Public Safety

Gov. Abbott Defies Austin’s DPS Suspension, Increases State Trooper Presence

Last week, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) announced its decision to not only continue patrol operations in Austin, but to increase the number of state troopers stationed there, despite the suspension of their partnership with the city.

Last Thursday, Gov. Greg Abbott said he had deployed 30 additional Texas Department of Public Safety troopers “to protect and serve the city of Austin.” The latest deployment, Abbott noted, brings the number of state troopers in Austin to 130, despite Austin Mayor Kirk Watson declaring an end to the collaboration, citing the need to prioritize community safety.

The partnership, which began in March to assist the understaffed police department, has faced criticism due to concerns over racial disparities in arrests and a recent traffic stop incident involving a young boy.

The controversy arose when data from the Travis County Attorney’s Office revealed that approximately 90% of the individuals arrested by state troopers were Black or Latino. Later, the situation escalated when a DPS officer allegedly drew a gun on a 10-year-old boy – Mayor Watson cited this incident as a contributing factor to the city’s withdrawal from the partnership.

However, Gov. Abbott has continued to support the DPS’s presence: “The City of Austin may not want police, but the residents deserve it and I will provide it.”

Meanwhile, Austin Police Chief, Joseph Chacon, expressed disappointment over the suspension of the partnership, crediting it with contributing to a decrease in crime rates and ensuring the safety of both the community and law enforcement personnel.

RA Staff

Written by RA News staff.

Recent Posts

Texas’ Opioid Fight Faces Uncertainty as COVID-Era Funding Ends

Texas’ no-cost naloxone distribution system faces mounting…

3 hours ago

Cruz Proposes Anti-Censorship Bill

Sen. Ted Cruz is preparing to introduce…

3 hours ago

$50 Million for Administration? Odyssey Chosen to Run Texas School Voucher Program

Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced Monday that…

1 day ago

Wesley Hunt Enters Texas GOP Senate Race And Shakes Up 2026 Primary

Texas Republican Congressman Wesley Hunt announced Monday…

1 day ago

Trey Trainor Launches Bid for Chip Roy’s Congressional Seat

Trey Trainor, a longtime ally of President…

1 day ago

Texas Democrats Focus on Winning Back Working-Class Voters

As Texas Democrats prepare for the 2026…

2 days ago

This website uses cookies.