Austin, Texas, December 6, 2025
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently held TEXCON 2025, an Annual Public Safety Drone Expo and Tactical Awareness Kit Workshop in Austin, Texas. This event attracted over 300 participants from law enforcement and first responders across the nation. TEXCON 2025 offered extensive training in drone operations with eight specialized courses. Additionally, expert-led panels discussed advancements in UAS technology and their integration into public safety, showcasing the crucial role drones play in various law enforcement missions.
Austin, Texas – DPS Hosts Annual Drone Expo and Workshop
Austin, Texas – The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) recently hosted TEXCON 2025, an Annual Public Safety Drone Expo and Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) Workshop, at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence. The event, held from December 1 through 4, attracted over 300 members from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as first responders nationwide.
Event Highlights
TEXCON 2025 featured a comprehensive program designed to enhance public safety operations through advanced drone technology and TAK applications. Attendees participated in real-world scenario training and instruction across eight specialized Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) courses:
- UAS Operations
- Tactical UAS Operations
- Fire & EMS Use of UAS
- Photogrammetry
- PIX4D Software
- Program Management
- TAK Operations
- TAK Train-the-Trainer
In addition to hands-on training, the event featured expert-led panels discussing emerging UAS technology, counter-UAS strategies, and the integration of technology into public safety efforts nationwide.
DPS UAS Operations
The DPS UAS program plays a pivotal role in supporting various law enforcement operations across the state. With 389 remote pilots operating 396 UAS, the department conducts missions such as search and rescue, aerial observation, crash reconstruction, crime scene photography, natural disaster response, building and tower inspections, and fugitive apprehension. Notably, in 2025, DPS UAS pilots conducted over 18,000 flights in support of Operation Lone Star, Texas’ border security mission.
About DPS
The Texas Department of Public Safety is dedicated to ensuring public safety through law enforcement, emergency response, and disaster management. By integrating advanced technologies like UAS, DPS continues to enhance its capabilities in serving and protecting the citizens of Texas.
Key Features of DPS UAS Operations
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Number of Remote Pilots | 389 |
| Number of UAS | 396 |
| Types of Missions Supported | Search and rescue, aerial observation, crash reconstruction, crime scene photography, natural disaster response, building and tower inspections, fugitive apprehension |
| Flights Conducted in 2025 | Over 18,000 |
| Support for Operation Lone Star | Border security mission |
FAQ
What is TEXCON 2025?
TEXCON 2025 is the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Annual Public Safety Drone Expo and Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) Workshop, held from December 1 through 4 at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence, Texas. The event attracted over 300 members from local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as first responders nationwide.
What courses were offered at TEXCON 2025?
TEXCON 2025 offered eight specialized Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) courses: UAS Operations, Tactical UAS Operations, Fire & EMS Use of UAS, Photogrammetry, PIX4D Software, Program Management, TAK Operations, and TAK Train-the-Trainer.
How does DPS utilize UAS technology?
The DPS UAS program supports various law enforcement operations across Texas, including search and rescue, aerial observation, crash reconstruction, crime scene photography, natural disaster response, building and tower inspections, and fugitive apprehension. In 2025, DPS UAS pilots conducted over 18,000 flights in support of Operation Lone Star, Texas’ border security mission.
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