Safety First newsletter
| Current issue: Jan. 6, 2026 | Subscribe to Safety First today |
DPS: Reflecting on year one of our new website
On a mid-November evening in 2024, after more than a year of planning and collaboration, the rebuilt Department of Public Safety (DPS) website went live.
What followed was the start of an ongoing effort to better serve Minnesotans, employees and partners through our new, digital front door.
Now marking its first year, our website has seen strong engagement. More than 7 million Minnesotans visited our site generating nearly 33 million page views. They searched for information ranging from REAL ID to crime victim resources to tips for driving safely.
Our site also played a key role during crises our state faced over the past year, providing resources after a Minneapolis shooting and sharing urgent information during a statewide manhunt.
Read our Safety Matters blog on how our website continues to improve service to all Minnesotans.
OTS: What impaired driving took from a family
Trish Wehling and family gather at her daughter Jordan’s gravesite every year on her birthday because they can no longer celebrate it together.
On Dec. 28, 2013, Jordan got into a car with an impaired driver. The driver was supposed to be her sober ride — but he wasn’t. The driver survived. Jordan did not.
Wehling speaks out because she doesn’t want anyone else to lose someone to impaired driving. Read Wehling's story on our Safety Matters blog.
Commissioner's Corner: Practice home fire drills
Did you know that more than 80 percent of families have not practiced home fire drills?
You may have as little as two minutes to safely escape your home once the smoke alarm sounds. Working smoke alarms provide valuable seconds needed to escape a burning home. A plan provides the how.
Get tips to help you and your family create a fire escape plan for your home.
Featured social media
Football is exciting –– but getting home safely is the real win.
Minnesota Vikings players Walter Rouse and Joshua Metellus joined Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Mike Lee to share a simple message for this holiday season –– celebrate responsibly, plan ahead and drive safe so everyone makes it home.
About the newsletter
We are here to keep people safe and improve the lives of those who live, work and play in Minnesota.
Part of that is making sure you have all the information you need to make safe decisions for your loved ones.
Safety First brings that information to you every other week along with updates on what we are doing to serve you, the people of Minnesota.