license and rehabilitate Texas drivers.
Oversee Hazardous Materials incidents

Criminal Law Enforcement Division officers enforce, within its capabilities, the criminal statutes of the State of Texas and arrest any person or persons whenever substantial evidence exists to warrant such action. Officers also assist local officers and other State and Federal agencies in enforcement of all criminal laws.

Texas Ranger Division consist primarily of making criminal and special investigations; apprehending wanted felons; suppressing major disturbances; the protection of life and property; and rendering assistance to local law enforcement officials in suppressing crime and violence.

Administration Division is responsible for the overall headquarters staff functions as performed by the Crime Records Service, Staff Support Service, Licensing Regulatory Service and Emergency Management Division.

Other DPS divisions and bureaus operate the State’s crime laboratories; operate a statewide police communications system; maintain statewide criminal, accident, and driver records; and provide numerous other support services.