How do I join the Texas Rangers? I'd like to sign up!

One of the popular myths is that one can become a Ranger by signing up. In the 1800s Rangers joined that way, but it is much more competitive these days. Becoming the best-of-the-best has never been easy . . .

Since 1935, there have always been more qualified applicants than positions. All Texas Rangers are now drawn from the sworn officers of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

In brief, you must live in Texas; you must complete 60 college credit hours (most Rangers have degrees, some have advanced degrees and certifications. You must have a record of eight years of outstanding full-time law enforcement experience (two of which must be with the Texas DPS at a certain rank. While distinguished military service is respected , it does not count towards law enforcement experience. You must pass stringent written and verbal and physical fitness exams.

All of that gets you a spot on the "qualified to apply" list -- not a Ranger commission.

Given the fact that there are currently only 123 Rangers, competition is fierce. There are often 40 to 100+ applicants for every position.

If you want to be a Texas Ranger, stay in school, learn the law enforcement skills and technology of the 21st century, build a solid record of service, join Texas DPS and you may have the chance to become a Texas Ranger.

I need help researching a [Ranger / battle / gun / novel, etc.]
how do I do it?

Genealogy: Please see the Research Center section of this site (click here) to research a specific Ranger.

Students: Students needing limited assistance may contact us free-of-charge after reading the information on this site. Students should see the "For Students" (click here).

Authors and Producers: The Texas Ranger Research Center has worked with many authors, television and movie producers. However, due to limitations of staff size, budget and in-house projects, authors or producers must perform their own detailed research. Our resources are available by appointment if Center policies and procedures are followed; please click here to inquire.

Firearms ("Ranger guns"): We receive many calls and letters about firearms allegedly owned by Texas Rangers. We regret that it is not possible for the Hall of Fame and Museum to verify Texas Ranger ownership of weapons. Records or inventories of firearms used by the Texas Rangers are extremely scarce until the mid-20th century. Most Texas Rangers carried their own weapons instead of State issued firearms. Registration of personal weapons used by Rangers was not required until modern times.

Unfortunately, this lack of documentation has created an opportunity for dishonesty and misrepresentation. Unscrupulous firearms traders and dealers concoct false or misleading Texas Ranger connections to enhance the value of their inventory. Among the most common practices are:

- Misrepresented Stamps or Inscriptions. "Texas Ranger" has been used as a product or model designation by numerous firearms manufacturers and retailers. Weapons marked "Texas Ranger" were not issued by the State of Texas. Six-shooters bearing the stamp "Texas Ranger" are often mass produced Belgian copies of Colt single action revolvers having no connection to the Texas Rangers.

- Forged inscriptions. Many firearms have been "enhanced" with fake inscriptions or inset with fake Ranger badges. Some pistols and rifles made in the 20th century have been seen with presentation inscriptions referring to the 1800s!

- Unverifiable affidavits of authenticity or statements from "witnesses" or deceased family members. It is easy to create forged documents. All affidavits and statements of authenticity should be viewed with suspicion until independently verified.

Weapons purchased from dealers, auctions or private parties should be accompanied by (1) thorough written documentation that can be independently verified and (2) unconditional written refund guarantees.

The best rules are:

Never spend more than you can afford to lose.

Acting in haste increases the odds of buying a bogus item.

Its better to walk away with your money than lose it on something dubious.

A negative "gut instinct" is often true.

Beware of dealers that offer no documentation, but suggest that your purchase can be easily documented after the sale.

Make sure you have an unconditional written guarantee of authenticity
-- and that you can find the seller after the sale.

The number of Texas Rangers is set by the Texas Legislature and the current authorized strength is 123 Rangers. This is the largest number of Rangers since they were placed under the Texas Department of Public Safety 1935. A new Company "G" was created in 2007. The number of Rangers will vary at any one time due to retirements and resignations.

What is the official Texas Ranger uniform?

There has never been an official Texas Ranger uniform. In the 1950s-1970s some companies and the Texas Ranger administration experimented with coordinated outfits that proved unpopular.

By tradition the dress is specified as western with white or tan hat, cowboy boots, western cut shirt, tie, pants and belt. The Texas Ranger Hall of Fame and Museum offers Texas-made Master Hatters ^® hats meeting the uniform specifications. Texas Rangers wear these hats, and you can own one and help us preserve their history too!

Are there any Ranger privates?

Not any more. The rank of private—or just "Ranger"—was eliminated some years ago. The ranks run Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Chief (or Senior Captain) of the Texas Rangers.

