TEXAS — On Tuesday, the Public Safety Commission voted unanimously to appoint Freeman F. Martin as the new DPS director.

What You Need To Know

  • Freeman F. Martin was appointed as the new DPS director

  • Martin’s official start date as Director is Dec. 1, and he’ll be sworn in at a ceremony in Austin’s DPS headquarters on Dec. 2

  • Steve McCraw has been the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety since 2009 and announced his retirement in August

  • McCraw faced harsh criticism following the hesitant response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022

Martin started working as a Highway Patrolman for DPS in 1990, and five years later he moved to Lubbock and was promoted to corporal.

He is currently working as the deputy director/lieutenant colonel of Homeland Security Operations of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Martin’s official start date as Director is Dec. 1, and he’ll be sworn in at a ceremony in Austin’s DPS headquarters on Dec. 2.

“Growing up as one of 13 kids in New Deal – I never could have imagined this day. For the past three decades, it has been a privilege to work alongside the dedicated and character-driven individuals who embody the core values of this agency,” said Martin. “The opportunity to lead this organization that I love is the honor of a lifetime. I am deeply honored and grateful to the Public Safety Commission and the Governor for entrusting me with the leadership of this agency. I’m committed to carrying out our mission of protecting and serving the people of Texas.”

Steve McCraw has been the director of the Texas Department of Public Safety since 2009 and announced his retirement in August.

McCraw faced harsh criticism following the hesitant response to the Robb Elementary School shooting in 2022.

Despite not being present at the shooting, McCraw harshly criticized the police response, calling it an “abject failure”. However, he refused to resign despite calls for his removal from victims’ families and some Texas lawmakers.

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Martin, a native Texan, is from New Deal. Martin graduated from Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. Throughout his DPS career, he has been recognized with numerous awards and honors.

“With a wealth of experience in law enforcement and a strong commitment to uphold the rule of law, Freeman Martin is the right choice to lead the Texas Department of Public Safety and will be instrumental to ensure the safety and security of Texans,” said Gov. Greg Abbott.