Leadership
What we do
The commissioner and his leadership team oversee Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) staff, programming and initiatives. The commissioner and the leadership team work with:
- Local, state and federal elected officials and legislators
- Local, state and federal law enforcement and emergency response agencies
- Public, private and non-profit associations representing public safety, law enforcement, emergency response, crime victims, etc.
The commissioner serves as chair of the:
- Statewide Emergency Communications Board
- Homeland Security Senior Advisory Committee
Learn more about our mission, vision and core values by reading our strategic plan.
Commissioner Bob Jacobson
Bob Jacobson was appointed the 15th commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by Gov. Tim Walz in January 2023.
Prior to his appointment, Jacobson served as the interim deputy assistant commissioner in the Department of Human Services.
Previously, he served for more than 33 years in active law enforcement including 16 years as the director of public safety/chief of police for the City of New Brighton where he led their police, fire and emergency management operations. He also served as interim police chief for the City of Stillwater during a leadership transition.
Jacobson also served as the interim inspector general for the Department of Human Services. He served as the professional development director for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, coordinating and implementing statewide and regional training and conferences for the Association.
Jacobson has a B.A. from Bethel University in Organizational Leadership and attended the Senior Management Institute for Police conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum.
Julie Forbord
Julie Forbord is Commissioner Jacobson's executive assistant. Contact Julie to request Commissioner Jacobson at an event or meeting.
Chief of Staff Jordan Haltaufderheid
Jordan Haltaufderheid is the chief of staff for the Department of Public Safety. Haltaufderheid has been with the department since 2018, previously serving as the legislative affairs director, legislative coordinator and agency grants coordinator.
Before joining DPS he worked for the Minnesota Attorney General's Office as a regulatory and financial analyst.
Haltaufderheid earned his Bachelor's Degree from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management double majoring in Public and Nonprofit Management and Entrepreneurial Management.
He also graduated from the State of Minnesota's Emerging Leaders Institute.
Senior leadership team
The commissioner, deputy commissioner, assistant commissioners and chief of staff are supported by the following directors.
The DPS organizational chart lists the staff that report to the commissioner, deputy commissioner and assistant commissioners of the Department of Public Safety.