One has to have superior credentials to become a Texas Ranger. Some law enforcement personnel with advanced rank had entered the Rangers as "privates." This was a poor reflection on their accomplishments, so it was decided to begin the Ranger ranks with sergeant.

What about Hispanic / African-American / Indian Rangers?
Are there female Rangers?

American Indian and Hispanic names appear on the Ranger enlistment rolls in the 1820s (click here for further information).

African-Americans served with Ranger Companies as teamsters and cooks as far back as the 1870s, and likely further back. Some mixed race "Creoles" (a person of mixed African, French or Spanish ancestry and "mulattos" (a person of African and Caucasian ancestry) appear in the records. Much research remains to be done. We hope that new research, similar to that now done on Indian and Hispanic Rangers, will add valuable information.

In 1988 Sgt. Lee Roy Young, Jr., a 14-year DPS veteran, became the first Texas Ranger of African-American and Seminole Indian descent in the 20th century. He was promoted after a distinguished career with Texas DPS Intelligence.

Sgt. Young was soon joined by Earl Pearson, who served as Captain of Company "A" in Houston and Senior Captain (Chief) of the Texas Rangers. Capt. Pearson was both the first African-Amercian Captain and the first African-American Chief of the Texas Rangers.

The first female Special Rangers were appointed in the 1930s-'40s. They were generally administrative assistants who handled especially sensitive information or security for the Governor. They had no criminal investigative duties.

The most recent female Rangers were appointed in 1993, beginning with Sgt. Marrie Garcia (active in Co. "D" in San Antonio), Sgt. Christine Nix (retired), and Sgt. Cheryl Steadman (former Ranger).

'Walker: Texas Ranger" featured the "historical" character of Hayes Cooper in several episodes. Was there a Hayes Cooper, or was the character modeled after a real Ranger?

No.

Hayes Cooper was an invention of the "Walker" writers. Although his name is similar to famous Ranger Captain John Coffee Hays, there is no resemblance. During the airing of the "Hayes Cooper" episodes the Hall of Fame and Museum received several hundred e-mails asking if he was real, or if there was a biography of the fictional Cooper. Chalk it up to the power of television!

Who makes Texas Ranger badges?
I saw some cheap Texas Ranger badges on E-Bay, are they real?
Is it possible to buy a Texas Ranger badge?

No single source for Texas Ranger badges is specified by law. Except for official Texas Ranger Hall of Fame commemoratives, they are issued only to serving and retired Texas Rangers with the express written permission of the Senior Captain.

About 10 badges are issued to Rangers in any given year from Mexican silver, gold-plated silver and gold coins according to strict design standards.

Sorry, but the vast majority of Texas Ranger badges on E-Bay, Yahoo and other auction sites are forgeries. For information on the proliferation of fraudulent Texas Ranger badges, please click here. It is a crime in Texas to wear Ranger badges, or deceptively similar badges, unless you are a Texas Ranger. The Rangers take misuse seriously and fake badges have been confiscated.

To submit a question: Email: trhf@eramp.net (click here)

How do I join the Texas Rangers? I'd like to sign up!

One of the popular myths is that one can become a Ranger by signing up. In the 1800s Rangers joined that way, but it is much more competitive these days. Becoming the best-of-the-best has never been easy . . .

Since 1935, there have always been more qualified applicants than positions. All Texas Rangers are now drawn from the sworn officers of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

All of that gets you a spot on the "qualified to apply" list -- not a Ranger commission.

Given the fact that there are currently only 123 Rangers, competition is fierce. There are often 40 to 100+ applicants for every position.

If you want to be a Texas Ranger, stay in school, learn the law enforcement skills and technology of the 21st century, build a solid record of service, join Texas DPS and you may have the chance to become a Texas Ranger.

I need help researching a [Ranger / battle / gun / novel, etc.]
how do I do it?

Genealogy: Please see the Research Center section of this site (click here) to research a specific Ranger.

Students: Students needing limited assistance may contact us free-of-charge after reading the information on this site. Students should see the "For Students" (click here).

Unfortunately, this lack of documentation has created an opportunity for dishonesty and misrepresentation. Unscrupulous firearms traders and dealers concoct false or misleading Texas Ranger connections to enhance the value of their inventory. Among the most common practices are:

- Forged inscriptions. Many firearms have been "enhanced" with fake inscriptions or inset with fake Ranger badges. Some pistols and rifles made in the 20th century have been seen with presentation inscriptions referring to the 1800s!

