AUSTIN, Texas — Gov. Greg Abbott swore in Colonel Freeman Martin on Monday as the new director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) during a ceremony in Austin. Martin, a 34-year DPS veteran, becomes the agency’s 14th director and succeeds longtime leader Steve McCraw who retired at the end of November.
Starting as a Highway Patrol trooper in 1990, Martin is the first Texas Ranger to hold the DPS Chief position. Martin, who has a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, also holds decades of leadership experience in Homeland Security and the Texas Ranger Division. Originally from New Deal in Lubbock County, Martin has worked in Central Texas and Houston during his DPS career.
“I’ve heard it said that you don’t want to be the person to follow Steve McCraw,” Martin said. “I disagree. The best way to honor his legacy is to build on his success. Leadership is about people, positive change, and improving the status quo.”
Overseeing more than 11,000 employees and a $3.5 billion budget, Martin pledged to strengthen state security, particularly at the Texas-Mexico border, with federal collaboration. “Texas will be safer tomorrow than it is today,” he said.
He will oversee Operation Lone Star, a border security initiative involving heightened law enforcement and razor wire barriers, developed in partnership between Abbott and DPS. The initiative has drawn national attention and legal challenges, with Texas recently securing a court ruling allowing the state to continue deploying razor wire at the border.
“Freeman brings unparalleled experience and a dedication to public safety,” Abbott said, praising Martin’s ability to address evolving security challenges.
Governor Abbott also commended McCraw for his tenure, emphasizing their close collaboration on law enforcement and emergency responses. “Steve McCraw has been a steadfast leader, and his contributions to Texas’ security cannot be overstated,” Abbott said.
Outgoing director McCraw, who served since 2009, was recognized for initiatives like the DPS Fallen Officers Memorial but faced criticism for the delayed police response to the 2022 Uvalde school shooting.
When asked about potential changes to border security policies under a future Trump administration, Martin suggested it could benefit Texas’ efforts to manage border challenges.
Martin’s appointment marks a new chapter for DPS as it navigates complex public safety and border security issues in the years ahead.
