Canton's Department of Public Safety consists of both Fire and Police Divisions. The Canton Police and Fire Departments are fully staffed and operate separately in most respects. However, certain areas such as administration, communications, and records are nominally consolidated. This method of operation allows for an efficient coordination of public safety services and helps ensure cost-effectiveness.

As an integral part of Canton government, the Department of Public Safety is committed to providing services that contribute to the quality of life within Canton. The department is recognized within the police and fire communities for its innovative and progressive philosophy of operation and leadership.

The Department of Public Safety is located at the intersection of Canton Center Road and Heritage Park Drive adjacent to Canton's administration building. The headquarters facility houses the department's police operations, administrative offices, communications center, and records bureau. The Fire Department has three stations including a headquarters (#1) at Canton Center Road and Heritage Drive, a sub-station (#2) on Warren Road west of Haggerty Road, and a sub-station (#3) on Denton Road, north of Cherry Hill Road.