DPS Mission Statement The Minnesota Department of Public Safety serves as a backbone for supporting public safety efforts thr ... oughout Minnesota. Through the provision of enforcement, service, funding, training and education as well as legislative and policy development we strengthen the overall public safety infrastructure in Minnesota. DPS History The Department of Public Safety was established in 1969, per Minnesota Statute 299A. Listed below are the Public Safety commissioners starting with present commissioner, Mona Dohman, to the first commissioner, Wallace Hoglund, who began as commissioner in January 1970. The State Highway Patrol and Drivers License Bureau, both formerly a part of the Minnesota Highway Department, were transferred to DPS in 1970. DPS Divisions Alcohol & Gambling Enforcement Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Driver & Vehicle Services Emergency Communication Networks Fiscal& Administrative Services Homeland Security & Emergency Management Human Resources MN.IT Services @ DPS Office of Communications Office of Justice Programs Office of Traffic Safety Office of Pipeline Safety State Fire Marshal State Patrol read more