KC Reporter

Nearly $10 million in state grants have been awarded to Missouri communities designated as Blue Shield communities, according to an announcement from Governor Mike Kehoe. The funding is intended to support public safety initiatives across the state.

A total of 201 jurisdictions—including 60 counties, 137 cities, and four towns—qualified for the Governor’s Blue Shield designation by creating comprehensive plans to address crime and improve community safety. These communities became eligible for up to $50,000 each in grants for training, equipment, and technology after meeting the program's requirements by June 1, 2025.

“We had high expectations when we announced the Blue Shield Program on our first day in office, but the work Missouri communities have put into fighting crime and supporting law enforcement has been tremendous,” said Governor Kehoe. “The communities earning Blue Shield grants are proving the value of this program by utilizing the state funds to purchase equipment that will identify and help capture criminals and protect officers as they patrol Missouri’s streets.”

Blue Shield grant awards include a range of equipment such as mobile data terminals, body cameras, license plate readers, ballistic vests, interoperable radios, and vehicles. Specifically distributed were 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers, 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios, and 56 vehicles.

Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Mark James commented on how these resources will aid local law enforcement efforts: “The Blue Shield communities are investing the state grants they are receiving in ballistic vests, body cameras, license plate readers, radios, dash cameras, patrol vehicles, UTVs and other equipment that will make a real difference to crime fighting every day. I also appreciate all the assistance our DPS Grants team provided to the Blue Shield community applicants to get the money flowing quickly to support the fine work of our local law enforcement partners.”

Grant notifications were sent out this week via email from DPS. The Blue Shield Program is part of Executive Order 25-03 under Governor Kehoe’s Safer Missouri initiative. Funding was included in Missouri’s FY 2026 budget following approval by both the governor and General Assembly.

To be eligible for Blue Shield designation—and subsequent grant opportunities—communities must pass resolutions demonstrating commitments to public safety; make significant investments in related funding; implement community policing or partnerships; create officer recruitment or retention programs; show effectiveness or innovation in reducing crime; participate (or commit to participating) in regional anti-crime task forces; and comply with reporting requirements set by Missouri statutes.

Communities must submit annual reports on their ongoing efforts as part of maintaining their designation. Additional application opportunities for future grant cycles are planned for 2026.