The forming of the Texas Rangers!?

Question

My understanding is in the same period of the Alamo, Texas's provisional Gov't authorized the initial recruitment of 25 Rangers which later expanded into 3 companies. These men were half citizen, half cavalry units who had previously fought Mexican bandits, Comanche & others at least 15 years prior to formation of the T/Rangers. I also understand Hispanic volunteers & friendly tribesmen also served? I assume they were designated a Militia group & not therfore under the direct control of the US Army? However, for some reason it seems they were, at that time, the only armed group that could be mustered into the USA military for wartime service? Indeed, in that capacity they fought in the Mexican war(s) as scouts and were equally effective serving as irregular light infantry,

1) To what extent today do they actully serve are responsible for? Is it an independant Texas force, comparable to the FBI? & what is their authority? i.e. are they limited to the protection of Texas only?

To date the response is greatly appreciated. My thanks also to the Texan who then straighted the record out - my thanks Sir. However, I'd appreciate knowing the Texas Rangers involvement and sevices in the Military from its inception to today!

Part civilian reffering to various organizations past and present that then collectively, when the horn blew or / the bell tolled, dashed to their part time volunterred duty to aid whatever the cause they served!

Ladies & Gentlemen: All excellent answers! & my education enhanced. As a British National with a deep regard for Texas and the American peoples (ex serving Vietnam & countless military exchange visits) I'll therefore put it to the Community to votel

Regards: Ret'd Brig-Gen (Airborne).

Answer 1

For Texas only (renowned for tracking Bonnie and Clyde; during the Civil War, Terry's Texas Rangers gained fame)

The Texas Ranger Division performs a diverse range of criminal investigations including:

· Murder, robbery, sexual assault, burglary, theft, and fraud;

· bank fraud;

· theft by credit card and computer generated counterfeit checks;

· misuse of criminal history information;

· misconduct and corruption of public officials;

· threats against the governor and other state and federal officials; and

· missing persons, parental abductions, questionable deaths and unidentified bodies

On September 1, 2000, the size of the Ranger force was increased to 118 commissioned members. These Rangers are supervised by a Senior Captain (Chief), Assistant Chief, a Headquarters Captain and Lieutenant, six field captains and eight lieutenants. The force is organized into six companies, "A" through "F", and UCIT. A Captain, Lieutenant and from two to four Rangers are located at each of the six Company Headquarters. The six field Headquarters offices are located in Houston, Company "A"; Garland, Company "B"; Lubbock, Company "C"; San Antonio, Company "D"; Midland, Company "E"; Waco, Company "F". UCIT is located in San Antonio. Other Rangers are stationed in various towns and cities in the state, with each Ranger having responsibility for a minimum of two to three counties, some with even larger areas.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/texas_rangers/#Field%20Operations:

In 2005, a total of 5,488 investigations resulted in 1,496 felony arrests, 137 misdemeanor arrests. The Texas Rangers executed 475 search warrants and secured 3,437 statements-including 563 confessions to various crimes. Rangers recovered stolen property valued at $1,832,101 and seized contraband valued at $1,518,392. There were 1,828 convictions for various crimes investigated that resulted in 23 death sentences, 52 life sentences and a total of 10,168 years in penitentiary time being assessed. Rangers served 546 subpeonas and 823 warrants. Rangers conducted 9 hypnosis sessions on criminal investigations. The Texas Rangers made 10 separate traffic referrals to appropriate authorities for dangerous drivers or driving conditions.
http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/texas_rangers/#Activity%20Summary

Answer 2

There are some good answers already given, but I would like to straighten out the timeline. 'Rangers' (not then called 'Texas Rangers') were constituted during the colonial period around 1825, rode the western frontier during the revolution of 1836, and maintained a protective force during the Republic period of nine years to 1845. They continued as a state law enforcement arm when Texas became a state in 1845. In 1846 they served as a militia force, scouting and light infantry, with the U. S. Army when the U. S. went to war with Mexico between 1846-1848.

