Public Safety Commission commends recruiting efforts, announces staff changes

 At Thursday’s Public Safety Commission meeting, the Commission discussed recruiting efforts, as well as the introduction of the 9-hour workday for commissioned officers. Director Steven C. McCraw outlined an aggressive recruiting strategy that includes focused recruitment of former U.S. Military personnel and the creation of Regional Recruit Prep Schools that will provide an orientation to prospective recruits and their family members regarding what to expect as a DPS Trooper.

Chairman Allan Polunsky said, “During a time period where resources are sparse, some law enforcement agencies were not as fortunate as DPS. State and local law enforcement agencies are suffering from layoffs of commissioned officers. The Legislature’s willingness to fund DPS for a 9-hour workday, rather than responding to budget cuts with layoffs, furloughs and reductions in pay for our employees,  truly highlights the amazing work that the men and women of DPS do for the State of Texas.”

The Commission also announced several personnel changes. Mike Simpson, Assistant Director/Chief of Law Enforcement Support Division will become Chief of Radio Interoperability Infrastructure for the State of Texas.  Skylor Hearn, currently Regional Commander of Region 4 in El Paso will become the Assistant Director/Chief of the Law Enforcement Support Division. Amanda Arriaga of the Government Relations Division was named Chief of the newly created Public Affairs and Policy Division.