Welcome

With close to 8,000 employees, the Kentucky Justice and Public Safety Cabinet (JPSC) is the second largest agency in state government.

It is the state entity responsible for criminal justice services, which encompasses law enforcement activities and training; prevention, education and treatment of substance abuse; juvenile treatment and detention; adult incarceration; autopsies, death certifications and toxicology analyses; special investigations; paroling of eligible convicted felons; and long range planning and recommendations on statewide criminal justice reform issues.

As a national leader in criminal justice, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet's vision is to continuously improve public safety and the quality of life.

"Protecting you through public service... Making your future safer and healthier"

In March 2008, Governor Beshear directed Secretary J. Michael Brown to conduct a comprehensive review of Kentucky’s criminal justice system, particularly as it relates to the prison population, and report back to him by December 1st his recommendations for reform.

Working through the auspices of the Kentucky Criminal Justice Council, Secretary Brown established committees to look at various issues facing our system, including sentencing guidelines; substance abuse policies and laws; and penal code reform. 

To view the full report, click here.

KSP graduates 34 new troopers
The Kentucky State Police Academy presented diplomas to 34 new troopers at ceremonies held June 12 in Frankfort. Their addition to the force brings the agency’s strength to a total of 928 troopers serving the citizens of the Commonwealth.

Significant laws relating to Kentucky's criminal justice system were passed by the 2008 General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. Steve Beshear, including initiatives to curb the rising costs of incarceration and improve the safety of law enforcement officers. 

• Justice Cabinet announces Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities funds available to Champions Community Coalitions
  Wednesday, May 06, 2009
  Justice and Public Safety Secretary J. Michael Brown today announced that funding is available for anti-drug and anti-violence coalitions within the network of Champions for a Drug Free Kentucky. Applications for the funding, which is received through the federal Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities program, are due by June 12, 2009.
• Justice Cabinet announces Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) funds available to communities
  Wednesday, May 06, 2009
  Justice and Public Safety Secretary J. Michael Brown announced that funding is available through the Cabinet for programs that offer direct services to victims of violent crime. Applications for the funding, which is received through the federal Victims of Crime Act (VOCA), are due by June 12, 2009.
• Justice Cabinet Accepting Applications for Justice Assistance Grants and Law Enforcement Service Fee Grants
  Wednesday, March 04, 2009
  The Justice and Public Safety Cabinet is now accepting applications for the annual Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) and Law Enforcement Service Fee (LSF) grant program solicitations.