Colonel Martin Releases First Q&A Session as Texas DPS Director

AUSTIN, TX – Colonel Freeman F. Martin, the first Texas Ranger to lead the Department of Public Safety, released a Q&A session addressing public safety topics, including Operation Lone Star, statewide traffic fatalities, recruitment efforts, and driver license wait times.

Colonel Martin, sworn in by Governor Greg Abbott on Dec. 2, became the 14th DPS director after a unanimous selection by the Public Safety Commission on Nov. 20. With over three decades of experience in DPS, Martin now oversees more than 11,000 personnel tasked with ensuring safety across Texas.

Martin’s career began in 1990 as a Trooper in the Texas Highway Patrol Division, progressing through roles such as Narcotics Service Sergeant, Texas Ranger, and Deputy Director of Homeland Security. He previously served as Senior Deputy Director over Homeland Security, managing counterterrorism, intelligence, and border operations.