What was a significant development in law enforcement in Texas prior to its statehood?

The creation of the Texas Rangers marked a significant development in law enforcement in Texas prior to its statehood. Established in the early 19th century, the Texas Rangers were formed in 1835 and became one of the first professional law enforcement agencies in the United States. Their primary role was to provide law enforcement in rural areas and to serve during conflicts, such as the Texas Revolution and later during the Mexican-American War.

The significance of the Texas Rangers lies not only in their early establishment but also in their continued influence on policing practices and law enforcement in Texas and beyond. They have become a symbol of pride and a key component of Texan history, representing the idea of justice and the enforcement of law in a challenging frontier environment.

In contrast, the other options reflect developments that occurred either after Texas became a state or are unrelated to its early law enforcement history. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation was established in 1908, well after Texas achieved statehood in 1845. Local police forces and specialized national crime databases like the National Crime Information Center also emerged much later as law enforcement needs evolved with urbanization and increased crime rates.