About ODPS

The Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) remains dedicated to our core mission: safety, service, and protection.
Stopping the Flow of Illegal Drugs
The Ohio Narcotics Intelligence Center (ONIC) provides forensic and intelligence analysis and investigation, case support for drug task forces and law enforcement agencies. Agents also work to identify new drug trends and connections between drug crimes. The ONIC supports task force investigations and other law enforcement agencies with criminal case support, computer forensics, intelligence, trend analysis, dark web investigations, and more.
Keeping Our Roads Safe
The Ohio State Highway Patrol is comprised of 59 posts that serve all of Ohio’s 88 counties. State Troopers make personal contact with more than 1.1 million motorists annually and have a significant impact on millions more through community engagement and educational efforts. In addition to traffic safety services, the Patrol is responsible for the executive security of state government officials, visiting dignitaries, security at state facilities, and criminal investigations. The Patrol also provides assistance to local law enforcement agencies, when requested, to include times of civil unrest.
Creating a National Model to Improve Community and Police Relations
Ohio has worked to improve community-police relations and to find solutions to the tension between community members and the police that serve them. The Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board, a 12-person panel of law enforcement experts and community leaders from across the state, established the first statewide standards for the use of force, including use of deadly force, and agency employee recruitment and hiring, which can help guide Ohio’s law enforcement agencies.
Keeping Ohio Students Safe
The Ohio School Safety Center is responsible for assisting local schools and law enforcement with preventing, preparing for, and responding to threats and acts of violence, including self-harm, through a holistic, solutions-based approach to improving school safety. Its 844-SaferOH tip line allows students and adults to anonymously share information with school and law enforcement officials about threats to student safety. It accepts calls and text messages 24/7.
Providing a Helping Hand in Emergencies
With its forward-leaning emergency response continuum, the Ohio Department of Public Safety is able to support all its partners through its 24/7 year-round watch office at the Ohio Emergency Management Agency.
Improving Customer Convenience
To make services more convenient and innovative, the BMV expanded many of its services online through BMV Online Services and launched a new virtual queuing system for customers.
Ohio is safer and better place to live, work and travel, because of our collective efforts. However, the Department recognizes that its primary responsibility to protect Ohio’s citizens can only be accomplished through a strong commitment and collaboration with public and private sector representatives throughout the state to coordinate programs that maintain the safety and security of Ohio’s citizens and critical infrastructure.