They were never "half-citizen", whatever that means. They are an independent force with wide ranging law enforcement authority as authorized by the governor and limited to law enforcement in the State of Texas. Not to be confused with the Texas Highway Patrol, which also presents a highly qualified and professional law enforcement presence in Texas.

My favorite story is the one about the West Texas riot when hundreds of gun-totting rioters were faced down by one Texas Ranger. When asked why he didn't have more help, he shrugged and responded, "One riot, one Ranger."

Answer 3

I'd like to add to what all the other excellent posters have said by citing an online web site that should contain most of the information that you need:

http://www.tsha.utexas.edu/handbook/online/articles/TT/met4.html

According the The Handbook of Texas Online, although Stephen F. Austin hired ten experienced frontiersmen as rangers as early as 1823, the Texas Legislature in November 24, 1835, specifically organized a special law enforcement force known as the Texas Rangers. Originally compose of three companies of 56 men each, they served primarily as scouts and couriers during the Texas Revolution, although they also retrieved cattle and helped Anglo refugees retreat in advance of the Mexican Army.

In December 1838 and January 1839, Texas President Mirabeau B. Lamar enhanced their duties, recruiting volunteers for 13 additional companies. During the time of the Republic of Texas, the Rangers waged war against Native Americans and repelled the Mexican invasions of 1842. During the Mexican-American War, they subsequently served as scouts for General Zachary Taylor as well as participating in various battles.

In 1874, following the American Civil War, the group was more or less resurrected as a special force coping with rustlers in South Texas as well as fighting Comanches and Kiowa on the western frontier until about 1882. Around the turn of the 20th century, the force was cut back to four companies only to resurface again in 1916 to deal with Pancho Villa. During this time period, the Rangers were infamous for mistreating Hispanic Texans while simultaneously dealing with tequilia smugglers and cattle rustlers.

After the Rangers supported the wrong candidate for governor in 1932, they were radically reduced in number, but by 1935 a reorganized and sanitized Ranger force became a part of the Texas Department of Public Safety. At this point in time, all candidates for Texas Ranger now earned their positions through examination and recommendation rather than political patronage. Under Homer Garrison's able leadership for the next thirty years, the Rangers expanded, serving as a rural constabulary as well as responding to criminal cases at the governor's discretion state wide. Today's Texas Rangers are considered "the elite of Texas law enforcement." Local police forces call them in to assist the local police in investigating cases just as the FBI is empowered to investigate certain cases throughout the United States.

Answer 4

The activities of the Texas Ranger Division consist primarily of making criminal and special investigations; apprehending wanted felons; suppressing major disturbances; the protection of life and property; and rendering assistance to local law enforcement officials in suppressing crime and violence.
The Texas Ranger Division will, through investigation and close personal contact with all federal, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies, be responsible for the gathering and dissemination of criminal intelligence pertaining to all facets of organized crime. The Texas Ranger Division joins with all other enforcement agencies in the suppression of the same;


Under orders of the Director, suppress all criminal activity in any given area, when it is apparent that the local officials are unwilling or unable to maintain law and order;
Upon the request or order of a judge of a court of record, serve as officers of the court and assist in the maintenance of decorum, the protection of life, and the preservation of property during any judicial proceeding;


When called upon, provide protection for elected officials at public functions and at any other time or place when directed to do so by a superior officer;


Establish direct personal contact and maintain close liaison with all agencies, or branches thereof, concerned with the investigation and suppression of criminal activities. These contacts are not to be limited to the state but shall be nationwide. Every effort will be exerted to maintain a full and free flow of information on active offenders and offenses between all interested agencies;


Participate in educational training programs and provide specialized instruction to local, state, and federal law enforcement representatives;


With the approval of the Director, conduct investigations of any alleged misconduct on the part of other Department personnel;


Be the primary Department investigator when a Department member is killed or suffers serious bodily injury, attributable to an intentional act;


Provide Forensic Hypnotists for use as an investigative tool in gathering additional information;
Provide forensic art work for use as an investigative or procedural tool in major criminal cases;


Assist the Governor's Protective Detail in providing security for the Texas Governor during his official travel throughout the state, as well as other dignitaries.

