Organization and Operations

PURPOSE: This rule describes the organization and methods of operation of the Department of Public Safety. (1) The Department of Public Safety, created by the Omnibus State Reorganization Act of 1974, is responsible for coordinating all elements of criminal investigation, law enforcement and public safety activities undertaken within the executive branch of state government. Its mission is not only to seek out those who disrupt society by violating its laws but to educate and motivate Missouri citizens to higher standards of personal and public safety. (2) The Department of Public Safety is headed by a director, appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the senate. It is the responsibility of the director to provide overall coordination and unified direction in the state’s public safety program. (3) The Department of Public Safety carries out its programs through the following major administrative divisions and units: (A) Office of the Director is responsible for the overall coordination and unified budgeting within the department. This office is responsible for the implementation of programs and procedures involving personnel, payroll, accounting, purchasing, and contracts. The director’s office also manages the Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Unit, Peace Officer Standards and Training Unit, Crime Victims Services Unit, Crime Victims’ Compensation Program, Missouri Office of Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, and the Missouri Statewide Interoperability Center; (B) Alcohol and Tobacco Control Division is responsible for the enforcement of liquor and tobacco control laws in the state of Missouri as specified in Chapters 311 and 312, RSMo; (C) Capitol Police Division is the primary law enforcement agency for the Capitol Complex. Officers patrol buildings and grounds and respond to medical emergencies, traffic accidents, and security and fire alarms. The division also provides residential security at the Missouri Governor’s Mansion; (D) Fire Safety Division is responsible for the investigation of suspicious fires and explosions, performing fire safety inspections, regulating the manufacturing and sale of fireworks in Missouri, conducting safety inspections of boiler and pressure vessels, elevator and amusement ride safety, and firefighter training and certification; (E) Gaming Commission regulates charitable gaming, riverboat casino gaming, and fantasy sports contests in Missouri and ensures the integrity of the gaming industry; (F) Missouri State Highway Patrol Division is empowered to enforce traffic laws and promote safety upon Missouri highways and waterways. The division also provides executive protection to the Governor and First Family, aircraft operations, criminal investigation, law enforcement information systems, and education and training; (G) State Emergency Management Agency teaches Missourians how to prepare for natural disasters, responds with assistance during a disaster, and provides recovery resources following a disaster; and (H) Veterans Commission provides benefits, assistance, skilled nursing care, and interment of eligible veterans in Missouri. (4) The director of public safety coordinates the activities of these divisions and provides a centralized source of support and a central point of contact for local and federal law enforcement agencies. (5) Any person desiring information or assistance on any matter falling within the jurisdiction of the Department of Public Safety should contact the Director of Public Safety, PO Box 749, Jefferson City, MO 65102, phone (573) 751-4905. AUTHORITY: section 536.023, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed Dec. 31, 1975, effective Jan. 10, 1976. Amended: Filed Nov. 16, 1993, effective June 6, 1994. Amended: Filed March 1, 2019, effective Oct. 30, 2019. Amended: Filed May 17, 2024, effective Jan. 30, 2025. *Original authority: 536.023, RSMo 1975, amended 1976, 1997, 2004.