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MN Department of Public Safety unveils website improvements
The Department of Public Safety says the new site is more mobile-friendly, and features additional features and content to improve the experience of Minnesotans.
ST PAUL, Minn. — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) impacts the lives of all state residents, as an umbrella for 12 agencies that handle duties from dealing with vehicle titles and tabs to alcohol and gambling enforcement.
DPS is also the parent department of the Minnesota State Patrol, which enforces laws on our freeways and highways.
With all those agencies, the DPS website is heavily used and accessed by Minnesotans for services and information that impacts their lives, and those users had not seen a major site update since 2011.
On Thursday that changed, with the unveiling of a new and improved DPS website, redesigned to provide easier access to the most popular DPS tasks and services, improved search capabilities and a clearer path to needed information. The upgrade also features a clean design that is more mobile-friendly.
“A modern, accessible website is more than just a convenience — it’s a critical tool for ensuring public safety. By making information easy to find and understand, we empower Minnesotans to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities,” said DPS Deputy Commissioner Cassandra O’Hern. “Our new website reflects our commitment accessibility and delivering the highest level of service to all.”
While state residents can still renew their driver’s license and buy vehicle tabs, access crash reports, view crime stats or request a background check online, there are also new services offered on the new site. Among them:
- Information on the Missing and Murdered Black Women and Girls Office
- Information on how to connect with the Community Affairs team
- Tribal relations information
- Information on the Office of State Safety Oversight
- A more robust newsroom
- Enhanced accessibility for documents
Deputy Commissioner O’Hern says while the new website is more convenient, the upgrade was also critical to ensuring the public safety of all Minnesotans.
“By making information easy to find and understand, we empower Minnesotans to take proactive steps to protect themselves and their communities,” said O’Hern in a news release announcing the website upgrade. “Our new website reflects our commitment to accessibility and delivering the highest level of service to all.”
Click here to check out the new DPS website and all its features.
The off-duty officer crashed into a vacant building at 3rd Street E and Maple Street on August 1, authorities said.
ST PAUL, Minn — A St. Paul Police officer is charged with driving while intoxicated after a crash this summer into a building that caught fire.
The crash happened around midnight on Aug. 1 at the corner of 3rd Street E and Maple Street, officials said. That’s in the Dayton’s Bluff neighborhood.
The driver, Bryan McKinnon, is a St. Paul Police Officer who was not on duty at the time. When responding officers arrived at the crash, Minnesota State Patrol was requested to take over the DWI investigation to avoid a conflict of interest, charging documents state.
When a trooper asked McKinnon what happened before the crash, charging documents allege McKinnon said he lost control of the vehicle. When asked if he had anything to drink before driving, he said he had two beers. The criminal complaint states McKinnon did not want to do a breathalyzer test, but a warrant was signed for a blood draw, which showed he had a blood alcohol limit of .178.
“This incident is deeply concerning and does not reflect or align with the values of our department or the expectations we have of each other or the people we serve,” said St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry in August. “We are cooperating with the Minnesota State Patrol’s investigation and are following our internal policies and procedures.”
According to the criminal complaint the Minneapolis City Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case on a conflicts basis.
The trees were planted by local high school students over MEA break.
ST PAUL, Minn. — St. Paul officials are working to determine who is responsible for the damage and destruction of dozens of trees in the city.
According to St. Paul Parks and Recreation, 60 trees were harmed, including several that were thrown into the Mississippi River.
The trees were planted by local high school students in partnership with the nonprofit Tree Trust over MEA break, said the city organization.
St. Paul Parks and Rec believes the damage occurred overnight and caused nearly $40,000 of damage.
“While we are disappointed in this act and the negative impact it has on the neighboring community and our urban forest, we are working closely with Tree Trust to determine next steps for replacing the damaged trees,” said the statement.
This year’s 5k at U.S. Bank Stadium is set for Sunday, Nov. 24.
MINNEAPOLIS — Did you know nearly 300,000 kids and teens live with arthritis in the U.S.?
An annual event in the Twin Cities raises awareness and money for children with arthritis.
This year’s 5k Jingle Bell Run at U.S. Bank Stadium is set for Sunday, Nov. 24.
Arthritis Foundation honorees, Calvin Gerber and Rod Van Hoof joined KARE 11 News at 4 to discuss the upcoming event.
