​August is an exciting month for the Department of Public Safety (DPS): We'll be out in the community to get to know the people we serve during National Night Out and the Minnesota State Fair. It's a great opportunity for us to talk to our neighbors and connect them to resources and information.

National Night Out, which takes place Aug. 6 this year, is dedicated to connecting public safety professionals with the community, bringing us together for a family-oriented evening in the park. It's a good place to ask questions and learn more about what we do and how we serve the community each day.

You'll find several of our divisions and core services at Castillo Park, 149 Cesar Chavez St., St. Paul, for our fifth year at National Night Out. The event, which runs 4-8 p.m. on Tuesday, is free and you'll be able to enjoy hamburgers, hot dogs and frozen treats, as well as family friendly activities. The event is organized by neighborhood residents in conjunction with St. Paul Police Department and other community partners.

You'll be able talk to staff from many of our divisions and core service areas, including:

• Community Affairs
• Alcohol and Gambling Enforcement
• Bureau of Criminal Apprehension
• Driver and Vehicle Services
• Human Resources
• Minnesota State Patrol
• Office of Justice Programs
• Office of Traffic Safety
• State Fire Marshal
• Office of Pipeline Safety

We're also excited to connect with you again at the Minnesota State Fair! As you're trying new foods and taking in the sights, be sure to visit us at the Education Building, where our staff will be waiting to connect with you. While you're there, be sure to also check out our Bureau of Criminal Apprehension's booth!

The fair runs Aug. 22 through Labor Day and we'll be there each day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. with fun activities, demonstrations to help you and your loved ones stay safe, and exciting news about current projects we're working on.

If you share our passion for public service, you can also learn more about current open positions and chat with our employees about what it's like to work for DPS. We have a wide variety of opportunities for Minnesotans of all backgrounds to make a difference in the lives of their communities.

We hope to see you there!