Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the DPS Officers Association?
DPSOA is a service organization devoted to the improvement of Department of Public Safety and its personnel.
2. How does DPS Officers Association raise funds for its programs?
DPSOA is a not-for-profit organization which is funded primarily through member dues and revenue generated by our annual conference. In 2010 the organization launched the DPS Troopers Foundation (DPSTF) to further support DPS commissioned officers, communication personnel, and forensic scientists by providing financial assistance in times of emergency need, survivor benefits at death, education and training programs, and scholarships for qualifying family members. The DPSTF also supports at-risk youth programs in the community. DPSTF depends on public donations in order to serve its mission.
Neither DPSOA nor DPSTF conduct residential telemarketing and both are committed to being transparent and in full compliance with the law in all of their fundraising efforts.
3. Is my donation tax deductible?
No, donations made directly to the DPSOA are not tax deductible. While DPSOA is exempt from paying federal income taxes under section 501 c 5 of the Internal Revenue Code, it does not meet the standards set forth in section 170 c of the Internal Revenue Code which would qualify donations for tax exemption. However, donations made directly to the DPS Troopers Foundation (DPSTF) are tax deductible.
4. How can I help DPS Officers Association in its mission?
You may make a direct donation to the DPSOA, join the association as an associate member, sponsor or participate in a fund raising community event or support the DPS Troopers Foundation (DPSTF).
5. Who can be a member of DPS Officers Association?
Official members of the DPSOA include active duty or retired DPS personnel employed in the following capacities: Commissioned Law Enforcement Officers, Texas Rangers, State Troopers, Criminal Law Enforcement Officers, Police Communications Operators, and Forensic Scientists/Criminalists.
6. Why does the DPS Officers Association employ professional lobbyists?
As a state agency the DPS depends on appropriations and legislation to fund and direct their law enforcement mandate. Unlike many state and municipal agencies, there is no police union or other organization which negotiates better pay, better equipment and retirement for officers. To carry out a portion of this vital service DPSOA uses the services of lobbyists.
7. Is the DPS Officers Association active in any other kind of political activity on behalf of the membership?
Yes, DPSOA has established a Political Action Committee in order to act on behalf of the DPS officers, in concert with Texas State Legislators.
8. Does DPS Officers Association maintain an office and/or staff?
The DPSOA office is located at 5821 Airport Blvd., Austin, Texas 78752. It is staffed by three full time employees and an occasional part time intern.