The
Texas Ranger Division, commonly called the
Texas Rangers, is a
law enforcement agency with statewide
jurisdiction in
Texas, based in the capital city of
Austin. Over the years, the Texas Rangers have investigated crimes ranging from murder to political corruption, acted in riot control and as detectives, protected the
Governor of Texas, tracked down fugitives, and functioned as a
paramilitary force at the service of both the
Republic (1836–45) and the state of Texas.