Department of Law and Public Safety (DLPS)

The Department of Law and Public Safety is dedicated to protecting the safety and security of the people of New Jersey. Under the oversight of the Attorney General, the Department performs far-reaching and diverse security and legal duties, providing statewide law enforcement and emergency response services, as well as services and counsel to other state agencies, and instituting legal actions where appropriate to advance the interests of the State and its citizens.

The primary mission of the Department of Law and Public Safety is to ensure and advance the quality of life for the people of New Jersey. In this regard, the Department:

• Protects the safety, security, and quality of life of the people of New Jersey through an integrated and coordinated structure of law enforcement and regulatory agencies;
• Advocates for the State in matters where the rights and interests of the public are at issue; and
• Represents the interests of the State and its agencies in all legal matters.

With 12 divisions and offices, as well as independent commissions and boards, the Department performs such critical tasks as overseeing the criminal justice system, protecting citizens' civil and consumer rights, promoting highway traffic safety, and maintaining public confidence in the casino, combative sports, alcoholic beverage, gaming and racing industries. As head of the Department, the Attorney General serves as the State's chief law enforcement officer and legal adviser, and is responsible for the management and administration of the Department.