Jess L. Anderson assumed the role of Commissioner of Public Safety in August 2018, overseeing all divisions and special units of DPS.

Join our host, Senator John Johnson, as he welcomes Jess L Anderson, Utah’s Commissioner of Public Safety.

Jess L. Anderson was appointed as Utah’s Commissioner of Public Safety by Governor Gary R. Herbert in August 2018 and reappointed by Governor Spencer J. Cox in January 2021. As Commissioner, Anderson oversees the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), which includes the Utah Highway Patrol, State Bureau of Investigation, State Crime Lab, Statewide Information and Analysis Center, Bureau of Criminal Identification, State Fire Marshal’s Office, Division of Emergency Management, Emergency Communications Bureau, Peace Officer Standards and Training, Driver License Division, and Highway Safety Division. With more than 1,600 employees, including over 600 sworn state law enforcement officers, the DPS provides comprehensive statewide public safety services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Anderson served as the Incident Commander for Utah’s Pandemic Unified Command and continues to act as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor. He brings over 23 years of experience with the Department of Public Safety and has held various roles within the Utah Highway Patrol, including positions in patrol, bicycle and motor squads, the Special Emergency Response Team, DUI squad, and the governor's Executive Protection team. Anderson has risen through the ranks of DPS, holding key administrative and leadership roles throughout his career.

Anderson holds a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice from Weber State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal and Social Justice from Ashford University. He is also a graduate of prestigious programs such as the FBI National Academy, FBI Command College, Northwestern University Police Staff and Command, and IACP Leadership in Police Organizations. From 2009 to 2016, he served on the Executive Board of the National Governor’s Security Association, including a term as President.

A native of Utah, Anderson cherishes the state's safe and high-quality lifestyle, which he enjoys with his wife and their five children.

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