Duties of Indiana State Troopersfrom ISP web site)I don't know about Texas but in Indiana, aside from a small number of detectives, a state trooper's job is to write tickets. Nothing much else barring extreme situations like a prison riot.
Duties
• Patrol county, state and federal roads to detect and apprehend criminal and traffic law violators.
• Investigate vehicle crashes.
• Perform a wide variety of courtesy services.
• Make death notifications.
• Attempt to locate motorists and/or other people for the delivery of emergency information.
• Direct and control traffic at disaster scenes, crash sites and special events.
• Render first-aid to people until advanced Emergency Medical Services arrive.
• Conduct criminal investigations.
• Coordinate and assist investigative efforts with the Criminal Investigation Division.
• Testify in criminal and traffic court.
• Prepare and submit evidence in compliance with department standard operating procedures.
• Transport emergency medical supplies, blood, human organs, etc.
• May be selected to serve as a department specialty team member.
• Serve as a Field Training Officer.
• Assist the Federal Aviation Administration in the investigation of aircraft incidents.
• Present law enforcement related public affairs programs.
• Assist the public and all police agencies at any time and in any manner possible.
• Perform other duties as required.