- Unverifiable affidavits of authenticity or statements from "witnesses" or deceased family members. It is easy to create forged documents. All affidavits and statements of authenticity should be viewed with suspicion until independently verified.

Weapons purchased from dealers, auctions or private parties should be accompanied by (1) thorough written documentation that can be independently verified and (2) unconditional written refund guarantees.

The best rules are:

Never spend more than you can afford to lose.

Acting in haste increases the odds of buying a bogus item.

Its better to walk away with your money than lose it on something dubious.

A negative "gut instinct" is often true.

Beware of dealers that offer no documentation, but suggest that your purchase can be easily documented after the sale.

Make sure you have an unconditional written guarantee of authenticity
-- and that you can find the seller after the sale.

I heard on "Walker: Texas Ranger" that there are 99 Rangers.
How many Texas Rangers are there?

What duties are assigned to Texas Rangers?

Under state law, Texas Rangers are charged with four duties:

(1) protect the life and property of Texans by enforcing the criminal statutes;

(2) suppress riots and insurrections;

(3) investigate major crimes; and

(4) apprehend fugitives from justice.

Rangers are rarely involved with #2 these days. Writers have called the Texas Rangers a "state FBI" or an "elite investigative unit" and compared them with Scotland Yard, Interpol, the investigative arm of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the French Surete and the FBI.

Their powers of arrest are specified under state law as "similar to county sheriffs with the exception that they have no county jurisdictional boundaries."

What is the official Texas Ranger uniform?

Are there any Ranger privates?

Not any more. The rank of private—or just "Ranger"—was eliminated some years ago. The ranks run Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Chief (or Senior Captain) of the Texas Rangers.

One has to have superior credentials to become a Texas Ranger. Some law enforcement personnel with advanced rank had entered the Rangers as "privates." This was a poor reflection on their accomplishments, so it was decided to begin the Ranger ranks with sergeant.

How many retired Texas Rangers are there?

We believe the current count is about 95. Many of them qualify for Special or "retired" Texas Ranger commissions for many years after leaving regular service. A common saying is, "once a Ranger, always a Ranger."

What about Hispanic / African-American / Indian Rangers?
Are there female Rangers?

American Indian and Hispanic names appear on the Ranger enlistment rolls in the 1820s (click here for further information).

The first female Special Rangers were appointed in the 1930s-'40s. They were generally administrative assistants who handled especially sensitive information or security for the Governor. They had no criminal investigative duties.

The most recent female Rangers were appointed in 1993, beginning with Sgt. Marrie Garcia (active in Co. "D" in San Antonio), Sgt. Christine Nix (retired), and Sgt. Cheryl Steadman (former Ranger).

'Walker: Texas Ranger" featured the "historical" character of Hayes Cooper in several episodes. Was there a Hayes Cooper, or was the character modeled after a real Ranger?

Who makes Texas Ranger badges?
I saw some cheap Texas Ranger badges on E-Bay, are they real?
Is it possible to buy a Texas Ranger badge?

No single source for Texas Ranger badges is specified by law. Except for official Texas Ranger Hall of Fame commemoratives, they are issued only to serving and retired Texas Rangers with the express written permission of the Senior Captain.

About 10 badges are issued to Rangers in any given year from Mexican silver, gold-plated silver and gold coins according to strict design standards.

How do I join the Texas Rangers? I'd like to sign up!

One of the popular myths is that one can become a Ranger by signing up. In the 1800s Rangers joined that way, but it is much more competitive these days. Becoming the best-of-the-best has never been easy . . .

Since 1935, there have always been more qualified applicants than positions. All Texas Rangers are now drawn from the sworn officers of the Texas Department of Public Safety.

All of that gets you a spot on the "qualified to apply" list -- not a Ranger commission.

Given the fact that there are currently only 123 Rangers, competition is fierce. There are often 40 to 100+ applicants for every position.

If you want to be a Texas Ranger, stay in school, learn the law enforcement skills and technology of the 21st century, build a solid record of service, join Texas DPS and you may have the chance to become a Texas Ranger.

I need help researching a [Ranger / battle / gun / novel, etc.] how do I do it?

Genealogy: Please see the Research Center section of this site (click here) to research a specific Ranger.

Students: Students needing limited assistance may contact us free-of-charge after reading the information on this site. Students should see the "For Students" (click here).

