Which organization plays a critical role in collecting and disseminating criminal information in Arizona?

The Arizona Department of Public Safety (DPS) plays a critical role in collecting and disseminating criminal information in the state. This agency is responsible for ensuring public safety through various means, including law enforcement, emergency response, criminal investigation, and traffic enforcement. One of the primary functions of the DPS is to maintain and manage criminal justice databases, which include vital information about crime statistics, criminal history, and other law enforcement-related data. This centralization of information allows for effective communication and collaboration among various law enforcement agencies within Arizona, thereby enhancing public safety initiatives and criminal justice processes.

In contrast, the other organizations mentioned have different roles: the Arizona Department of Law Enforcement no longer exists as an independent agency, having been absorbed into other entities; the Arizona Crime Information Bureau primarily focuses on specific crime data and support, rather than being the central body for information dissemination; and Arizona Legal Services is primarily concerned with providing legal assistance rather than collecting and disseminating criminal data.