Department of Public Safety

Bob Jacobson was appointed ​the 15th commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Public Safety by Gov. Tim Walz in January 2023. Prior to his appointment, Jacobson served as the interim deputy assistant commissioner in the Department of Human Services.

Previously, he served for more than 33 years in active law enforcement including 16 years as the director of public safety/chief of police for the City of New Brighton where he led their police, fire and emergency operations. He also served as interim police chief for the City of Stillwater during a leadership transition.

Jacobson also served as the interim inspector general for the Department of Human Services. He served as the professional development director for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police Association, coordinating and implementing statewide and regional training and con​ferences for the Association.

Jacobson has a B.A. from Bethel University in Organizational Leadership and attended the Senior Management Institute for Police conducted by the Police Executive Research Forum.​

Bob came highly recommended to the club by my step-dad, Harlan Johnson, who served as Executive Director for the Minnesota Chiefs of Police for many years.