DPS Pursuits and Public Safety: A Growing Concern in Texas

High-speed chases by the Texas Department of Public Safety are raising safety concerns, prompting calls for policy changes.

A dramatic scene showing Texas Department of Public Safety vehicles at the site of a high-speed chase incident, with emergency lights flashing. The background features a blurred view of an urban El Paso neighborhood, emphasizing the urgent nature of the situation. A sense of tension is palpable in the air as onlookers gather to witness the aftermath of a high-speed chase, highlighting the community's concern over public safety amidst law enforcement actions. The image visually represents the broader implications of DPS policies on the well-being of civilians.

DPS Pursuits and Public Safety: A Growing Concern in Texas

High-speed pursuits have become a troubling reality in Texas, particularly in El Paso, where a recent report from the El Paso County Attorney's Office highlights the dangers posed by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) engage in these maneuvers. The findings reveal a significant uptick in the frequency of high-speed chases and underscore the need for a reevaluation of DPS policies.

The Alarming Statistics

According to the report, DPS troopers have engaged in nearly daily high-speed pursuits, predominantly chasing suspected migrant smugglers. Since 2018, DPS has been responsible for 97% of all high-speed pursuits in El Paso County. Shockingly, almost half of these pursuits exceed speeds of 100 mph, putting civilians—especially in neighborhoods, schools, and churches—at grave risk. The report notes that fatalities resulting from these chases are not uncommon; for instance, two migrants tragically lost their lives in October 2023 during a pursuit.

Assistant County Attorney Bernardo Cruz stated, "We do think that they are a danger to El Pasoans and that they have become more frequent." These chases often originate from New Mexico, indicating a troubling pattern of DPS’s engagement with migrant smuggling efforts.

Operation Lone Star: A Catalyst for Increased Pursuits

The surge in DPS pursuits corresponds directly with the launch of Operation Lone Star, Governor Greg Abbott's initiative aimed at using state resources to enforce federal immigration laws. Following the spike in border crossings in December 2022, there was a desperation to curb illegal activities. However, Cruz argues that even as the number of unauthorized crossings sharply declined in early 2024, DPS's high-speed pursuits persisted, indicating a disconnect from the initial intent of public safety.

Public Safety At Risk

The findings have raised alarms not only among law enforcement officials but also within the community. Reports suggest that as many as 40% of the assumed dangers of these pursuits include the inability to ensure public safety in areas where these intense chases frequently occur. These criticisms extend to the DPS pursuit policies, which grant officers more lenient standards compared to other law enforcement agencies in the region, including the El Paso police and sheriff's departments. Shaw Drake, an attorney hired by the County Attorney's Office, expressed his concerns about the inadequacy of the current DPS pursuit policy.

“The DPS vehicle pursuit policy is wholly inadequate for protecting public safety and is out of line with vehicle pursuit best practices across the board.”

Recommended Changes and the Path Forward

The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has advocated for stricter policies around high-speed pursuits, specifying that they should occur only under stringent conditions: when a violent crime has been committed and the suspect poses an imminent threat to others. These recommendations resonate strongly with community members and officials alike, prompting desires for changes in the DPS approach.

County Attorney Christina Sanchez has voiced the necessity for increased public awareness, hoping that DPS will reconsider its high-speed pursuit tactics, stating, “This is the deepest dive that any governmental entity has done to look at this issue.” It’s clear that there is widespread support for reevaluating DPS's methods and prioritizing public safety over aggressive pursuit policies.

In summary, while the DPS serves as a crucial law enforcement entity in the state, the potential danger posed by their high-speed pursuits calls for urgent review and reform. Immediate changes could prevent further tragedies and foster a safer environment for residents of El Paso and beyond.

Conclusion

The discourse around DPS pursuits raises essential questions about law enforcement practices in Texas. As data continues to emerge and community concerns mount, it is vital that DPS aligns its pursuits with best practices that ensure the sanctity of human life and prioritize public safety.

Failure to adapt may put even more lives at risk, demonstrating that while law enforcement must effectively carry out their duties, they must also consider the impact of their tactics on the communities they are meant to protect.