Minnesota Commission of Public Safety

The Minnesota Commission of Public Safety was established by the legislature in April of 1917 (Laws 1917 c261), shortly after the United States entered World War I. The seven-member commission (governor, attorney general, and five persons appointed by the governor) was given broad powers to ensure the protection of persons and property, the defense of the state and the nation, and the application of the state's resources to "successful prosecution" of the war.

During its short life (most of its orders were rescinded in February, 1919) the commission was very active. Committees and subcommittees were formed to deal with food and fuel conservation and regulation, marketing of crops, labor relations and employment, and Americanization. The Commission ordered the establishment of the Home Guard of Minnesota, with its auxiliary; the Minnesota Motor Corps Division; and a corps of emergency local peace officers. Mechanism was provided for the establishment of county and local public safety commissions with directors and secretaries appointed by the state commission. Existing state agencies cooperated with the commission in many activities.

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