Arizona Department of Public Safety facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Arizona Department of Public Safety |
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Patch of the Arizona DPS
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Arizona DPS badge
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| Common name | Department of Public Safety |
| Abbreviation | AZDPS or DPS |
| Motto | Courteous Vigilance |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | July 1, 1969 |
| Employees | 2,071 (as of 2018) |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Arizona, U.S. |
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| Map of Arizona DPS Jurisdiction | |
| Size | 295,254 square kilometers 113,998 square miles |
| Population | 7,278,717 (2019 est.) |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | 2222 West Encanto Boulevard Phoenix, Arizona 85009 |
| Troopers | 1171 (as of 2018) |
| Civilian members | 900 (as of 2018) |
| Agency executives |
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| Districts | 19 |
The Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) is a state-level law enforcement agency in Arizona. Its main job is to patrol and enforce state laws on Arizona's highways. The AZDPS also provides many other important services to keep people safe across the state. The department's headquarters are in Phoenix.
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History of AZDPS
The Arizona Department of Public Safety was created on July 1, 1969. This happened after new laws were passed in 1968. Arizona Governor Jack Williams officially started the department.
For over 50 years, the department has worked to protect people. It provides state-level law enforcement services. It also works with other agencies that have similar goals.
In 2015, the department started a new look. First, officers were officially called "State Troopers." This name is used by many other highway patrol agencies. Second, the police cars changed from white and blue to silver and black. This was a big change, as the car colors had been the same for 50 years.
The department has five main parts, called divisions:
- Office of the Director
- Highway Patrol
- Criminal Investigations
- Technical Services
- Agency Support
These divisions work together to offer many services. They provide scientific, technical, and operational help to Arizona residents. They also support the state's justice system. One well-known part of the Criminal Investigations Division is "GIITEM." This stands for "Gang and Immigration Intelligence Team Enforcement Mission." GIITEM was formed to help with gang-related issues, mainly in Maricopa County (the Phoenix area). However, they can work anywhere in the state.
In 2011, the Arizona State Capitol Police joined DPS. This group is in charge of patrolling the State Capitol Mall in Phoenix and the Tucson State Complex. Today, Capitol Police still patrol these areas. They are now full DPS officers and use DPS cars, logos, and uniforms. Capitol Police officers wear special patches on their uniforms.
In 2022, a new program started. It assigned commercial enforcement officers from ADOT to the DPS commercial enforcement division.
Vehicles and Equipment
The Arizona DPS uses several types of vehicles. These include the Ford Police Interceptor Utility, Ford Police Interceptor Sedan, Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, and Dodge Charger Pursuit.
Troopers are given a Glock 17 Generation 5 handgun. They also carry rifles like the Colt AR15A2, Colt M16A2, or Colt M4. Shotguns, like the Remington 870, are used for less-lethal situations. SWAT Troopers use special short-barreled rifles.
Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center
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| Agency overview | |
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| Formed | October 2004 |
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| Type | Fusion center |
| Jurisdiction | Arizona |
| Parent agency | Arizona Department of Public Safety |
| Website | http://www.azactic.gov/ |
Since 2004, the AZDPS has run the Arizona Counter Terrorism Information Center (ACTIC). This center works 24/7 with the Arizona Department of Homeland Security, FBI, and other agencies. ACTIC helps share important information to keep Arizona safe.
Agency Support Division
The Agency Support Division helps DPS and other related agencies in the state. Some of its key services include:
- Air Support Bureau
- Human resources
- Facilities management
- Vehicle fleet management
- Other support services
Aviation Bureau
The Aviation Bureau manages DPS aircraft. The most important part of this is the Ranger Air Rescue Program. This program has four bases in Phoenix, Flagstaff, Kingman, and Tucson. The program helps with:
- Search and rescue (SAR)
- Physical rescue (using long lines, hoists, or rappelling)
- Other support, like dropping water from "Bambi Buckets" to fight wildfires
They can also provide medical transport if needed. All helicopters are Bell 407s, with one Bell 429. Each crew has one pilot and one paramedic flight observer.
In 2015, aircraft from the Arizona Dept. of Transportation joined DPS. Now, there are 15 aircraft in total.
OPCOMM
OPCOMM is the Operational Communications Bureau. This is the center where 9-1-1 calls are answered and DPS units are sent out. There are two main dispatch centers: Phoenix and Tucson. A third center in Flagstaff used to cover northern counties but closed in 2020.
OPCOMM dispatches for the entire agency. This includes special task forces like GIITEM, Criminal Investigations, and the Aviation Bureau. About 100 people work there. They answer over 700,000 calls for help each year.
Rank Structure
| Title | Insignia |
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| Director – Colonel |
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| Deputy Director – Lieutenant Colonel |
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| Assistant Director – Lieutenant Colonel |
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| Major |
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| Captain |
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| Sergeant |
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| Trooper | No insignia
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Old Ranks
In 2010, the ranks of lieutenant and commander were changed. They became captain and major. On July 24, 2015, officers officially started being called State Troopers.
Demographics of AZDPS Staff
As of July 2018, here is a look at the people who work for AZDPS (numbers are rounded):
| Sworn Staff | Professional Staff | Overall | |
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| Male | 96% | 47% | 72% |
| Female | 4% | 53% | 27% |
| White | 78% | 77% | 78% |
| African American | 2% | 5% | 3% |
| Hispanic | 18% | 14% | 16% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1% | 4% | 2% |
| Native American | 1% | 1% | 1% |
| Age 40+ | 54% | 70% | 62% |
Fallen Officers
Since the Arizona Department of Public Safety was created, 30 troopers and 4 K9 (police dogs) have died while on duty. The agency and the Arizona Highway Patrol Association remember these fallen officers. They hold a special ceremony every year on the first Monday of May.
