Texas Department of Public Safety

The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a state-level law enforcement agency headquartered in Austin, originally established in 1935 to unify the state’s crime prevention and traffic control efforts. Its mission is built on the core values of "Courtesy, Service, and Protection," which guide the diverse divisions operating under its umbrella, including the famous Texas Rangers and the Texas Highway Patrol. Beyond traditional policing, the department handles vital administrative services such as issuing driver licenses and overseeing private security regulations across the state.

The agency also plays a critical role in statewide emergency management and specialized operations, like Operation Lone Star along the southern border.

The Texas DPS launched its aviation capability in 1949 with a single-engine Navion, later expanding into specialized search and rescue operations during the 1960s with the introduction of its first dedicated Bell helicopters. A major milestone occurred in 2015 with the establishment of the first Search and Rescue Exercise (SAREX), a program that significantly improved inter-agency coordination just two years before the record-breaking aerial response to Hurricane Harvey. The department reached a historic achievement in 2018 when its aircrew was awarded "Rescue of the Year" for a daring mission during the Llano River floods, where they used advanced hoist technology to save individuals stranded in trees and rising water.

As of 2019, the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) Aircraft Operations Division operates 14 AS350/H125 (3 hoist equipped) and 1 EC145 helicopters. In addition also has 4 Cessna 206, 2 Cessna 208 Caravan, 2 Pilatus PC12 and 1 King Air 350 airplanes.

Today, with over 90 years of history, the DPS continues to leverage modern technology and extensive training to ensure the safety and security of all Texans. The Aircraft Operations Division continues to pioneer lifesaving techniques as one of the largest airborne law enforcement units in the country.