Our Administration

Jess L. Anderson
Commissioner

Jess L. Anderson assumed the role of Commissioner of Public Safety in August 2018, overseeing all divisions and special units of DPS. With over 22 years at DPS, Commissioner Anderson holds a Master’s in Criminal Justice from Weber State University and completed his undergraduate studies at Ashford University in Criminal and Social Justice.

He is also a graduate of the FBI National Academy, FBI Command College, Northwestern Police Staff and Command, and IACP Leadership in Police Organizations.

He also serves as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor, co-chairing the Cyber-Security Task Force.

Jess L. Anderson was appointed by Governor Gary R. Herbert to serve in his cabinet as Utah’s Commissioner of Public Safety in August 2018, and re-appointed by Governor Spencer J. Cox in January 2021. Commissioner Anderson is responsible for the Utah Department of Public Safety (DPS), which consists of 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. Utah DPS provides statewide public safety services and oversees more than 1,600 employees, of which over 600 are sworn state law enforcement officers.

Anderson served as the Incident Commander of the COVID-19 Pandemic Unified Command for the State of Utah. He continues to serve as the Governor’s Homeland Security Advisor. He has extensive experience in state and local law enforcement and public safety services, including more than 23 years at the Department of Public Safety. Commissioner Anderson has served in various capacities within the Utah Highway Patrol, including patrol, bicycle squad, motor squad, Special Emergency Response Team, DUI squad, and as a member of the governor's Executive Protection team. He has been promoted through several ranks of DPS during his career and has served in key administrative positions.

Anderson is a graduate of Weber State University, holding a Masters degree in Criminal Justice. His undergraduate work was completed at Ashford University, where he also studied Criminal and Social Justice. Anderson is a graduate of the FBI National Academy, FBI Command College, Northwestern Police Staff and Command, and IACP Leadership in Police Organizations. He served on the Executive Board of the National Governor’s Security Association from 2009-2016, including his time as President.

Anderson is a native Utahn where he and his wife along with their five children still love the quiet, safe, quality of life that Utah offers.

Deputy Commissioner poses in front of a flag.

Michael Rapich
Deputy Commissioner

Colonel Rapich has served the Department of Public Safety for over 30 years. He oversees the Utah Highway Patrol, Division of Emergency Management, and the Public Safety Communications Bureau. Colonel Rapich has over 18 years of leadership experience and is a graduate of Brigham Young University with a Master of Public Administration, as well as a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Columbia College.

Utah Department of Public Safety Commissioner Keith D. Squires appointed Major Michael Rapich to Colonel of the Utah Highway Patrol (UHP). Colonel Rapich brings 24 years of law enforcement experience to his position, including more than 17 years in a supervisory capacity. Rapich recently completed his Masters in Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University.

A native of Green River, Utah Rapich graduated from Green River High School. He then enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard where he served as a motor lifeboat Coxswain. After serving in the Coast Guard, Rapich received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Columbia College.

Colonel Rapich has progressed up through the ranks of the Patrol, and has been stationed throughout Utah, including rural and urban communities. He was one of the first members of the UHP DUI squad when it was originally established in 1994. Prior to serving a six year term as Major of the Highway Patrol, Rapich was the Bureau Commander of the State Bureau of Investigations.

In 2010, Colonel Rapich graduated from the FBI’s National Academy. He is also graduate of the Northwestern School of Staff and Command. Rapich served as Deputy Commander for the Homeland Security Task Force during the 2002 Winter Olympics.

Colonel Rapich comes from a family line of patrol men. His father dedicated 32 years to the Highway Patrol before retiring as a Captain. Rapich represents the Commissioner on the board for the Utah Communications Authority and the Operation Lifesaver Board.

Rapich lives in Tooele County with his wife and two sons.

Jimmy Higgs
Deputy Commissioner

With more than 25 years of public safety experience, Jimmy Higgs has served in various capacities, including Utah Highway Patrol Trooper, Executive Protection Detail, and Executive Officer to the Commissioner. He was appointed Deputy Commissioner in October 2018 to oversee the State Bureau of Investigation, State Crime Lab, and Statewide Information and Analysis Center.

Beau Mason
Deputy Commissioner

Beau Mason has served in DPS for over 20 years. In 2023, he was appointed as Deputy Commissioner to oversee the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services, Grants, and the Division of State Security. He holds a Master’s in Leadership from Grand Canyon University, a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from SUU, and is working on a Master’s in Public Safety from the University of Virginia. Beau is a graduate of the 290th Session of the FBINA as well as the Northwestern’s School of Police Staff and Command.

DPS Vision statement with image of the capitol behind it.

Our Administration

Jess L. Anderson Commissioner

Michael Rapich Deputy Commissioner

Jimmy Higgs Deputy Commissioner

Beau Mason Deputy Commissioner

Jess L. Anderson
Commissioner

Michael Rapich
Deputy Commissioner

Jimmy Higgs
Deputy Commissioner

Beau Mason
Deputy Commissioner