Texas Department of Public Safety establishes new Homeland Security Division

AUSTIN, Texas (KAMR/KCIT) – The Texas Department of Public Safety announced the creation of its new Homeland Security Division, which is set to assist in overseeing border security operations, statewide intelligence efforts, strategic planning, critical infrastructure protection and emergency preparedness.

Officials said the division was created following the passage of Senate Bill 36 during the recent legislative session, with the intention of helping to modernize and enhance Texas’s security systems by establishing a division “dedicated to unifying, coordinating, and leading statewide homeland security efforts.”

The division will be made by merging the Office of Homeland Security and the Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division, and incorporating operations such as the Border Security Operations Center and Joint Operations and Intelligence Centers. Officials noted the restructure aims to ensure “better alignment of resources, improved coordination and a more streamlined command structure for the state’s homeland security and intelligence operations.”

“The strength of any organization lies in the quality of its people, and we are incredibly fortunate to have some of the most experienced and respected leaders in the field guiding this division forward,” said DPS Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “From decades of service in military and law enforcement to national-level intelligence and homeland security roles, these individuals bring unmatched knowledge, commitment and leadership to the table. Their collective expertise will ensure this new division is well-equipped to meet the evolving threats facing Texas and to continue protecting the people of our state with excellence.”

The division will be led by Chief A. Gerald Brown, who will oversee overall operations, and Assistant Chief Mike George and Assistant Chief Amy Hauck, who will oversee Homeland Security Operations and Intelligence and Counterterrorism, respectively.