Under the authority of KRS 15A, the Department of Justice Administration (DJA), within the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet (JPSC) provides leadership, strategic planning and administrative support for all agencies within the Justice Cabinet. Per KRS 15A.020, the Office of the Secretary provides a variety of administrative, financial, investigative and legal functions that perform key oversight activities for the Department and the Cabinet. The associated offices and branches are outlined below:

Office of the Secretary is headed by the Deputy Secretary, appointed pursuant to KRS 12.050, and is responsible for the direct administrative support for the Secretary.

The Office of Financial Management Services (OFMS) is responsible for all matters relating to budgeting, fiscal function, administrative services and procurement oversight for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. OFMS also includes the Criminal Justice Statistical Analysis Center (CJSAC) as authorized by KRS 15.280. CJSAC is tasked with collecting, analyzing, and reporting data related to criminal justice issues that affect the Commonwealth and its citizens, and is required under KRS 209A.122 to collect and report data specifically related to domestic violence. It also manages federal grant awards, in partnership with JPSC agencies, which are utilized to strategically improve technology and data collection systems within JPSC.

The Office of Legal Services (OLS) is dedicated to providing quality legal services for the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet. As one of the largest cabinets in state government and the cabinet responsible for the Commonwealth's criminal justice services, the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet and its employees face a wide range of legal issues every day. Attorneys in OLS provide legal assistance to JPSC officers, employees, and departments on a myriad of issues, such as employment and administrative law matters, regulatory and statutory interpretation, legislative initiatives, and a wide range of civil legal questions. They also provide representation before administrative bodies and in state and federal court in any matters that involve the JPSC.

The Internal Investigations Branch serves the citizens of the Commonwealth of Kentucky by receiving and investigating certain limited allegations involving abuse of juveniles committed to, or in the custody of, the Department of Juvenile Justice and investigating administrative violations within JPSC as determined by the Cabinet Secretary. Allegations that meet certain criteria are assigned for investigation. Investigations are conducted for administrative purposes and if criminal violations are discovered, the allegation is referred to law enforcement. The duties of the office have expanded to include investigating allegations within JPSC with the exception of the Kentucky State Police and with certain restrictions in the Department of Public Advocacy.

The Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Services (OLIS) oversees the legislative portfolio for JPSC and its agencies, including testimonies and requests for the legislative branch and statutorily required reports. OLIS advises on and coordinates inter-cabinet and intergovernmental relations and interfaces with each branch of government, advocacy groups, and key stakeholders on issues that impact JPSC. Furthermore, OLIS develops, coordinates, and manages criminal justice policy priorities of behalf of the Secretary and the Governor's Office, conducts research and produces materials as needed, and represents JPSC on commissions, committees, and working groups at the state and national level.

The Child Fatality and Near Fatality External Review Panel (the Panel) is an independent, autonomous agency administratively attached to the Cabinet and as created and established by KRS 620.055 for the purpose of conducting comprehensive reviews of child fatalities and near fatalities suspected to be the result of abuse or neglect. The Panel is a 22 member multidisciplinary team of professionals, including representatives from the medical, social services, mental health, legal, and law enforcement communities, as well as others who work with and on behalf of Kentucky's children. The Panel reviews official records and other relevant information received from a variety of sources, including: the Cabinet for Health and Family Services; the Department for Juvenile Justice; and medical records including autopsy reports, law enforcement records, and records held by a Family, Circuit, or District Court. The purpose of these reviews is to become aware of systemic deficits and to make recommendations for improvements to help prevent child fatalities and near fatalities due to abuse or neglect.

The Office of Human Resource Management (OHRM) provides functional oversight and supervision of all human resources activities within the Justice and Public Safety Cabinet.

The Office of Communications is responsible for delivering transparent communications regarding matters pertaining to justice and public safety. This office explores innovative strategies and opportunities to build proactive communications through electronic and print media outlets, social media and public outreach. The office collaborates with JPSC departments and agencies to ensure timely notification to the public as programs and services that have a direct impact on public safety while ensuring proper protocols are followed and direct oversight is given with all essential communication needs.

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