DPS Graduates 166 New Troopers

AUSTIN, March 28, 2008 - One of the largest training academy classes ever at the Texas Department of Public Safety graduated today at a ceremony in Austin. One hundred and sixty six brand-new troopers will soon report to duty stations across the state.

The troopers began the 28-week training academy in September. Instruction covered more than 100 subjects, including counter-terrorism, traffic and criminal law, arrest and control procedures, accident reconstruction, first aid and Spanish. They also received extensive training in use of force, communication skills, firearms, driving, criminal interdiction, cultural diversity and physical fitness training. During the next three weeks, the troopers will move to their new duty stations. They will spend the first six months in on-the-job training with a senior trooper.

Forty-six percent of the recruits who graduated today had served in the U.S. military before joining the DPS.

“Our military personnel make excellent recruits and then troopers,” said DPS Director Col. Thomas A. Davis Jr. “We have a large number of openings that we expect to fill over the next three years. I would encourage any member of the military to consider the DPS for their post-military career.”

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