On August 23, DPS Director Steven C. McCraw announced his retirement, effective upon the appointment of his successor or by year-end. On September 6, the Public Safety Commission (PSC), including Chairman Steven P. Mach, Nelda L. Blair, Dan Hord III, Larry Long, and Steve Stodghill, approved minimum qualifications for the position and established a subcommittee consisting of Chairman Mach and Commissioner Blair to vet submissions and make recommendations to the PSC. Today, the PSC unanimously selected Martin, 56, to lead DPS.
“With a wealth of experience in law enforcement and a strong commitment to uphold the rule of law, Freeman Martin is the right choice to lead the Texas Department of Public Safety and will be instrumental to ensure the safety and security of Texans,” said Governor Greg Abbott. “Director Steven McCraw is a leader, visionary, and the quintessential lawman that makes Texas the greatest state for law enforcement. I thank him for his exceptional service to the state of Texas and for playing a pivotal role in the success of the agency for the last 15 years.”
“I can think of no one better in this moment to lead this department than Freeman Martin,” said PSC Chairman Mach. “For the last three decades, he has worked his way through the ranks of DPS. His knowledge of this department, how it operates, what it needs and what its people need is unmatched. He’s well respected, and it has been an honor to work with him over the years. I am confident he will guide this department into the future with the steadfast leadership that the people of this agency—and Texans, deserve.“
“Growing up as one of 13 kids in New Deal – I never could have imagined this day,” said Martin. “For the past three decades, it has been a privilege to work alongside the dedicated and character-driven individuals who embody the core values of this agency. The opportunity to lead this organization that I love is the honor of a lifetime. I am deeply honored and grateful to the Public Safety Commission and the Governor for entrusting me with the leadership of this agency. I’m committed to carrying out our mission of protecting and serving the people of Texas.”
Martin began his career with DPS in 1990 as a Texas Highway Patrol (THP) Trooper in Winnie. Over the last three decades at DPS, he has served as THP Corporal in Lubbock, Narcotics Service Sergeant in Houston, Texas Ranger Sergeant in Houston, Texas Ranger Lieutenant in Austin, and Texas Ranger Captain and Texas Ranger Major in Houston. In 2014, Martin was named Regional Commander (now known as Regional Director) for the Central Texas Region. He was appointed Deputy Director of Homeland Security Operations by the Public Safety Commission and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in 2018.
As Senior Deputy Director, Martin has played a crucial role in planning, directing, managing and overseeing the department’s wide-ranging activities and operations.
He has a wealth of expertise in crisis management and security, including executive protection, violent crime prevention operations, intelligence, counterterrorism, and border and homeland security. Throughout his career, Martin has led the department’s response to numerous high-profile crises such as the Rice Village serial murders, the Twilight Rapist investigation, the Sutherland Springs mass shooting, Austin serial bombings, Hurricane Harvey, numerous riot prevention operations, and Texas’ historic Operation Lone Star border security mission.
He also established a Texas Anti-Gang Center (TAG) in San Antonio, co-developed the Texas Ranger Major Crime Scene Response Team program, and oversaw numerous programs and initiatives to support local law enforcement agency partners across the state.
A native Texan, Martin hails from New Deal. He comes from a large, competitive family of 12 siblings, where boxing was prevalent in his upbringing. Martin earned a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and is a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command. He has received numerous awards and accommodations throughout his career with DPS.
Martin will officially take over as Director on Dec. 1 and be sworn in during a special ceremony at DPS headquarters in Austin on Dec. 2.
Current DPS Director Steven C. McCraw announced his plans to retire back in August after 15 years of leading the department. He will officially retire from DPS on Nov. 30.
