ST. LOUIS: Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe marked his inauguration with decisive action, signing six executive orders as his first official acts in office. These measures, collectively known as the Safer Missouri public safety initiative, aim to bolster law enforcement efforts and enhance public safety across the state.
Governor Kehoe emphasized the importance of supporting law enforcement while addressing the state’s safety concerns. “By standing with the brave officers who protect us every day and implementing strategic, forward-thinking measures, we are working to make Missouri a safer place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Governor Kehoe. “In the coming weeks, months, and years, my administration will be relentless in our pursuit to make Missouri a place where it’s easier to be a cop than a criminal.”
Table of Contents
Executive Orders Enacted by Governor Kehoe
The Governor’s Office outlined the following measures:
Executive Order 25-02: Operation Relentless Pursuit
This order establishes a regional anti-crime effort emphasizing intelligence-led policing and cross-jurisdiction collaboration to apprehend dangerous fugitives. Key components include:
- Assigning full-time Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) investigators to each of the state’s nine troop regions.
- Allocating budgetary funds to support one new deputy sheriff within each MSHP troop, focusing on task force operations targeting criminal activities.
Executive Order 25-03: Blue Shield Program
The Blue Shield Program recognizes local governments for their dedication to effective law enforcement and community safety. Communities awarded the Blue Shield designation will:
- Highlight initiatives that enhance public safety and strengthen community-law enforcement partnerships.
- Gain access to specific state grant opportunities to support law enforcement efforts.
Executive Order 25-04: 287(g) Immigration Designation
This order establishes a partnership with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), enabling state and local law enforcement to assist in enforcing immigration laws. It includes:
- Training designated MSHP troopers in immigration enforcement, focusing on preventing illegal immigration, apprehending offenders, and interdicting drug trafficking activities.
Executive Order 25-05: Immigration Status in Crime Reporting
This directive requires the Department of Public Safety (DPS) and MSHP to include immigration status in the statewide uniform crime data reporting system for individuals charged with crimes in Missouri.
Executive Order 25-06: MSHP Salary Adjustments
DPS is tasked with modifying the MSHP salary schedule, reducing the time required to reach the top salary tier from 15 years to 12 years of service.
Executive Order 25-07: Parole Rules Assessment
This order directs the Department of Corrections and Parole to convene a working group to review and recommend updates to rules governing parole eligibility, hearings, and conditions. The group’s recommendations are due by October 1, 2025. Missouri’s current parole guidelines have remained unchanged since 2017.
Additional Administrative Actions
Governor Kehoe also established a designated staff liaison in his office to act as the primary contact for law enforcement agencies. This liaison will serve as the intermediary between field operations and state resources, ensuring law enforcement officers have the support they need to protect their communities.
Moving Forward
Governor Kehoe’s six executive orders represent a comprehensive approach to public safety in Missouri. From strengthening law enforcement resources to addressing systemic issues in parole and immigration enforcement, these measures aim to create a safer environment for all Missourians. The administration’s commitment to these initiatives underscores a forward-thinking approach to tackling crime and enhancing community safety.