Peace Officers regularly put their lives on the line for their communities. They answer the call, helping people on their worst day to make our communities a better and safer place. Every year, we pause to honor those that have given their lives in the line of duty.
A seat belt, a car seat and a legacy.
When Jennifer Starkson stood up at a press conference last year, she had a simple message: Use the right car seat for your children on every trip. She knows firsthand why it matters.
Her daughter, Morgan, was killed in a crash, but Morgan’s three children survived because they were properly secured in car seats. In the middle of tragedy, those car seats saved lives.
No one plans for a crash, but every driver and parent can prepare for one.
The May extra seat belt enforcement and awareness campaign starts today and runs through the end of the month, reminding everyone to buckle up and make sure children are properly secured every time they are on the road.
During Public Service Recognition Week, we recognize the people who serve Minnesota every day. Much of the work happens behind the scenes, without public attention and long before a crisis starts. From emergency preparedness to fire prevention to crafting the rules that shape daily life, the work of our employees impact communities across the state.
Read our Safety Matters blog to learn how three of our employees collaborate to serve Minnesotans and keep them safe, link in our bio.
It happens in a moment: a student goes to step off a school bus, and the driver reaches out and pulls them back. Why? A car is coming, trying to swerve around the bus instead of stopping. Then the moment passes and the driver lets go.
Stories like this are far too common. Drivers race past buses and ignore the stop arm.
Minnesota recently updated the existing school bus law to make the rules clearer. If you see red lights on the top of the bus, it's time to stop — at least 20 feet away, in any direction.
Respect student safety. Slow down.
Stay up to date with the latest news from the Department of Public Safety! Subscribe to our Safety First newsletter for helpful tips, updates and stories, link in bio.
When a crash happens and a person cannot reasonably walk away, it’s considered a serious injury. In some cases, people may die months later as a result of their injuries.
Why does it matter? Because last year, at least 388 people were seriously injured in speed-related crashes.
These incidents change lives — for those injured, for their families and for entire communities. Even those who survive often face long recoveries, including months in the hospital.
For what? Trying to save a few minutes on the road?
Minnesota law enforcement is starting a summer long extra enforcement campaign to stop speeding. Officers, deputies and troopers will be stopping drivers who go over the limit, and they will write tickets.
The goal is simple: to help prevent crashes and keep people safe.
Slow down, drive smart or expect to be pulled over.
Public Service Recognition Week is a moment to recognize the people who choose a life of public service — and the impact they make every day.
Across every division and at every level, our team serves and builds trust with our communities. That work is often unseen and demanding, but it is vital.
Comfort can be a dog with golden fur and a vest. Support coming from four paws, floppy ears and a wagging tail.
When survivors from across Minnesota need support, Stuffy and Nova help ease fears and lift spirits.
We celebrate the advocates — animal and human alike — who ensure no one faces trauma alone.
Learn how facility dogs help support victim advocacy in our recent Safety Matters blog (link in bio).
Since Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR) Office was created, it has gathered over 250 names of missing or murdered Indigenous relatives from across the state. These names have come from public news reports and community submissions.
Join our MMIR Office on May 5 as we gather in community to speak their names, read them aloud Since Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Office was created, it has gathered over 250 names of missing or murdered Indigenous relatives from across the state. These names have come from public news reports and community submissions. Join our MMIR Office on May 5 as we gather in community to speak their names, read them aloud and hold space for the families, loved ones and communities who still carry their memories every day.
We hope to see you on May 5 from noon to 2 p.m. at the Minnesota American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis.
All community members and allies are welcome.
@miwsac@nacdi.mn
Jen Elleraas never saw herself becoming a firefighter, but it quickly became one of her passions.
Now she wants to inspire more women to join the industry by giving them hands-on experience before they even fill out an application.
Learn about the events happening statewide this Saturday for Women Explore Fire Day in our latest DPS blog (link in bio).
Hear that call? The ding of a text message? A notification from your favorite social media app? If you respond while driving, you put yourself and everyone else on the road at risk. That call could cost you more than a ticket, so park the phone and focus on the road.
Across Minnesota, too many lives are affected by sexual violence. Violence prevention starts with small moments — showing up for friends, learning how to be an active bystander and staying engaged. You can make a difference.
Now is the time to reach out. Staying connected with each other makes our communities stronger and safer.
To connect to resources, visit Minnesota Department of Health’s Sexual Violence Prevention Program (link in bio).
