From the Communications Office of Governor Mike Kehoe





Kehoe-logo-full_color [ [link removed] ]

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

 

*February 4, 2026*

Governor Kehoe Announces Opportunity for More Missouri Communities to Earn Blue Shield Designation

"Over 200 communities received Blue Shield designations and grants of $50,000 in 2025 for their dedication to effective law enforcement and community safety"

 

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*JEFFERSON CITY *– Today, Governor Mike Kehoe announced Missouri counties, towns, and cities can now apply to be recognized as Blue Shield communities in 2026 for their dedication to effective law enforcement and community safety.

 

In 2025, 201 communities earned the Blue Shield designation and were later awarded state grants of $50,000 each for the purchase of law enforcement equipment and/or training. A map of Missouri Blue Shield communities and a list of these jurisdictions is available here [ [link removed] ]. Equipment the state grants funded in 2025 included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers, 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios, and 56 vehicles.

 

“Last year’s success of the Blue Shield program demonstrated what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,”* Governor Kehoe* said. “We are building on that commitment by expanding the program and giving more towns, cities, and counties the opportunity to earn a Blue Shield designation. This program is about accountability, partnership, and building on the foundation of a safer Missouri.”

 

The Blue Shield Program, as outlined in Executive Order 25-03 [ [link removed] ], is part of the Governor’s Safer Missouri [ [link removed] ] initiative announced on his first day in office. Governor Kehoe’s proposed Fiscal Year 2027 budget, announced on January 13, 2026, includes $10 million in grant funding for 2026 Blue Shield communities to invest in law enforcement equipment and training.

 

The Missouri Department of Public Safety administers 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 are made online, and all supporting materials can be uploaded here [ [link removed] ].*

Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 will use the same website to apply to renew their Blue Shield status for 2026.

 

DPS plans to review applications and begin making determinations on Blue Shield designations for counties, cities, and towns within two weeks. DPS encourages communities to apply early, because if the General Assembly approves funding for the grant program, DPS will begin accepting grant applications in July, at the start of FY 2027, when the funding becomes available. Questions about the application process can be emailed to [email protected].

 

Blue Shield designation eligibility criteria includes:


* Passing 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 have to maintain their commitments each year to retain the Blue Shield designation. 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. This toolkit will include access to digital graphics and a draft press release that can be used by the community to highlight their participation in the program.

 

“Blue Shield designation gives communities a clear path to invest in public safety and strengthen their support for local law enforcement officers,” continued *Governor Kehoe*. “We look forward to working with the General Assembly to invest another $10 million in the program this year.”

 

Blue Shield Year 2 Apply Now.jpg [ [link removed] ]

 

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Governor Mike Kehoe Official Headshot
*About Governor Mike Kehoe*

Mike Kehoe was sworn in as Missouri’s 58th Governor on January 13, 2025. Guided by dedication to public service and a commitment to Missouri families and businesses, Governor Kehoe has made public safety, education, economic development, and agriculture the cornerstones of his administration.



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*Contact: Gabby Picard*

Communications Director

Mobile: 573-536-6566

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov






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This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of: Office of Governor Mike Kehoe · PO Box 720 · Jefferson City, MO 65102 · (573) 751-3222 GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]