KC Reporter

Governor Mike Kehoe announced that 15 Missouri counties, cities, and towns have earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation. The distinction requires communities to commit to enhancing public safety, supporting law enforcement, and establishing sustainable public safety partnerships.

The Blue Shield Program, established by Executive Order 25-03, is a part of Governor Kehoe’s Safer Missouri initiative that commenced on his first day in office. With this designation, communities can access state grants for law enforcement training and equipment. The governor is collaborating with the General Assembly to secure $10 million in funding for the program.

The inaugural 15 communities to receive the designation are Jefferson County, Arnold, Warrensburg, Carter County, Miller County, Sedalia, Kennett, Branson, Desloge, Johnson County, Cole County, Grandview, Vinita Park, Greenwood, and Town and Country.

Governor Kehoe expressed pride, stating, "We are proud to see Missouri communities committed to supporting our administration's top priority – improving public safety and building strong partnerships between citizens and law enforcement." He added that more applications are under review and encouraged additional communities to apply.

The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) oversees the Blue Shield Program. Interested communities must submit applications through a representative coordinating with the jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer. Applications are to be submitted online.

DPS will review applications and issue designations within two weeks of submission. The department encourages early applications since grant funding applications will begin in July if approved by the General Assembly. Inquiries can be directed to Courtney Kawelaske at Courtney.Kawelaske@dps.mo.gov.

Eligible criteria for the Blue Shield designation include committing to reducing violent crime, investing in public safety, engaging in community policing or partnerships, recruiting and retaining law enforcement officers, and participating in or collaborating with regional anti-crime tasks. Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements is also necessary. Designated areas must annually report on their public safety initiatives to retain their status.

Under the program, approved local governments receive a public relations toolkit to highlight their commitment to public safety.