Governor Mike Kehoe announces the launch of the Missouri Blue Shield Program, aimed at recognizing communities that demonstrate a commitment to effective law enforcement practices and community safety initiatives.
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced Missouri counties, cities, and towns can now apply for Missouri Blue Shield designation, recognizing their commitment to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement, and building sustainable public safety partnerships.
The Blue Shield Program, as outlined in Executive Order 25-03, is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouri initiative announced on his first day in office. Achieving the Blue Shield designation allows communities to access 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,” Governor Kehoe said. “We urge Missouri communities to apply for the Blue Shield designation to spread the word about the safer communities they’re building. We will continue to work with the General Assembly to make $10 million in grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment available to Blue Shield communities.”
The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) is administering the Blue Shield Program. Applications should be made by an official from the jurisdictions seeking the Blue Shield designation in coordination with the jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer. Applications and all supporting materials should be submitted online at this link.
DPS will review applications and begin making determinations on Blue Shield designations for counties, cities, and towns within two weeks of application submission. DPS encourages communities to apply early, because if grant funding is approved by the General Assembly, the department will begin accepting grant applications in July, when the fiscal year 2026 funding becomes available. Questions on the application process can be directed to Courtney Kawelaske, Courtney.Kawelaske@dps.mo.gov.
Among the Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria are:
- Passage of a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including to reduce violent crime within the jurisdiction;
- Extraordinary investments in public safety funding;
- Community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety;
- Law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program;
- Demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that attempt to reduce crime;
- Participates in regional anti-crime task forces, or a commitment to be a willing partner with these in the future; and
- Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.
Blue Shield counties, cities, and towns must maintain their commitments each year to retain the Blue Shield designation via annual reporting on their ongoing efforts to support public safety to DPS. Once local governments are approved for a Blue Shield designation, they will receive a public relations toolkit to showcase their community’s commitment to public safety.
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