Texas DPS Rescues 600th Child Through Traffic Interdiction Program

AUSTIN – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Highway Patrol Troopers celebrated a significant achievement as they marked the rescue of their 600th child during traffic stops since the initiation of specialized training through the Interdiction for the Protection of Children (IPC) Program. Commencing in 2009, the IPC Program has been instrumental in enhancing Troopers' capabilities.

The IPC program training equips officers with the skills to identify indicators suggesting that a child may be a victim or is at risk of victimization. This encompasses recognizing children who are missing, exploited, at-risk, or endangered. Troopers undergo a comprehensive two-day, 16-hour course designed with a child-centered approach. The training emphasizes assessing the totality of circumstances to determine if a child is in jeopardy.

Beyond the immediate rescue of children from perilous situations, the training also contributes to the DPS's efforts in related areas such as child abduction, human trafficking, possession of child pornography, and sexual assault investigations.

DPS Director Steven McCraw expressed the program's impactful contribution, stating, “Every day, the Interdiction for the Protection of Children Program is making a difference in the lives of at-risk and exploited children. Six hundred children rescued is an incredible milestone for this program. In addition to the child rescues, the IPC program has also helped take reprehensible criminals who prey on our most vulnerable populations off our streets, which is another win for public safety.”

Having reached its 10th anniversary milestone in 2019, the IPC program adopts a multidisciplinary approach by training various professionals, including law enforcement, prosecutors, criminal intelligence analysts, child protective services, victim services, and child advocacy center professionals.

In addition to the substantial number of child rescues, the IPC program has provided training to over 13,000 individuals across the U.S. and other countries. This has led to significant changes in how agencies enhance accountability and address concerns related to child safety.

The program emphasizes its core message: “Stop waiting for children to ask for your help.”

For more information about the IPC program and its impact, please visit the DPS website.