AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has announced the launch of Operation Safe Holidays, a coordinated initiative aimed at increasing patrols in high-volume pedestrian areas across Austin, San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, and Fort Worth during the holiday season. The operation seeks to bolster public safety, deter theft and robbery, and ensure a heightened law enforcement presence as shopping, dining, and community activities rise.
The DPS will collaborate with local police departments in each participating city to expand patrol coverage and maintain a visible safety presence, according to a press release from the department. Troopers will be deployed to areas known for elevated pedestrian activity during the holidays, including downtown retail corridors, entertainment and hospitality districts, hotel zones, and seasonal event venues.
“Texas hosts numerous holiday attractions and events that rely on strong pedestrian activity,” said Texas Department of Public Safety Colonel Freeman F. Martin. “The Department of Public Safety is committed to working alongside our local partners to ensure these areas are well-patrolled and safe for Texans, their families, and visitors alike.”
Operation Safe Holidays represents a new collaborative effort to deploy state resources in support of local agencies, helping to safeguard and maintain high-traffic corridors that contribute to both public safety and quality of life. Patrol coverage will emphasize consistency in keeping these areas safe and orderly, with operational adjustments made as needed based on pedestrian-traffic patterns, event schedules, and real-time public safety considerations.