Carson City— Governor Jim Gibbons today announced that Jerry Hafen has been appointed to serve as the Director of the Department of Public Safety.  Hafen, a life-long resident of Clark County, is currently Deputy Chief of the Investigation Division.  He is replacing Phil Galeoto.

“Jerry Hafen brings 32 years of law enforcement experience to the job and will be able to immediately take on the challenges of leading this diverse and essential Department,” stated Governor Gibbons.  “I am sure that he will serve our citizens well in this role.”

The Department of Public Safety is comprised of several divisions, including the Nevada Highway Patrol, Investigation Division, Division of Parole and Probation, Capital Police, Office of Emergency Management, State Fire Marshals Office, Office of Criminal Justice Assistance and Parole Board. 

“I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as Director of this Department, and I am ready to face the many challenges that await me,” Hafen stated. “The Governor and I share a vision about how to make this Department operate more effectively to meet the safety needs of Nevadans, and I am looking forward to working with him.”

Hafen began his diverse law enforcement career as a patrol officer in 1975 and has served as an Investigator for the State Taxicab Authority, a State Gaming Enforcement Agent and a Senior Investigator for the Department of Motor Vehicles and Public Safety Bureau of Enforcement. 

In 1995, Hafen moved to the Department of Public Safety’s Investigation Division as a criminal investigator.  During Hafen’s tenure with the Department, he has worked on investigations of criminal related activity pertaining to homicide, auto theft, narcotics enforcement, theft and fraud, sexual assault, organized crime, political corruption and internal affairs.   Since 2003, Hafen has supervised and administered operations for the Division’s statewide Narcotics and Major Crimes Units.    

“I value the relationships I have developed with the sheriffs and chiefs throughout the state, as well as with the heads of federal law enforcement agencies, and I will continue to nurture those relationships as Director,” Hafen stated. 

Hafen indicated that top priorities of his administration will be disrupting the flow of illegal drugs into our communities and preparing to respond appropriately to homeland security and emergency management issues.