DPSOA is a service organization devoted to the improvement of the Department of Public Safety and its personnel.

DPSOA is a not-for-profit organization that is funded primarily through member dues and revenue generated by our annual conference. In 2010 the organization launched the DPS Troopers Foundation (DPSTF) to further support DPS commissioned officers, communication personnel, and forensic scientists by providing financial assistance in times of emergency need, survivor benefits at death, education and training programs, and scholarships for qualifying family members. The DPSTF also supports at-risk youth programs in the community. DPSTF depends on public donations in order to serve its mission.

Neither DPSOA nor DPSTF conduct residential telemarketing and both are committed to being transparent and in full compliance with the law in all of their fundraising efforts.

Official members of the DPSOA include active duty or retired DPS personnel employed in the following capacities: Commissioned Law Enforcement Officers, Texas Rangers, State Troopers, Criminal Investigation Agents, Police Communications Operators, and Forensic Scientists/Criminalists.

As a state agency, the DPS depends on appropriations and legislation to fund and direct their law enforcement mandate. Unlike many state and municipal agencies, there is no police union or other organization which negotiates better pay, better equipment, and retirement for officers. To carry out a portion of this vital service DPSOA uses the services of lobbyists.