Answer 5

The Texas Rangers today are a state law enforcement agency, like the state troopers of other states. They serve only in the state of Texas.

Answer 6

They are now a State Police organization - - - Texas Rangers sounds so much better !! Their jurisdition is within the borders of Texas.

Here is their official website.

http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/director_staff/texas_rangers/
Four events - the Mexican Revolution, World War I, oil booms, and prohibition - made demands on the Texas Rangers, which they could not meet. The Mexican Revolution filled the Mexican border with raiders; the World War brought with it spies, conspirators, and saboteurs; oil booms made West Texas a gathering place for gamblers and murderers; and prohibition filled it with smugglers and bootleggers. In January 1919, there was a cutback in the service to four companies of not more than 15 men. The Texas Rangers had served officially for more than a hundred years under the Governor, the Secretary of State, and the Adjutant General of Texas.

On August 10, 1935, when the Texas Legislature created the Texas Department of Public Safety, the Texas Rangers and the Texas Highway Patrol became members of this agency, with statewide law enforcement jurisdiction. The true modern-day Ranger came into being on September 1, 1935.

The Texas Rangers are the oldest law enforcement organization on the North American continent with statewide jurisdiction.



1997 - Sergeants John Allen,
Coy Smith & TDCJ Sergeant
Ralph Hager during
the Republic of Texas
standoff near Fort Davis, TX.


The activities of the Texas Ranger Division consist primarily of making criminal and special investigations; apprehending wanted felons; suppressing major disturbances; the protection of life and property; and rendering assistance to local law enforcement officials in suppressing crime and violence.
The Texas Ranger Division will, through investigation and close personal contact with all federal, state, county, and city law enforcement agencies, be responsible for the gathering and dissemination of criminal intelligence pertaining to all facets of organized crime. The Texas Ranger Division joins with all other enforcement agencies in the suppression of the same;


Under orders of the Director, suppress all criminal activity in any given area, when it is apparent that the local officials are unwilling or unable to maintain law and order;
Upon the request or order of a judge of a court of record, serve as officers of the court and assist in the maintenance of decorum, the protection of life, and the preservation of property during any judicial proceeding;


When called upon, provide protection for elected officials at public functions and at any other time or place when directed to do so by a superior officer;


Establish direct personal contact and maintain close liaison with all agencies, or branches thereof, concerned with the investigation and suppression of criminal activities. These contacts are not to be limited to the state but shall be nationwide. Every effort will be exerted to maintain a full and free flow of information on active offenders and offenses between all interested agencies;


Participate in educational training programs and provide specialized instruction to local, state, and federal law enforcement representatives;


With the approval of the Director, conduct investigations of any alleged misconduct on the part of other Department personnel;


Be the primary Department investigator when a Department member is killed or suffers serious bodily injury, attributable to an intentional act;


Provide Forensic Hypnotists for use as an investigative tool in gathering additional information;
Provide forensic art work for use as an investigative or procedural tool in major criminal cases;


Assist the Governor's Protective Detail in providing security for the Texas Governor during his official travel throughout the state, as well as other dignitaries.
The Texas Rangers Division consists of 140 members, including 118 commissioned officers, 3 Crime Analysts, 1 Forensic Artist, 1 Fiscal Analyst and 17 civilian support personnel.

Headquarters
P.O. Box 4087
Austin, TX 78773-0600
512-424-2160


Company "A"
12230 West Road
Houston, TX 77065
281-517-1400


Company "B"
350 W. IH 30
Garland, TX 75043
214-861-2360


Company "C"
1302 Mac Davis
Lubbock, TX 79401
806-472-2882


Company "D"
6502 S. New Braunfels
San Antonio, TX 78223
210-531-4340


Company "E"
2405 S. Loop 250 West
Midland, TX 79703
432-498-2120


Company "F"
102 Texas Ranger Trail
Waco, TX 76706
254-754-2303


Unsolved Crimes
Investigation Team 8806 Broadway
San Antonio, TX 78217"""""""""""""

PEACE

Answer 7

You'll find the answers to all your questions at:-

http://www.texasranger.org/history/rangerHistory.htm