Governor Mike Kehoe announced the first 15 Missouri communities to receive the prestigious Missouri Blue Shield designation, recognizing their strong commitment to public safety, effective law enforcement, and building lasting community partnerships.
The Blue Shield Program—established under Executive Order 25-03 as part of Governor Kehoe’s Safer Missouri initiative—aims to support local jurisdictions that prioritize reducing crime, investing in law enforcement, and fostering community trust. The designation also provides access to targeted state grant opportunities, including law enforcement training and equipment, with $10 million in proposed funding currently under consideration by the Missouri General Assembly.
The first 15 Missouri counties, cities, and towns to achieve the Blue Shield designation are:
- Jefferson County
- Arnold
- Warrensburg
- Carter County
- Miller County
- Sedalia
- Kennett
- Branson
- Desloge
- Johnson County
- Cole County
- Grandview
- Vinita Park
- Greenwood
- Town and Country
The Missouri Department of Public Safety administers the Blue Shield Program and is continuing to review additional applications. Communities must meet several eligibility requirements to qualify, including:
- Passing a resolution affirming a commitment to reducing violent crime
- Making extraordinary investments in public safety
- Launching or sustaining community policing initiatives
- Implementing recruitment and retention programs for law enforcement
- Participating in or supporting regional anti-crime task forces
- Demonstrating success or innovation in crime reduction
- Maintaining compliance with state crime reporting laws
Designated communities will be required to submit annual reports to DPS to maintain their status. Upon designation, jurisdictions receive a public relations toolkit to promote their commitment to safety and partnership with law enforcement.
