KC Reporter

Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced that communities in Missouri can now apply for the Missouri Blue Shield designation. This initiative recognizes local efforts to enhance public safety, support law enforcement, and foster sustainable partnerships.

The Blue Shield Program is part of the Safer Missouri initiative introduced by Governor Kehoe through Executive Order 25-03. Communities achieving this designation will have access to state grants for law enforcement training and equipment.

"Improving public safety is the top priority of our administration, and Missouri communities that are making public safety and support of law enforcement a priority should be recognized," said Governor Kehoe. He further urged communities to apply for the designation to highlight their commitment to safer environments. The administration plans to collaborate with the General Assembly to secure $10 million in grant funding for these purposes.

The program is administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). Applications must be submitted online by officials from jurisdictions seeking the designation, in coordination with their chief law enforcement officer. DPS will begin reviewing applications within two weeks of submission. If approved by the General Assembly, grant applications will be accepted starting July when fiscal year 2026 funding becomes available. Inquiries about the application process can be directed to Courtney Kawelaske at her DPS email address.

Eligibility criteria for Blue Shield designation include passing a resolution on public safety commitment, extraordinary investments in public safety funding, community policing initiatives, recruitment and retention programs for law enforcement officers, demonstrated crime reduction effectiveness or innovative programs aimed at crime reduction, participation or willingness to participate in regional anti-crime task forces, and compliance with state crime reporting requirements.

Communities must maintain their commitments annually through reports on their ongoing efforts to retain their Blue Shield status. Approved governments will receive a toolkit to promote their dedication to public safety.