What is the primary purpose of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)?

The primary purpose of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is to ensure the safety, security, and protection of citizens. This encompasses a broad range of responsibilities aimed at promoting public safety throughout the state, including law enforcement, emergency management, and disaster resilience.

While issuing driver's licenses and regulating public transportation are important functions of the DPS, they serve as mechanisms within the larger goal of safeguarding public well-being. The DPS is involved in various initiatives such as traffic law enforcement, crime prevention, and disaster response, all of which directly contribute to the overarching aim of maintaining safety and security for all Texans. By focusing on the broader mission of protecting citizens, the DPS aligns its operations with the essential need for a secure environment where people can live, work, and travel safely.