AUSTIN, Texas — The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) hosted TEXCON 2025, an annual Public Safety Drone Expo and Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK) Workshop, at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence this week. The event, held from Dec. 1 through 4, attracted over 300 participants from local, state, and federal law enforcement, as well as first responders nationwide.
TEXCON 2025 brought together Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) experts to educate attendees on the latest advancements in drone technology and TAK applications, according to a press release from the department. Participants engaged in real-world scenario training and instruction through eight specialized UAS courses, including UAS Operations, Tactical UAS Operations, Fire & EMS Use of UAS, and more. The event also featured panels on emerging UAS technology, counter-UAS strategies, and technology integration into public safety efforts.
The DPS boasts 389 remote pilots capable of operating its 396 UAS, supporting a variety of law enforcement operations across Texas. These operations include search and rescue missions, aerial observation, crash reconstruction, crime scene photography, and more. In 2025 alone, DPS UAS pilots conducted over 18,000 flights in support of Operation Lone Star, Texas’ border security mission, stated the source.