Appropriations Request - Texas Department of Public Safety

ADMINISTRATOR'S STATEMENT
82nd Regular Session, Agency Submission, Version 1
Automated Budget and Evaluation System ofTexas (ABEST)
DATE: 812312010
TIME: 11:58:24AM
PAGE: 4 of 4
Agency code: 405
Agency name: Department of Public Safety
is the primary area where the agency's General Revenue funding is located. The impacted personnel help serve Texas citizens and law enforcement officers within and
outside of the agency. In summary, these reductions will impact the department's abiIity to maintain the Sex Offender Registry program; deterrence ofsmuggling ofdrugs,
humans, weapons, currency and stolen vehicles; the Amber and Silver Alert activations; Capitol Complex security; public safety communications facilities; emergency
planning, coordination with local governments and responses; trooper recruitment efforts; vehicle make-ready for troopers and other agency commissioned officers;
counseling ofvictims; and compliance with state fiscal laws and regulations impacting payments to vendors, disaster victims, and employees.
Agency Background Checks Authority and Process:
DPS receives its authority to perform background checks from Government Code 41l.083(b) I, and it performs a "name based" criminal history background search on
persons seeking employment with the agency. Beyond the background check, the department also requires potential new hires to be fingerprinted. Fingerprints are run
through the state and national criminal history files. Any criminal history found is reviewed to determine whether it constitutes a bar to employment For more security
sensitive positions, DPS also requires the applicant to complete a form providing detailed information about prior residents, associates and other sensitive information.
This information is investigated by DPS officers. Any resulting information can also constitute a bar to employment.
ARRAFunds:
During appropriation year·20 I0, DPS was awarded approximately $27.5 million in ARRA funds through the Office ofthe Governor. These funds were used to purchase
vehicles, hardware, and software to improve data sharing initiatives, improve records management systems, and improve work space in the Fusion Center. These were one
time projects that will be supported in future years with appropriations from DPS existing bill pattern.
Conclusion:
There is no more important role in government than protecting its citizens and DPS stands ready to do so. Ifyou need any additional information regarding this request,
please do not hesitate to contact the department.
Sincerely,
~c
Steven McCraw
Director
1