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DPS task force in Houston (Oct. 6, 2025) | Houston Public Media

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, October 6th 2025 at 8:37 GMT by Houston Public Media
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Houston Public Media – Houston Matters
October 6, 2025 – In a highly anticipated segment aired this morning, the Houston Public Media team reported on the launch of a new Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) task force that will be headquartered in Houston. The announcement, made by DPS Director Linda R. Johnson during a live press conference at the Houston Police Department (HPD) headquarters, marks a significant step toward bolstering public safety across the state while emphasizing collaboration between state and local agencies.

Why a Task Force Is Needed

The Texas DPS has long grappled with a range of emerging threats—from traditional crime to cyber‑crime, domestic terrorism, and drug‑related violence. According to the DPS’s 2024‑25 Strategic Plan (link: https://www.dps.texas.gov/strategicplan2025), the agency is seeking to shift from a reactive stance to a more proactive, data‑driven approach. This strategic pivot is reflected in the task force’s charter: to coordinate intelligence, deploy advanced technology, and engage the community in a comprehensive public‑safety model.

“Texas’s population is growing and so are the complexities of crime,” said Johnson. “We can’t tackle these challenges in silos. This task force is designed to bring state expertise and local knowledge together to reduce violent crime, improve emergency response, and protect our citizens.” The press conference, recorded and later posted on Houston Public Media’s YouTube channel, featured footage of the task force’s first meeting and the unveiling of a new partnership agreement between the DPS and HPD.

Composition and Leadership

The task force is co‑led by DPS Deputy Director for Intelligence, Carlos M. Reyes, and HPD Chief Daniel L. McCormick. Its composition includes representatives from:

• Texas State Police
• Houston Police Department
• Texas Bureau of Investigation
• Houston County Sheriff’s Office
• Houston Office of Homeland Security (link: https://www.texas.gov/homeland-security)
• Academic partners from the University of Texas at Austin’s Center for Criminal Justice Research

The task force also brings in external advisors such as former FBI agents, cyber‑security experts, and community advocacy leaders. In a nod to inclusivity, HPD’s Community Engagement Division, accessible through https://www.houstontx.gov/police/Community, was consulted to ensure that local residents’ concerns shape the task force’s priorities.

Core Initiatives

The DPS has outlined three primary initiatives for the task force:

1. Predictive Analytics & Data Sharing
   Leveraging the DPS’s new Data Analytics Division, the task force will integrate real‑time crime data from local precincts with state‑wide patterns. The goal is to forecast potential hot spots and allocate resources pre‑emptively. HPD’s data portal (https://www.houstontx.gov/police/data) will provide granular metrics for the Houston area.

2. Community‑Based Outreach & Education
   A joint “Public Safety Academy” will be rolled out in partnership with Houston Community College (link: https://www.hccs.edu). The Academy will offer workshops on cyber‑security, emergency preparedness, and domestic‑violence prevention. The first session is scheduled for November 5, 2025, at the Houston Public Library’s downtown branch.

3. Technological Modernization
   The task force will pilot drone surveillance technology in compliance with Texas law (link: https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/statutes/). These drones will aid in traffic monitoring, disaster response, and search‑and‑rescue missions. The pilot will start in the Houston Heights and Bushland neighborhoods.

Funding & Legislative Support

The task force’s creation is backed by a new appropriations package approved by the Texas Legislature in February 2025, which earmarked $45 million for state‑local public‑safety initiatives (link: https://www.legis.state.tx.us/). The funds will cover technology upgrades, personnel training, and community outreach programs.

“Without that bipartisan commitment, this task force would not have the resources to operate effectively,” said State Representative Maria P. Delgado, who championed the appropriations bill. “It demonstrates Texas’s determination to keep our communities safe.”

What Residents Can Do

To foster transparency, the DPS announced quarterly town‑hall meetings starting October 12, 2025, in Houston’s 19th District. Residents can register via the DPS website (https://www.dps.texas.gov/townhall) or the HPD community portal. The town halls will provide updates on the task force’s progress, gather feedback, and address community concerns.

Additionally, the Houston Public Media segment included a call to action for residents to sign up for the Houston Public Safety Alerts newsletter, which will deliver real‑time updates on crime trends, emergency notifications, and upcoming town‑hall events.

Links to Further Reading

• Texas DPS Task Forces – https://www.dps.texas.gov/Programs/PublicSafetyTaskForces
• Houston Police Department – https://www.houstontx.gov/police
• Texas Legislature Appropriations Bill – https://www.legis.state.tx.us
• Houston Public Safety Academy (Upcoming Workshops) – https://www.hccs.edu
• Community‑Based Outreach Program – https://www.houstontx.gov/police/Community

Conclusion

The launch of the Texas DPS task force in Houston represents a milestone in the state’s public‑safety strategy. By blending advanced analytics, community engagement, and modern technology, the task force aims to create a safer Houston and serve as a model for other cities in Texas. As the first steps are being taken—ranging from data integration to community workshops—residents are encouraged to participate, stay informed, and collaborate in this statewide effort to secure a safer future.