The Texas Department of Public Safety hosted TEXCON 2025, drawing over 300 law enforcement and emergency response personnel to Florence this week for advanced drone training.
The four-day event highlighted how unmanned aircraft systems are transforming public safety operations across Texas and nationwide.
Running December 1-4 at the DPS Tactical Training Center, TEXCON brought together local, state, and federal officials for hands-on instruction. The annual Public Safety Drone Expo and Tactical Awareness Kit Workshop featured eight specialized courses.
Participants trained in UAS operations, tactical drone deployment, fire and EMS applications, and photogrammetry. Additional courses covered PIX4D software, program management, TAK operations, and instructor certification.
Expert panels addressed emerging drone technology, counter-UAS strategies, and integration challenges facing public safety agencies. Real-world scenario training gave attendees practical experience with the latest equipment.
DPS operates 396 drones with 389 certified remote pilots across Texas. The fleet supports search-and-rescue missions, aerial observation, crash reconstruction, and crime-scene documentation.
Department drones also assist with natural disaster response, building inspections, and fugitive apprehension efforts. In 2025 alone, DPS pilots flew over 18,000 missions supporting Operation Lone Star border security operations.
The workshop underscores Texas’ expanding reliance on drone technology for law enforcement and emergency response. As unmanned systems become more sophisticated, training events like TEXCON help agencies maximize their capabilities while addressing privacy and safety concerns.