Texas DPS increases patrols in downtown Austin and around UT

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Department of Public Safety is increasing patrols in downtown Austin and around the University of Texas. Governor Greg Abbott made the order after a recent spike in crime.

The move comes in the wake of two recent stabbings involving people who are homeless.

Originally Gov. Abbott had said that patrols would start today (1/13) but it appears to have started on January 9. That's according a tweet from Gov. Abbott who was responding a person who had posted a photo of mounted patrol officers near 6th Street.

In a letter sent to the Director of DPS, Gov. Abbott ordered troopers to do extra patrols around state facilities. The patrols are happening within two blocks of any state building in Austin including the Capitol complex and UT.

DPS is not in charge of policing the streets though and Gov. Abbott notes it is the City of Austin's responsiblity.

It's not clear when the patrols will end. Gov. Abbott says his goal is to keep every Texan safe.