New Public Safety Commissioner Looks Ahead

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Only a week after Gov. Mark Dayton appointed her Commissioner of Public Safety, Ramona Dohman has made the state budget one of her top priorities.

"I will look at the budget and best advise the governor on where we need to be in public safety so that we can provide the best quality service," Dohman said. "And allow people in the state of Minnesota to travel about in the safest manner possible."

Dohman, one the first women to head the Department of Public Safety, said she has spoken with Dayton about what his priorities are for public safety.

"We will be looking to make sure that the budget is appropriate in being able to provide service that the citizens in Minnesota have come to appreciate with past governors and commissioners," she said.

Dohman said in the 30 years she has been in law enforcement she has seen a lot of change, but one thing in particular really stood out.

"The biggest change is, we now more than ever work more closely with the citizens in our communities and counties," she said. "People have taken a lot of ownership in their local police departments and sheriff's offices."

According to Dohman, developing private partnerships and community partnerships has been rewarding and fun.

Dohman heads to Washington D.C. on Monday to work with the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration on a template for high visibility enforcements for local agencies around the country.

Courtney King, Producer

WCCO's John Hines Interviews Ramona Dohman