The latest From The Association

Texans have always proudly supported law enforcement, but our state’s public safety resources are stretched thin and in many ways getting thinner. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers and employees are seriously understaffed, underpaid, and overworked in the field and in the office. Retirees who spent a career keeping us all safe are struggling to make ends meet.

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How did it come to this, and what do we do about it?

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The Texas State Troopers Association (TSTA) has been fighting for our members for 40 years, and this year, we’ve expanded our membership to include non-commissioned employees of DPS. TSTA exists to serve and to advocate for better lives and working conditions for all those protecting our state.

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To that end, the TSTA Board of Directors recently approved our legislative priorities for the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature that starts in January 2025.

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It is critical for the continued safety of Texans that the Texas House and Senate address these pressing issues and support a robust, well-funded Department of Public Safety.

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As we have done in the past, TSTA is again urging the Legislature to provide a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) or 13th Check to DPS retirees.

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Retired State Troopers are barely scraping by on retirement earnings that haven’t been adjusted since 2001 — 23 years of inflation ago. What used to cost retirees $100 now costs $180 due to the weakening of the dollar.1 This is simply not sustainable any longer.

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DPS’s current employees, too, need to see that the state cares for its retirees in order to retain brave and talented commissioned officers and staff. And retention is a serious problem as it is.

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A January 2024 report by State Auditor Lisa R. Collier found that the Texas Department of Public Safety was one of only three agencies with 1,000 or more employees whose turnover rate increased from FY22 to FY23, rising from 8.9% to 9.7%. Meanwhile, the number of separations in the department increased and the average headcount decreased.

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Breaking down the turnover rate shows that the percentage of employees who voluntarily left DPS positions for reasons other than retirement was almost twice the percentage of those who left because they were retiring (6.3% versus 2.9%).

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Texas could be facing a public safety crisis if the Legislature does not immediately address the vacancies and woeful pay within the ranks of Texas State Troopers and DPS employees.

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With that in mind, TSTA has honed in on legislative priorities surrounding retention, and by extension, recruitment.

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We will promote legislation to eliminate practices that create unnecessary hurdles in the hiring process to help make certan DPS has enough law enforcement officers. For instance, we’ll advocate for laws that would make it easier to hire out-of-state commissioned officers who want to move into Texas and become state troopers.

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For the officers who already work for the agency, TSTA will press for legislation to ensure state troopers are provided with the best equipment, including life-saving anti-choking devices, and the best training, such as how best to respond to the all-too-real possibilities of active shooter, hostage, and terrorist situations.

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We will also advocate to increase salaries and benefits for all DPS employees alongside stipend pay for all DPS commissioned officers.

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TSTA invites all state troopers and non-commissioned employees, active and retired, to join us as we ramp up for the legislative battles ahead. With greater numbers, we have greater strength. That’s why, in celebration of our 40th anniversary, we are giving new members one free year of membership if they join before October 1.

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Together with our members, we can improve DPS, rebuild the ranks, respect our retirees, and preserve public safety in Texas.

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This article was written by Rohnnie Shaw, TSTA Executive Director, and first appeared in the Dallas Express. Click the link below to view the publication.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 12, 2024

(512) 970-9944

elliott@griffincomms.com

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TSTA BOARD APPROVES LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES

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(Round Rock, TX) - The Texas State Trooper Association (TSTA) Board of Directors recently met and voted to approve the organization's Legislative Priorities for the 89th Session of the Texas Legislature that starts in January 2025.

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TSTA redoubled its commitment to fight for improved lives and working conditions for the Texas Department of Public Safety’s employees and commissioned officers, both active and retired.

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After considering input from its members, TSTA is again prioritizing the passage of legislation that would provide a 13th Check or a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to retirees – something that the Legislature has not done since 2001.

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TSTA will also promote legislation to eliminate practices that create unnecessary barriers to hiring, in order to bolster the number of DPS employees and state troopers.

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Other priorities concerning recruitment and retention include promoting legislation to increase salaries and benefits for all DPS employees and increase stipend pay for all DPS commissioned officers.

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TSTA will promote legislation to provide state troopers with the best equipment, including anti-choking, life-saving gear, such as LifeVac or other similar equipment.

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Additionally, TSTA will promote legislation that would increase the number of “tactical villages” across the state that train officers in how to best respond to challenges like active shooter, hostage, and terrorist situations.

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Finally, TSTA will promote legislation to more easily facilitate the hiring of out-of-state commissioned officers who desire to move into Texas and become state troopers.

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"Our members' priorities are our priorities, and we are already working tirelessly on their behalf in the halls of the Capitol," said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of Texas State Troopers Association.