Unfortunately, this lack of documentation has created an opportunity for dishonesty and misrepresentation. Unscrupulous firearms traders and dealers concoct false or misleading Texas Ranger connections to enhance the value of their inventory. Among the most common practices are:

- Forged inscriptions. Many firearms have been "enhanced" with fake inscriptions or inset with fake Ranger badges. Some pistols and rifles made in the 20th century have been seen with presentation inscriptions referring to the 1800s!

- Unverifiable affidavits of authenticity or statements from "witnesses" or deceased family members. It is easy to create forged documents. All affidavits and statements of authenticity should be viewed with suspicion until independently verified.

Weapons purchased from dealers, auctions or private parties should be accompanied by (1) thorough written documentation that can be independently verified and (2) unconditional written refund guarantees.

The best rules are:

Never spend more than you can afford to lose.

Acting in haste increases the odds of buying a bogus item.

Its better to walk away with your money than lose it on something dubious.

A negative "gut instinct" is often true.

Beware of dealers that offer no documentation, but suggest that your purchase can be easily documented after the sale.

Make sure you have an unconditional written guarantee of authenticity -- and that you can find the seller after the sale.

I heard on "Walker: Texas Ranger" that there are 99 Rangers. How many Texas Rangers are there?

What duties are assigned to Texas Rangers?

Under state law, Texas Rangers are charged with four duties:

(1) protect the life and property of Texans by enforcing the criminal statutes; (2) suppress riots and insurrections; (3) investigate major crimes; and (4) apprehend fugitives from justice.

Rangers are rarely involved with #2 these days. Writers have called the Texas Rangers a "state FBI" or an "elite investigative unit" and compared them with Scotland Yard, Interpol, the investigative arm of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the French Surete and the FBI.

Their powers of arrest are specified under state law as "similar to county sheriffs with the exception that they have no county jurisdictional boundaries."

What is the official Texas Ranger uniform?

Are there any Ranger privates?

Not any more. The rank of private—or just "Ranger"—was eliminated some years ago. The ranks run Sergeant, Lieutenant, Captain and Chief (or Senior Captain) of the Texas Rangers.

One has to have superior credentials to become a Texas Ranger. Some law enforcement personnel with advanced rank had entered the Rangers as "privates." This was a poor reflection on their accomplishments, so it was decided to begin the Ranger ranks with sergeant.

How many retired Texas Rangers are there?

We believe the current count is about 95. Many of them qualify for Special or "retired" Texas Ranger commissions for many years after leaving regular service. A common saying is, "once a Ranger, always a Ranger."

What about Hispanic / African-American / Indian Rangers? Are there female Rangers?

American Indian and Hispanic names appear on the Ranger enlistment rolls in the 1820s (click here for further information).

The first female Special Rangers were appointed in the 1930s-'40s. They were generally administrative assistants who handled especially sensitive information or security for the Governor. They had no criminal investigative duties.

The most recent female Rangers were appointed in 1993, beginning with Sgt. Marrie Garcia (active in Co. "D" in San Antonio), Sgt. Christine Nix (retired), and Sgt. Cheryl Steadman (former Ranger).

'Walker: Texas Ranger" featured the "historical" character of Hayes Cooper in several episodes. Was there a Hayes Cooper, or was the character modeled after a real Ranger?

Who makes Texas Ranger badges? I saw some cheap Texas Ranger badges on E-Bay, are they real? Is it possible to buy a Texas Ranger badge?

No single source for Texas Ranger badges is specified by law. Except for official Texas Ranger Hall of Fame commemoratives, they are issued only to serving and retired Texas Rangers with the express written permission of the Senior Captain.

About 10 badges are issued to Rangers in any given year from Mexican silver, gold-plated silver and gold coins according to strict design standards.

I need help researching a [Ranger / battle / gun / novel, etc.]
how do I do it?

Make sure you have an unconditional written guarantee of authenticity
-- and that you can find the seller after the sale.

I heard on "Walker: Texas Ranger" that there are 99 Rangers.
How many Texas Rangers are there?

(1) protect the life and property of Texans by enforcing the criminal statutes;

(2) suppress riots and insurrections;

(3) investigate major crimes; and

(4) apprehend fugitives from justice.

What about Hispanic / African-American / Indian Rangers?
Are there female Rangers?

Who makes Texas Ranger badges?
I saw some cheap Texas Ranger badges on E-Bay, are they real?
Is it possible to buy a Texas Ranger badge?