The mission of the Department of Public Safety is to ensure the safety and security of Missouri's citizens and their property. It is responsible for all elements of law enforcement, criminal investigation, and public safety activities undertaken by state government, and for coordinating these efforts with local and federal law enforcement and public safety agencies.

The director of Public Safety is appointed to this cabinet-level position by the Govenor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The office of the director is responsible for developing public safety programs, police officer training and certification, and providing legislative guidance on law enforcement issues. Additionally, the director is responsible for overseeing the Office for Victims of Crime (MoVC), for the purpose of promoting the fair and just treatment of victims of crime and the distribution of federal and state funds in grants for narcotics control, victim's assistance, commercial vehicle safety, and juvenile justice. Other programs in the director's office provide support services and resources to assist local law enforcement agencies and promote crime prevention.

Missouri Capitol Police is empowered to enforce state law, conduct criminal investigations, control parking, building security, and monitor life safety systems in the buildings and on the grounds of state owned property located in the city of Jefferson.

Division of Fire Safety conducts investigations of fires and explosions, provides bomb threat assistance with the use of explosive seeking K-9 units, administers the state's boiler inspection program and the elevator safety unit, enforces the state's fireworks laws, licensing and implements training standards for firefighters.

Division of Highway Safety is responsible for coordinating statewide traffic safety programs among federal, state and local agencies designed to reduce deaths, injuries and property damage caused by traffic crashes.

Division of Liquor Control is responsible for enforcing Missouri's liquor and tobacco laws and has the authority to suspend or revoke licenses in cases of non-compliance. The division licenses 24,754 alcoholic beverage retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers annually, and collects approximately 27 million dollars each year in license fees and taxes due on alcoholic beverages.

Missouri State Highway Patrol enforces the state's traffic laws and promotes safety on Missouri highways, conducts criminal and drug investigations, operates commercial motor vehicle weigh stations, enforces commercial motor vehicle safety laws and regulations, and is responsible for Missouri's driver examination program.

Missouri State Water Patrol ensures boating and water safety through enforcement of Missouri's watercraft laws and boating regulations. Patrolmen also conduct criminal and drug investigations, recovery dive operations and conduct boating safety education classes.

Missouri Veterans Commission provides counseling and referral assistance regarding state of federal benefits to Missouri, their dependents or survivors, and administers state Veteran's Homes in St. James, Mt. Vernon, Mexico, Cape Girardeau, St. Louis, Cameron and Warrensburg. The Commission operates State Veterans Cemeteries in Springfield, Higginsville, Bloomfield and Jacksonville.

Office of Adjutant General commands the Missouri Army and Air National Guard in both their federal and state missions. The 11,000 Guard members serving in 65 communities across our state maintain readiness for federal missions, in the United States or overseas, or when the Governor calls for assistance in Missouri.

State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) is responsible for coordinating statewide emergency preparedness activities among federal, state, and local agencies.

Missouri Gaming Commission regulates riverboat gambling and charitable bingo games and horse racing in Missouri. There are currently no horsing racing facilities in the state.

All of the departments in Missouri state government contain at least one administrative division or unit which provides support in fiscal management, accounting, personnel and training, research and data processing. Because of similarity of these duties and because each department only has one page of print space, these units are not described in detail.

For more information on these divisions, contact the department director.