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The announcement of the legislative agenda comes in the midst of a series of organizational updates, including a full brand refresh and the opening of membership to non-commissioned employees of DPS. TSTA is offering new members one year of free membership if they sign up before October 1.

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ABOUT TSTA

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The Texas State Troopers Association was established in 1984. TSTA strives to improve the standards and conditions of employment, training, safety, retirement benefits, and education for its members and all Texas DPS commissioned officers, non-commissioned employees, and retirees through legislative advocacy and legal representation. In doing this, TSTA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for law enforcement all over Texas.

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For a limited time, new members receive their first year of membership 100% free by signing up online before October 1.

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For more information, visit texasstatetroopers.org.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 23, 2024
(512) 970-9944
elliott@griffincomms.com

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TSTA CONGRATULATES GRADUATING CLASS OF
NEW TEXAS STATE TROOPERS

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(Round Rock, TX) - The Texas State Troopers Association offers sincere congratulations to the 101 men and women who graduated the academy today. These dedicated men and women have completed rigorous training, embodying the values of service, integrity, and dedication that are the hallmark of Texas' law enforcement community.

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"I was excited to attend the graduation today and celebrate this achievement with Texas' finest new law enforcement officers, and on behalf of TSTA, we wish them long, safe, and successful careers" said Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of the Texas State Troopers Association. "I am also honored that almost all of them have already joined TSTA, giving us an even greater voice as we advocate for better lives and working conditions for all troopers, non-commissioned DPS employees, and retirees."

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As these new troopers begin their assignments across the state, TSTA encourages all Texans to join in welcoming and supporting them in their crucial roles. Their success is not only a reflection of their personal dedication but also a commitment to the well-being of the entire state.

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‍ABOUT TSTA

The Texas State Troopers Association was established in 1984. TSTA strives to improve the standards and conditions of employment, training, safety, retirement benefits, and education for its members and all Texas DPS commissioned officers, non-commissioned employees, and retirees through legislative advocacy and legal representation. In doing this, TSTA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for law enforcement all over Texas.

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For a limited time, new members receive their first year of membership 100% free by signing up online before September 1.

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For more information, visit texasstatetroopers.org.

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TSTA LAUNCHES NEW LOOK AND EXPANDED MEMBERSHIP PROGRAM

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(ROUND ROCK, TX) – Today, the Texas State Troopers Association announced two major developments in their ongoing mission to serve the men and women of the state’s law enforcement agency.

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TSTA launched both a revitalized website with a fresh rebrand and opened membership opportunities to all non-commissioned employees of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

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"The rebranding of the Texas State Troopers Association is not just about a change in aesthetics; it’s about growing TSTA’s visibility and support within the agency, with the public, and inside the halls of the Capitol,” said Cris Lalonde, President of TSTA. “In an era where law enforcement feels increasingly maligned, this rebrand is an important step toward reaching more Texans and growing support for our troopers.”

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Rohnnie Shaw, Executive Director of TSTA, had this to say about TSTA’s expanding membership: “Our mission remains steadfast—to empower, support, and advocate for the courageous men and women who protect and serve the people of Texas. With our expanded membership base and revitalized approach, we are better positioned than ever to fulfill this mission and make a meaningful impact.”

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As a special offer to new members, membership fees are being waived until September 1, 2024.  And as a thank you to TSTA’s current members for their loyalty, membership renewal fees will be waived for the coming membership year.

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TSTA’s launch of these two initiatives mark the beginning of a new era for the association, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary year.

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ABOUT TSTA

The Texas State Troopers Association was established in 1984. TSTA strives to improve the standards and conditions of employment, training, safety, retirement benefits, and education for its members and all Texas DPS commissioned officers and non-commissioned employees through legislative advocacy and legal representation. In doing this, TSTA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for law enforcement all over Texas.

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Press Release
Governor Greg Abbott
July 26, 2024

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Governor Greg Abbott, the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), and the Texas National Guard continue to work together to secure the border; stop the smuggling of drugs, weapons, and people into Texas; and prevent, detect, and interdict transnational criminal activity between ports of entry.

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Since the launch of Operation Lone Star, the multi-agency effort has led to over 516,600 illegal immigrant apprehensions and more than 45,500 criminal arrests, with more than 39,500 felony charges. In the fight against the fentanyl crisis, Texas law enforcement has seized over 506 million lethal doses of fentanyl, enough to kill every man, woman, and child in the United States and Mexico combined during this border mission.

