In the United States, a Department of Public Safety is a state or local government agency which often has a broad portfolio of responsibilities, which may include some or all of the following:

• Fire and rescue services: includes fire prevention and suppression, all types of rescue services and HAZMAT response.
• Ambulance and emergency medical services (EMS): usually only provides emergency medical transportation
• Police and security guard licensing services: including crime prevention, suppression and investigation, uniformed patrol and response, and operates the Crimestoppers Program.
• Emergency communications: operates the public interface emergency communications telephone system by providing the 9-1-1 and Enhanced 911 emergency telephone numbers.
• Office of Emergency Services (OES): plans for and operates the Emergency Operations Center during calamities, disasters, special events and emergencies.
• Inspections and code enforcement: usually building safety, which includes construction, electrical et al. and/or vehicle inspections.
• Animal control: This category could also include wildlife officers, game wardens, and dog catchers.
• Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV): includes administration of driver's licenses and license plates.