Texas Border Business
Texas Border Business
On February 19, 2026, the Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit presented a newly developed Oilfield Theft Investigations training course to law enforcement officers and oil industry personnel in Midland.
The course is designed to strengthen investigative skills and increase awareness of oilfield theft trends among patrol officers and investigators. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the training focuses on improving participants’ ability to identify, investigate, and respond to oilfield theft and related crimes.
Kevin Sparks and Freeman F. Martin attended the event and spoke with those in attendance.
The Texas DPS Oilfield Theft Prevention Unit was created by House Bill 48, signed into law by Greg Abbott last year. The legislation formally established the unit within the Texas Department of Public Safety and provided the framework for a coordinated response to oilfield theft and related fraud. Under the law, the unit works with law enforcement agencies and industry partners to combat oilfield theft and fraud across West Texas and Southeast New Mexico.
Texas DPS thanked its local, state, and industry partners for hosting the training and contributing to its success.
