Texas law enforcement took to the skies last week as hundreds of public safety officers gathered for a high-tech showcase of drone capabilities that’s transforming how agencies respond to emergencies across the Lone Star State.
The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) hosted TEXCON 2025, an annual public safety drone expo and workshop that brought together over 300 members of local, state, and federal law enforcement and first responders. The four-day event, held December 1-4 at the DPS Tactical Training Center in Florence, offered hands-on training with unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) that are increasingly becoming essential tools for emergency response.
Real-World Training for Modern Threats
What makes a drone useful in a hostage situation versus a wildfire? That’s exactly the kind of specialized knowledge attendees gained through TEXCON’s eight specialized training tracks.
Participants had opportunities to develop skills in everything from basic UAS operations to advanced applications like photogrammetry — the science of making measurements from photographs — and tactical deployment in emergency scenarios. The expo also featured courses on PIX4D software, program management, and training with the Tactical Awareness Kit (TAK), a mapping system that integrates real-time drone data for field operations.
“During the multi-day event, attendees had the chance to participate in real-world scenario training and instruction through eight specialized UAS courses,” according to a statement from DPS, which has rapidly expanded its drone program in recent years.
Texas’ Growing Drone Fleet
The scale of Texas’ investment in drone technology is substantial. DPS currently maintains a fleet of 396 unmanned aircraft systems with 389 trained remote pilots capable of operating them across the state. These systems support a variety of operations including search and rescue missions, crash reconstruction, crime scene photography, and natural disaster response.
But it’s at the southern border where the technology has seen its most intensive deployment. In 2025 alone, DPS drone pilots conducted more than 18,000 flights in support of Operation Lone Star, Texas’ controversial border security initiative.
The expo also featured expert panels covering emerging UAS technologies, counter-drone strategies, and methods for integrating these systems into public safety efforts nationwide. Industry representatives showcased the latest innovations designed specifically for law enforcement and emergency response scenarios.
The Future of Public Safety
TEXCON has established itself as “the premier event showcasing cutting-edge drone technology tailored for public safety,” according to DRONERESPONDERS, a nonprofit focused on promoting UAS use in public safety. The organization describes the gathering as bringing together “industry leaders, law enforcement, emergency responders, and innovators” to highlight how drones are revolutionizing public safety missions.
The evolution of drone technology continues to transform how agencies respond to emergencies, with capabilities expanding beyond simple aerial observation to include thermal imaging, 3D mapping of disaster areas, and even delivery of emergency supplies.
For Texas first responders, the sky is no longer the limit—it’s become their newest frontier for protecting public safety.
