About DPS

100 + Years of Experience
Commissioner poses in front of a flag.

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.

Deputy Commissioner poses in front of a flag.

Kristy Rigby
Deputy Commissioner

Kristy Rigby has been with DPS for more than 28 years. During her time at the Highway Safety Office she developed innovative and effective programs to save lives on our roadways. While serving as Director for the Office, she was asked to accept the position of Deputy Commissioner in October 2018 and currently oversees the Highway Safety Office, Driver License Division, and Bureau of Criminal Identification.
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.

Deputy Commissioner poses in front of a flag.

Beau Mason
Deputy Commissioner

Beau Mason has served in DPS for the past 19 years. In 2023, he was appointed Deputy Commissioner to oversee the transition of the Bureau of Emergency Medical Services to DPS, Mental Health Grants, and the State Security Chief program. Beau is a graduate of Grand Canyon University, where he received a Master’s degree in Leadership, and he also received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from SUU.
Deputy Commissioner poses in front of a flag.

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.

DPS Vision statement with image of the capitol behind it.