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Thursday, March 18, 2010

Department of Public Safety

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Enlarge photo by: Jacob Villanueva

Photograph of Texas Department of Public Safety official seal on building.

The Texas Department of Public Safety is the state's largest law enforcement agency. It issues drivers licenses and is responsible for providing emergency management during natural and manmade disasters.

The Texas Highway Patrol Division is responsible for general police traffic supervision, traffic, and criminal law enforcement on rural highways.

The Texas Rangers, among the oldest and best known law enforcement bodies nationally, conducts criminal and special investigations, tracks down wanted felons and suppresses major disturbances.

The DPS driver license division is responsible for issuing Texas driver licenses and identification cards.

The Texas Division of Emergency Management devises a comprehensive emergency management program for the state and assists state and local agencies in planning and implementing emergency management plans.

The Public Safety Commission oversees the DPS. It is comprised of five members appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Senate. Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms.

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