Texas DPSOA - Department of Public Safety Officers' Association

1. What is the DPS Officer's Association?
DPSOA is a service organization devoted to the improvement of Department of Public Safety and its personnel.

2. How does DPS Officer's Association raise funds for its programs?
Until 2008 DPSOA relied almost exclusively on the services of professional telemarketers to raise funds for its many and vital programs. This year DPSOA launched an on line support option. Now visitors to our website can make donations directly to DPSOA. This enable us to direct a greater portion of the funds raised to the benefit of the association members and the community.

3. Is my donation tax deductible?
No, donations made 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.

4. How can I help DPS Officer's 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.

5. Who can be a member of DPS Officer's 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 Officer's 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 Officer's 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.