11.20.24 – by SBG San Antonio Staff Reports – AUSTIN
The Public Safety Commission on Tuesday unanimously appointed Freeman F. Martin as the next director of the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Martin, who is currently serving as Senior Deputy Director under Steve McCraw, will begin his new role on Dec. 1.
With strong ties to San Antonio, Martin has played a key role in the department’s response to several high-profile incidents, including the Rice Village Serial Murders, the Twilight Rapist case, the Sutherland Springs mass shooting, the Austin Serial Bomber investigation, Hurricane Harvey, riot prevention operations, and Operation Lone Star.
According to his DPS biography, he also oversaw the creation of the Texas Anti-Gang Center in San Antonio and co-developed the Texas Rangers Major Crime Scene Response Team. Martin currently manages various programs to support local law enforcement agencies across the state.
Martin’s law enforcement career spans over 30 years, beginning in 1990 as a trooper with the Texas Highway Patrol in Winnie, Texas. His experience includes roles as a Highway Patrol corporal in Lubbock, a sergeant in the Narcotics Service in Houston, and a Texas Ranger in several leadership positions. In 2014, he was named regional commander for Central Texas, and in 2018, he was appointed deputy director.