The Arizona Department of Public Safety is, as its website claims, a multi-faceted law enforcement agency with a wide variety of duties.
Like every other law enforcement agencies, it is made up of sworn officers, technical staff, and an administrative wing.
While the highway patrol division is the most visible section of AZ DPS, it also has a criminal investigative division with duties to include intelligence, anti-gang programs, and drug trafficking enforcement.
The Department of Public Safety provides axillary support all across the state of Arizona to other law enforcement agencies, sometimes acting as a "catch-all" when needed.
This support, made possible by their dispersion all over the state, is a great benefit to other smaller law enforcement agencies.
AZ DPS traces its roots to the Arizona Rangers, founded in 1901.
The Rangers were the first regional law enforcement agency in the area, providing support to the local sheriffs and enforcing various state laws.
A few years later they were disbanded, shortly after Arizona became a state.
In 1931 the Highway Patrol division was formed as part of the Arizona Highway Department.
With just enough manpower to supply one deputy to each county, their enforcement abilities were appreciated but not particularly widespread.
Over time the Department has grown to over 2,100 employees to include an aviation wing and specialized units for different types of enforcement needs.
The largest section of AZ DPS is still the highway patrol.
The distinctive white and blue patrol cars are a common sight on Arizona highways, especially in the Phoenix metropolitan area.
Officers issue thousands of citations a year for a variety of automobile infractions, with the intention of keeping the roads safer for the motoring public.
The Criminal Investigations Division conducts investigations and performs a wide variety of services around the state.
AZ DPS has a fully functioning special weapons and tactics (SWAT) team which can respond all over the State of Arizona.
Due to the increasing danger along the border with Mexico, the Department of Public Safety has taken on a significant investigatory and training role to help combat illegal drug and human smuggling.
One little known division of the AZ DPS is the Freeway Service.
This service provides water and tools to stranded motorists, and works to clear the road when accidents and collisions happen.
If you are stranded in the hot summer sun in Arizona, you can contact them and they will bring out a fully equipped utility/tow truck and can help repair or move your vehicle off the road.
The Arizona Department of Public Safety has a commitment to assisting the public and has performed admirably during its years of service.
While the Highway Patrolman may not be the most popular person at the party, his actions to protect the community are always appreciated.