Agency Histories

Purpose: "The mission of the Utah Department of Public Safety is to provide a safe environment for the citizens of the state of Utah; to ensure those operating motor vehicles in our state possess the proper qualifications and obey the traffic laws and regulations; to monitor highway safety and investigate the causes of loss of life, injury, and property damage due to motor vehicle accidents; to plan for mitigation and prevention of natural or man-made disasters; to prevent criminal activity and to identify and apprehend persons violating state criminal statutes; to assist, as requested, other criminal justice agencies throughout our state in the investigation, detection, identification and apprehension of those involved in criminal activity; to provide training to recruits entering the law enforcement field and assist the criminal justice and law enforcement community in assessing and meeting their continuing educational needs; to ensure compliance with the Utah Liquor Control Act and Utah's controlled substance statutes; to assist in the determination of fires of unknown origin and to ensure compliance with Utah's fire prevention regulations; to ensure the integrity of those participating in the federal Medicaid program; to maintain a vital communications network throughout Utah; to regulate individuals and organizations as determined by the Legislature; and to respond to the call of the Governor and provide assistance as requested. These activities are to be carried out while protecting the rights and privileges of our citizens, while providing our employees with a safe, challenging, and rewarding public service opportunity." (From "Capitol Connections" newsletter, volume 1, issue 4, August 1993, page 4.) Administrative Services, Purpose: "Provide the department with the necessary elements to combine various administrative activities into one comprehensive and responsive system; to provide staff support to the Commissioner of Public Safety; and to ensure that all departmen tal administrative processes are in compliance with state law, rules, regulations, and related policies and procedures." (From "Capitol Connections" newsletter, volume 1, issue 4, August 1993, page 4.) Management Information Services, Purpose: "Provide technical support for the various computer systems at DPS, and for the technologies that provide Utah law enforcement agencies access to the FBI's National Crime Information Center and to the National Law Enforcement Telecommunications System, which provides electronic mail messaging capabilities to law enforcement agencies throughout the nation." (From "Capitol Connections" newsletter, volume 1, issue 4, August 1993, page 4.)