CEDAR PARK, Texas — Fifty-one new troopers were commissioned Friday as the Texas Department of Public Safety celebrated the graduation of Class A-2026, the agency announced. The ceremony, held in Cedar Park, marked the completion of a rigorous 30-week in-resident training academy that prepares recruits for highway patrol, criminal investigations and other duties across the state.
Class composition and background
The graduating class, identified by DPS as Class A-2026 and described as the department's 182nd graduating class, includes 39 men and 12 women, ranging in age from 21 to 58. Twenty of the graduates are military veterans who previously served in the Army, Marine Corps or Air Force.
| Category | Number |
|---|---|
| Total graduates | 51 |
| Men | 39 |
| Women | 12 |
| Veterans | 20 |
| Age range | 21–58 |
Training details and curriculum
DPS described the recruits' instruction as comprehensive and intensive. During the academy, recruits completed more than 1,204 hours of classroom and practical training led by subject-matter experts. The curriculum covered a broad range of topics relevant to modern law enforcement, including criminal and traffic law enforcement, crash investigation, crisis intervention, use of force, criminal investigations, communications, cultural diversity, fitness and wellness, and emergency medical assistance.
"During the 30-week in-resident Training Academy, Recruits receive more than 1,204 hours of instruction," DPS said.
The department said the academy aims to prepare troopers for the varied demands they will encounter on duty — from traffic enforcement and crash response on Texas highways to investigative work and community interactions that test communication and crisis-response skills.
Traditions and next steps
Before the formal graduation, members of Class A-2026 took part in the department's traditional Legacy Run, a five-mile run that started at DPS headquarters and ended at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The event symbolizes the recruits' entry into the agency and the continuity of service expected of troopers across generations.
DPS said the newly commissioned troopers are scheduled to report to their assigned duty stations across Texas on Sept. 29. The department did not provide a breakdown of assignments by region or post at the time of the announcement.
Workforce and community impact
The addition of 51 troopers is part of DPS's ongoing efforts to staff statewide patrols and specialized units. While the department has not publicly linked this graduating class to specific staffing shortfalls, new troopers typically are posted to districts where DPS leadership identifies needs for traffic enforcement, crash response and criminal investigations.
- Duration of academy: 30 weeks
- Instruction hours: More than 1,204
- Reporting date: Sept. 29
The presence of 20 veterans among the graduates underscores a continuing pathway from military service into state law enforcement, a trend seen in many state agencies that value prior service experience for roles requiring discipline, leadership and familiarity with emergency situations.
What officials said and release information
The details about Class A-2026 were provided by DPS in its announcement and accompanying photos. The department emphasized the breadth of the academy curriculum and the traditional elements, such as the Legacy Run, that accompany graduation. The release is part of routine public information shared when DPS commissions new troopers.
As the new troopers begin reporting to duty later this month, communities across Texas will see the newest cohort of DPS officers integrated into local and statewide operations, focusing on safety, traffic enforcement and investigative responsibilities.
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