The Texas Department of Public Safety’s new patrol vehicles are designed to blend into traffic.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is rolling out a new fleet of stealth patrol units in East Texas, and the move is already drawing public criticism.
The agency's Southeast Texas division recently unveiled its new "slick-top ghost-letter" vehicles, which are specifically designed to blend in with everyday traffic. According to DPS, the goal is to give troopers a tactical edge in identifying dangerous drivers while patrolling the region's roads.
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"These low-profile rides are built to blend in, giving our Troopers the edge in spotting dangerous drivers and keeping our roads safe," DPS said in a Facebook post on Friday. "Whether you see us or not… we're out there, watching, protecting, and serving."
Photos shared by the agency show a black Ford Police Interceptor Utility, a modified Ford Explorer built specifically for law enforcement. The vehicle lacks a traditional roof-mounted light bar and features black steel wheels, dark trim, and faint markings.
One image reveals a tailgate marked with "STATE TROOPER" lettering and a government-issued license plate. Emergency lights are discreetly installed in the rear window, bumper, and side sills, making the vehicle appear largely unmarked until lights are activated.
The Texas Department of Public Safety has unveiled new stealth patrol units debuting on East Texas roads.
The term "slick-top" refers to the absence of visible emergency light bars, while "ghost-letter" refers to the faint, reflective decals that are difficult to see during the day but become visible under direct light at night. The combination creates a patrol car that looks like a civilian vehicle in most conditions. These vehicles are intended to help troopers catch drivers who might alter their behavior in the presence of a clearly marked patrol car.
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However, not everyone is welcoming the change. The DPS Facebook post was quickly met with hundreds of critical comments. Some users accused the agency of using the stealthy vehicles for revenue generation rather than public safety. Others raised concerns about transparency and trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
"Y'all are snakes for that move," one commenter wrote. "You mean 'giving our troopers an edge in generating revenue for the state,'" said another. "More like entrapment…step up the game," a third person wrote. "Why would a cop car that is to 'protect and serve' want to blend in?" another questioned.
As of publication, DPS has not responded to a request for comment.
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Ariana is the assistant news editor of Chron. Her stories focus on space, wildlife, and any weird happenings in Texas. She previously covered community news and breaking news at the Austin American-Statesman for three years. She earned her B.A. in Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin in 2017. She enjoys watching horror films, nurturing her green thumb, and spoiling her dogs rotten.
By Jennifer Simonson
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