News from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety

In this issue

• Celebrate Women’s History Month
• Applications open for Minnesota State Patrol’s LETO program
• Now is the time to consider flood insurance
• Force Investigations Unit brings unbiased perspective to complex situations
• Commissioner’s Corner

Celebrating Women's History Month

Women of every race, class, and ethnic background have made historic contributions to the growth and strength of our nation in countless recorded and unrecorded ways. Women have played a unique and vital role throughout history by providing most of the volunteer labor force, with particularly important roles establishing the early charitable, philanthropic and cultural institutions in our nation.

Women hold critical economic, professional, cultural, social and spiritual roles within our families, communities and world. Despite indispensable contributions, the role of women in the history of the United States and the world has not received the recognition it deserves.

Women’s History Month is celebrated throughout March to uplift and safeguard women’s rightful place in our past, present, and future.

The women of DPS share a passion for service and a dedication to everyone in Minnesota. Please join us in recognizing their contributions this Women’s History Month.

Applications open for Minnesota State Patrol's Law Enforcement Training Opportunity program

A Minnesota State Patrol leader salutes a new graduating class.

Are you looking to find purpose in a new career path? Consider applying for the Minnesota State Patrol’s Law Enforcement Training Opportunity (LETO) program.  The Minnesota State Patrol offers the chance to be there for people on their worst days, save lives and make a difference for everyone driving on Minnesota’s roads.

• Career change: The LETO program is for people who want to become troopers but don’t have any law enforcement experience.
• Focus on service: “We are looking for those who want to contribute to the mission of traffic safety and demonstrate the core values of the State Patrol. That’s what it really comes down to,” Minnesota State Patrol Capt. Eric Barthel said.
• Process: Applications opened Wednesday and will remain open through March 31.

Learn more here.

Now is the time to consider flood insurance

Flooding last spring damaged homes and businesses in northern Minnesota.

Minnesota has seen a lot of snow fall this winter and the Twin Cities National Weather Service is predicting above normal flooding after last week’s storm and rain. That's why our Homeland Security and Emergency Management (HSEM) division is asking you to consider applying for flood insurance today.

• What it is: Flood insurance covers your home and the things inside it if it is damaged by water.
• Dangers: Many flooding events in Minnesota are caused by thunderstorms where multiple inches of rain fall in a short period of time, not necessarily only near bodies of water. Flooding causes millions of dollars in damages.
• Recover fully: Even if a flooding disaster in Minnesota reaches the level of a presidential disaster declaration, there is still no guarantee that it will be approved for individual assistance. With flood insurance, you can recover faster and more fully after an emergency.

Learn more here.

Force Investigations Unit brings unbiased perspective to complex situations

BCA agents investigate the use of force by police in Minnesota.

When a law enforcement officer uses force, the aftermath can be chaotic. The Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) created the Force Investigations Unit (FIU) to help communities and law enforcement make sense of what happened. The unit, formed after the murder of George Floyd at the hands of then-Officer Derek Chauvin, is one of the first of its kind in the nation.

• Independent investigations: Local agencies call in the FIU for a fair and unbiased investigation of the incident. By being that independent third party, we can ensure everyone – both in law enforcement and in the community – feels confident in the decisions being made.
• Building trust: ​Agents conduct a thorough investigation and turn over the evidence to the prosecutor without a recommendation. After the case goes through the court system, the evidence is made public.
• FIU agents: To hear from the Force Investigations Unit in their own words, watch this video.

Learn more here.

Commissioner's Corner: A look at DPS history

Logo from 1973

This image from 1973 shows a potential logo for DPS with the outline of a traffic light and letters pulled from our department’s name to make a new word. Can you imagine if we were MinDePuSa instead of DPS?   Commissioner Bob Jacobson