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DPS Chief Steve McCraw Announces Retirement Amid Investigation

Steve McCraw Says Goodbye, But Not Without a Plot Twist

Tabitha S. by Tabitha S.
August 26, 2024
in Politics, Public Safety
0
DPS Chief Steve McCraw Announces Retirement Amid Investigation

AUSTIN, TEXAS - JUNE 08: Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw speaks during a news conference at the Texas State Capitol on June 08, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Gov. Abbott and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw joined bill authors, sponsors, legislators and law enforcement members in the signing of bills designated towards enhancing border security along the southern border. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

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Steve McCraw, the Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), has announced his retirement, effective at the end of this year. This decision comes as the department faces an investigation by the Texas Attorney General’s office concerning voter registration drives.

McCraw made the announcement during a DPS graduation ceremony in Austin on Friday morning. Reflecting on his decision, he stated, “It’s an easy thing to do because I know that Governor Greg Abbott will ensure that my replacement is as good and likely better than I am at this particular job.”

The announcement follows reports that left-leaning nonprofit organizations were allegedly registering non-citizens to vote outside of DPS locations. Earlier this week, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton launched a comprehensive investigation into these activities.

In a press release, Paxton emphasized, “It is a crime to vote—or to register to vote—if you are not a United States Citizen.”

The press release further revealed that undercover evidence had been gathered showing these activities at multiple locations. Following Paxton’s announcement, Governor Abbott stated, “Texas wouldn’t let cheaters influence Texas elections.”

NEW: @TxDPS Director Steve McCraw just announced his retirement at the trooper graduation ceremony in Austin—Saying he will hang up his hat at the end of the year.

After 15 years in the position—McCraw says he knows Governor Abbott will pick the best person to replace him.

I… pic.twitter.com/pIZgvaH2BA

— Ali Bradley (@AliBradleyTV) August 23, 2024

In response to the investigation, McCraw sent an internal directive to temporarily halt the registration activities of these organizations on DPS properties. A confidential source within DPS disclosed to Texas Scorecard that, despite federal laws intertwining voter registration with the driver’s license application process, some groups were allowed to register voters outside DPS locations.

The internal unrest within DPS over these activities has raised questions about McCraw’s awareness and involvement. Since voter registration is typically offered when applying for a driver’s license under the 1993 Motor Voter Act, additional registration efforts on DPS grounds appear unnecessary. The goal of these operations seems to be registering legal non-citizens who can obtain state IDs but are not eligible to vote.

McCraw has served as the head of DPS since 2009. His law enforcement career began in 1977 as a Trooper in the Texas Highway Patrol division, and he later became an FBI Special Agent in 1983. After retiring from the FBI in 2004, he served as the Texas Homeland Security Director under former Governor Rick Perry.

AUSTIN, TEXAS – JUNE 08: Texas Gov. Greg Abbott speaks alongside Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw and elected officials during a news conference on June 08, 2023 in Austin, Texas. Gov. Abbott and Texas Department of Public Safety Director Steve McCraw joined bill authors, sponsors, legislators and law enforcement members in the signing of bills designated towards enhancing border security along the southern border. (Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images)
Tags: greg abbottSteve McCrawthe Director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)
Tabitha S.

Tabitha S.

As a native Texan, I am passionate about covering the news that impacts our lives in Texas. Community and family is what is important at the Texas Insider, we strive to deliver comprehensive stories by examining history and presenting the full picture.

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