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Grants

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Safety Matters blog

Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement

Staff with our Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement division make sure when you order alcohol, you get exactly what you pay for. They also enforce gambling laws to prevent scammers from stealing your hard-earned money through fraudulent wagers.

Bureau of Criminal Apprehension

The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension works to prevent and solve crimes through everything from forensic science to specialized training to thorough investigations.

Driver and Vehicle Services

Driver and Vehicle Services has helped nearly every Minnesotan at some point, whether they are registering their vehicle or getting a driver’s license.

Emergency Communication Networks

Emergency Communication Networks oversees Minnesota’s 911 program and public alerts and warning systems. They work to make sure that when you need help most, you get it.

Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Homeland Security and Emergency Management is dedicated to building a resilient Minnesota by helping communities prepare for, respond to and recover from emergencies and disasters.

Office of Justice Programs

The Office of Justice Programs works to help crime victims. They reduce crime, help survivors and improve how the criminal justice system functions through grants and other programs. 

Office of Pipeline Safety

The Office of Pipeline Safety puts their knowledge to use by inspecting natural gas, propane and hazardous liquid pipelines. They investigate leaks and accidents — and enforce Minnesota’s “Call Before You Dig” laws. 

Office of Traffic Safety

The Office of Traffic Safety works with federal, state, Tribal and local partners to prevent crashes, deaths and injuries on our roads.

State Fire Marshal

The State Fire Marshal supports fire departments in each municipality in Minnesota. They investigate fires, educate the public on fire safety and conduct fire safety inspections.

State Patrol

The Minnesota State Patrol are on the job 24/7, keeping Minnesota’s roads safe. They work to keep traffic moving safely and efficiently, assist motorists during crashes and investigate vehicle crimes.

Core services

Our operational divisions are supported by our Fiscal and Administrative Services, Community Affairs, Human Resources, Internal Affairs and Affirmative Action, Tribal Relations and the Office of Communications.

Our divisions

A conversation about the creation of the Office for Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls.


Ways to safely and lawfully express your views

Safe and lawful ways to demonstrate

Data and public information

Grant information

Driver's license exam stations

Background check information

Firearms permits information

Tab renewals

Permit to carry

Permit to purchase or transfer

Contact information

Jobs at DPS

Learn about State Patrol jobs

Learn about BCA jobs

Learn about 911 dispatcher jobs

How to schedule a driver's exam

Vehicle registration tax paid

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The Minnesota Department of Public Safety has more than 2,400 employees across the state serving all communities to build a safer Minnesota. 

Homepage

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Lilyana — a “beacon of sunshine” — was 11 years old with her entire life ahead of her. Qiara, a 26-year-old mother of four, was the center of her kids’ world. A talented carpenter and beloved friend, Shane was 48 and remembered for always lending a helping hand.  
All three died because someone made a choice to drive distracted.

A choice that can change everything

Safety information

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2026 Distracted driving extra enforcement

OTS is leading and coordinating a distracted driving education and extra enforcement campaign April 1-30.

Pay attention, prevent tragedy: Statewide extra distracted driving enforcement runs April 1-30

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Minnesota’s annual Permit to Carry report provides more than just data — it offers insight into the people and processes behind the numbers. Each year, tens of thousands of residents apply through their local sheriff’s offices, where applications are carefully reviewed and eligibility is determined through background checks. The report, compiled by the BCA, shares statewide trends while protecting individual privacy and helps inform the public about how the system operates.  

Behind the numbers: The people in Minnesota’s firearms Permit to Carry Report

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We’re highlighting some of the women who took those steps forward at the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS).

Women who helped shape the Department of Public Safety

Case updates

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ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) has identified the individuals involved in the March 13 use-of-force incident in Appleton as Brandon Corbett, 32, and Sujin Corbett, 36, both residents of Appleton.

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