An analysis by The Dallas Morning News found that over the last 18 months more than 40 perfect of the 450 people who trained to become a trooper for the Texas Department of Public Safety are Hispanic. It’s the highest percentage the Texas DPS has seen in at least a decade.
Lawmakers have designated $800 million to boost security along the border, and pay incentives were introduced as part of the border package. DPS officials said a larger recruiting budget and greater presence in South Texas have contributed to the rise in Hispanic applicants.
The data analyzed by the newspaper showed a clear increase in Hispanic troopers in the force. In 2006, DPS was 63 percent white, 25 percent Hispanic and 10 percent black. This year, they were 59 percent white, 30 percent Hispanic and 9 percent black.
It’s a trend that is being seen within police agencies across the U.S. as the Hispanic population continues to grow.
