Texas’ top law enforcement agency is marking nine decades of service with a splash of public engagement and a dash of canine charm.
The Texas Department of Public Safety launched its “90 Days of Safety” campaign this week, coinciding with the agency’s 90th anniversary since its establishment on August 10, 1935. The statewide initiative aims to enlist everyday Texans in keeping their communities secure through a three-month public awareness blitz that kicked off August 11, 2025, with the first of three themed segments focusing on community safety.
A Multi-Pronged Approach to Public Safety
“For 90 years, the Texas Department of Public Safety has answered the call to protect and serve this great state, but we can’t do this job alone,” said Colonel Martin in a statement released by the agency. “That’s why, over the next three months, the department will be highlighting ways everyday Texans can do their part to keep Texas safe through the 90 Days of Safety campaign.”
The campaign divides its 90-day run into three distinct 30-day themes: Keeping Texas Communities Safe, Keeping Texas Roads Safe, and Keeping Texas Families Safe. Each segment will feature targeted messaging across multiple platforms, including social media content and PSA videos from DPS leadership that will be aired in more than 180 driver license offices throughout the state.
But perhaps the most eye-catching element of the campaign? A four-legged safety ambassador with a nose for trouble.
K-9 Disco Takes Center Stage
As part of the initiative, DPS has unveiled an updated “Keeping Texas Safe” coloring and activity book starring K-9 Disco, a 4-year-old Vizsla explosive detection dog who currently serves at the Texas State Capitol in Austin. The character is based on a real working DPS canine, bringing an approachable face to serious safety topics.
The coloring book isn’t just about keeping kids busy. It’s designed as a conversation starter, with games and age-appropriate safety tips intended to spark discussions between children and adults about personal and community safety. DPS indicates the materials will be distributed by its Safety Education Service (SES) officers during free public safety presentations at schools and community organizations across Texas.
How effective are such outreach efforts? Research consistently shows that early safety education can have lasting impacts on behavior, and the agency is betting that K-9 Disco’s appeal will help deliver these critical messages to young Texans.
“Texas is better off when we all do our part to keep our communities, roads and families safe,” Colonel Martin noted in his statement about the campaign’s goals.
Nine Decades of Evolution
The timing of the campaign aligns with a significant milestone for the agency. DPS is celebrating 90 years since its establishment, marking nearly a century of what the department describes as “unwavering commitment to public safety, service and innovation.”
The SES officers tasked with distributing these materials are specially trained in media relations and public speaking, serving as public information officers who can effectively communicate safety messages to diverse audiences.
With three months of coordinated messaging ahead, Texas residents can expect to see K-9 Disco and other safety ambassadors appearing throughout their communities as DPS works to remind citizens that public safety isn’t just the job of those with a badge — it’s a shared responsibility that spans generations, from coloring book enthusiasts to the most seasoned drivers on Texas roads.
