Which agency is recognized as the first state police agency?

The Texas Rangers are recognized as the first state police agency, established in the early 19th century. Formed in 1835, the Texas Rangers were created to provide law enforcement and military support for the expanding Texas territory, which was undergoing various conflicts and settlement challenges during its early statehood. The organization is known for its role in battling banditry and managing frontier law enforcement in a time when state and local police systems were not yet fully developed.

Their historical significance extends beyond simple law enforcement, as they played a role in shaping the law enforcement landscape in the United States, influencing the development of various police agencies that followed in other states. The legacy of the Texas Rangers has permeated American culture, making them a symbol of law enforcement efforts in the American West.

The other options, while notable in their own rights, do not hold the same historical precedence as the Texas Rangers when discussing the establishment of state-level law enforcement agencies.