Throughout the state of Colorado, basic public safety services are delivered through local units of government. County sheriffs enforce state laws in Colorado's counties, and local police departments enforce state and local laws within cities. The Colorado Department of Public Safety provides help to sheriffs, police, fire departments, and emergency managers whenever local officials request assistance.
Executive Director Stan Hilkey
Colorado native Stan Hilkey was appointed Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety in June 2014 by Governor John Hickenlooper and was reappointed by Governor Jared Polis in January 2019. In his role as Executive Director of CDPS, he provides leadership to the nearly 2,000 members of the department. CDPS is one of the largest departments in Colorado state government.
Deputy Director Jana Locke
Jana Locke was appointed as Deputy Executive Director of CDPS in January of 2019. Jana has served CDPS since 2010 in multiple roles, including Legislative Liaison, Chief Planning and Communications Officer, and Interim Deputy Executive Director. Prior to joining CDPS, Jana worked as a Senior Management and Budget Analyst in the Governor Ritter’s Office of State Planning and Budgeting (OSPB) from 2007 to 2010.
CBI Director Chris Schaefer
Colorado Bureau of Investigation (CBI) Director Chris Schaefer has been a member of the Colorado Department of Public Safety since 1995. After serving nine years as a trooper with the Colorado State Patrol, Schaefer was hired by the CBI as an agent to serve in the Major Crimes Section of Investigations beginning in 2004.
Colorado State Patrol Chief Matt Packard
Colonel Matthew Packard started his career with the Colorado State Patrol in 2000 where he first worked with the facilities management group prior to starting his training to become a Colorado State Trooper in 2017.
DCJ Director Matt Lunn, Ph.D.
Dr. Matthew M. Lunn was appointed as the director of the Division of Criminal Justice in September 2023. Prior to his appointment, Dr. Lunn was the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Denver Police Department where he focused on public policy, developed short- and long-term strategic goals, drove innovation and evaluation efforts, and maximized organizational efficiency and effectiveness. Prior to his tenure with the Denver Police Department, he worked for the Arapahoe County Coroner's Office and for the Iowa Office of the State Medical Examiner.
DFPC Director Mike Morgan
Mike Morgan began his fire service career in 1986 and has spent 30 years serving his community and the Colorado fire service. Mike believes the Division of Fire Prevention and Control is the “focal point” for Colorado’s fire prevention and suppression efforts, and works to find new and innovative ways to serve its customers.
DHSEM Director Kevin Klein
Kevin R. Klein is the director of the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Governor's designated homeland security advisor, involved in public safety for over 30 years. Klein has a strong background in working with and coordinating efforts among different levels of government and is well versed in the homeland security and emergency management issues facing the nation.