Strengthening Public Safety Through Greater Collaboration
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) and its Division of Iowa State Patrol have a main goal to ensure that Iowans and those who travel through our state reach their destinations safely.
In 2022, DPS collectively assisted more than 14,000 stranded motorists and the Iowa State Patrol investigated over 4,300 traffic collisions. For years Motor Vehicle Enforcement Officers of the Department of Transportation have worked side by side with their partners at the Iowa State Patrol to keep Iowans safe. Through alignment, the Motor Vehicle Enforcement Bureau will transition approximately 100 staff consisting of 98 sworn officer positions to DPS. These uniformed officers will serve as Troopers within the Iowa State Patrol.
This transition will continue to strengthen services provided, by bringing all state traffic law enforcement together under the umbrella of DPS. Allowing for greater collaboration on their already shared mission to ensure safe travel and transportation for all.
This will result in several efficiencies, such as streamlined equipment procurement and better resource deployment. Iowans will also benefit from officers with standardized training requirements and a coordinated response to critical incidents, impacting the communities more positively they serve throughout this state. It will enhance our ability to serve Iowans by providing a stronger and more effective law enforcement framework to support of our public safety mission.