[2] The commission's five members are appointed by the governor and confirmed by the Texas Senate, to serve without pay for staggered, six-year terms.

[3] In March 1927, the "License and Weight Division" was formed to address the escalating problems of increased traffic, and the continual damages caused by large trucks on the narrow state roads.

These new inspector positions were staffed by State Police units equipped with motorcycles, and would enforce motor vehicle laws and regulations.

"[4] The Texas Legislature enrolled Griffenhagen and Associates, "specialists in public administration and finance who had worked on similar projects throughout the United States and Canada, to make a survey and act as consultants.

"[4] The firm concluded that Texas' exceptional geographic size caused the Rangers and the License and Weight Division to struggle in providing adequate enforcement across the entire state.

Additionally, the firm negatively reported on the state of Texas utilizing the National Guard for law enforcement along the border.

The bill created a "Department of Public Safety" that housed both the Rangers and the State Highway Patrol within one collective organization.

[7] Although Governor James V. Allred created the DPS with the signing of Senate Bill 146, the Legislature was responsible for the selection of three civilians to serve as the "Public Safety Commission".

Garrison made numerous enhancements to the department during his storied career, including improvements to the training curriculum, which was recognized by J. Edgar Hoover, director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

The Intelligence and Counterterrorism Division (ICT) plays a leading role in the department's goal of combating terrorism and organized crime.

Texas Fusion Center personnel include non-commissioned analytical experts and a small number of commissioned officers.

ICT also oversees security at DPS headquarters and the Texas Capitol Complex, a 46 square block area in downtown Austin.

The MHPU is a component of the THP Division, and functions in coordination with other patrol units within the Capitol Region and other law enforcement agencies.