Governor Greg Abbott has instructed the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) to strengthen security measures around places of worship in response to a rise in violent incidents targeting religious communities across the United States. The initiative will involve collaboration between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to enhance safety at churches, synagogues, and other faith-based organizations throughout Texas.
“Places of worship are sacred,” said Governor Abbott. “We will marshal all resources necessary to safeguard our places of faith. To accomplish that objective, I directed the Texas Department of Public Safety to bolster security efforts to protect places of worship.”
The DPS operation will include Texas Highway Patrol troopers, special agents from the Criminal Investigations Division, and Texas Rangers. These personnel will be supported by the Homeland Security Division as they work together to identify potential threats and prevent attacks before they occur.
Texans are encouraged to use the iWatchTexas Community Reporting System to report suspicious activities or behaviors near schools, religious sites, or within their communities that could indicate criminal or terroristic threats. Reports can be submitted through a mobile app, online at www.iwatchtx.org, or by calling 1-844-643-2251. Submissions are confidential and reviewed by law enforcement analysts; providing contact information is optional but may help with follow-up questions.
The iWatchTexas app is available for free on both iPhone and Android devices. State officials urge residents to download it promptly. However, they remind the public that emergencies should still be reported directly by calling 9-1-1.