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Texas has also transported:

• Over 12,500 migrants to Washington, D.C. since April 2022
• Over 45,900 migrants to New York City since August 2022
• Over 36,900 migrants to Chicago since August 2022
• Over 3,400 migrants to Philadelphia since November 2022
• Over 19,200 migrants to Denver since May 2023
• Over 1,500 migrants to Los Angeles since June 2023

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Click the red button below to read the full release

From Hill Country Community Journal

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To honor their fallen brother on the 20-year anniversary of his death, a large gathering of current and retired Department of Public Safety personnel, family and friends of Kurt David Knapp attended a ceremony honoring Knapp last week.

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A new SJX Jet Boat to be used by the DPS for shallow water patrol on the Rio Grande River between Eagle Pass and the Rio Grande Valley sector was named in honor of Knapp. His mother and children and his widow, as well as dozens of current DPS officers, retired DPS officers and other law enforcement from around the area were in Floresville for the dedication event.

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Knapp, who grew up in Kerrville, was killed two decades ago while on duty in a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 just over the line into Kendall County on May 8, 2004. A section of the interstate around the Comfort exit is denoted by memorial signs in the area where the incident occurred.

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“It is so special after all these years to remember Kurt in this way,” said his mother Jeannie Knapp who flew in from her home in Prescott, Arizona where Kurt was born, and she now lives. Kurt and his mother moved to Kerrville where he went to school and graduated from Tivy in the mid-1990s.

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In high school Knapp was in the pre-law enforcement program offered in the career and technology department and was given the opportunity to ride out with local DPS officers which helped him decide that was the career he wanted to pursue. Further ride-along opportunities with DPS officers entrenched his desire to work for DPS in the future.

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After he graduated, Knapp went on to attend Hill Junior College in Hillsboro, and Southwest Texas State University, where he received his degree in criminal justice. He then applied for the academy and was a member of the graduating class from the DPS Academy in Austin in April 1999.

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Jason Taylor, now a Lt. Col in the Texas Rangers division of DPS, was in Knapp’s class at the academy and shared his thoughts at last week’s ceremony. Taylor described Knapp as “the hardest working, most dedicated law enforcement officer in the state of Texas,” when he completed training and took to the streets.

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“Everyone in the academy liked him, especially the instructors. He was sort of the ‘teachers’ pet’ and this is a joyous day to honor Kurt by naming this vehicle for him,” Taylor said. Taylor said the boat would now be used to prevent crime along the border, and...

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TSTA has signed onto the letter of support for the bi-partisan Homes for Every Local Protector, Educator, and Responder (HELPER) Act in Congress.

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H.R.3170/S.1514, the HELPER Act, would create a home loan program for first responders and educators that would function similarly to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) home loan program. The HELPER Act
was first introduced in the 117th Congress as H.R.3172/S.2981 and garnered the cosponsorship of 106 members of Congress and the endorsement of over 300 national, state, and local organizations and elected officials.

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Specifically, the HELPER Act would:

• Create a first-time homebuyer home loan program under the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) for
  law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical technicians (EMT), paramedics, and pre-K-12
  teachers;
• Eliminate a down payment requirement;
• Eliminate a monthly mortgage insurance premium (MIP) requirement;
• Require an upfront mortgage insurance (UFMI) premium, determined by the Secretary of Housing and
  Urban Development, to ensure the solvency of the program; and
• Require the program to be reauthorized after five years.

TSTA supports the Texas Department of Public Safety in its efforts to provide public safety to all people in Texas via the DPS Motto – Courtesy, Service and Protection. TSTA supports the following items during this legislative session:

• Pay increase for all DPS Employees to make salaries competitive with large agencies in Texas
• Establishment of a Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) for DPS Employees living or stationed in high cost areas
• Increased Stipend pay for all DPS Commissioned Officers
• Increased Corporal pay for Texas Highway Patrol (THP) commissioned Troopers
• Legislation to make the Law Enforcement and Custodial Officer Supplemental Retirement Fund (LECOSRF) actuarially sound
• Continuation of the 50-hour work week for DPS Commissioned Officers
• Support of the Department of Public Safety’s Legislative Appropriation Requests (LARs)

With over 500 commissioned vacancies and 700 non-commissioned vacancies within DPS, it is imperative that these items be addressed in order that DPS can continue to provide the services expected by all people in Texas.

Members, if you paid by credit card last year, your TSTA membership will automatically renew on your renewal date. If you have any questions regarding your 2023 TSTA Renewal, please contact us at 1-800-289-8782.

This is the tenth in a series of legislative updates that will be submitted monthly to the TSTA Newsletter. We will be covering issues relating to law enforcement, public safety, homeland security, and other legislative matters of general interest.