Public Safety, Texas Department of*

Members

Office	Office Holder	Hometown / Term Ends
Chair	Steven P. Mach	Houston, 12-31-2028
Board Member(s)	Nelda Luce Blair	The Woodlands, 02-01-2026
	Lawrence "Larry" Long	Dallas, 02-01-2028
	Steve Stodghill	Dallas, 01-01-2024
	Dale Wainwright	Austin, 01-01-2026

Notes

The Legislature created the Department of Public Safety (DPS) in 1935 by consolidating the Texas Rangers from the Adjutant General, and the Texas Highway Patrol from the State Highway Department. The Rangers trace their history to 1823 when Stephen F. Austin hired 10 men to protect the colonists, and the Highway Patrol dates back to the late 1920s. Today, DPS' mission is to protect and serve Texas. The agency accomplishes its mission through four main goals: combat crime and terrorism (including matters related to homeland security); enhance highway and public safety; enhance statewide emergency management; and enhance public safety licensing and regulatory services (including driver licenses, license to carry a handgun and private security occupational licenses). The agency regulates the private security industry through the Private Security Board, which is subject to review under the Sunset Act.
The commission formulates and oversees policies for the Texas Department of Public Safety.

* Subject to the Texas Sunset Act; will be reviewed in 2031.