Governor Mike Kehoe

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*FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*

January 13, 2025

*Governor Kehoe Signs Six Executive Orders, Launches Safer Missouri Initiative*

*JEFFERSON CITY, MO *– Today, as his first official act in office, Governor Mike Kehoe took decisive action to prioritize public safety by signing six executive orders and officially launching his comprehensive "Safer Missouri" public safety initiative. 

Developed in close collaboration with law enforcement partners and representatives across all levels of law enforcement within the state, the "Safer Missouri" plan sets the stage for immediate and impactful action. The measures introduced today represent the first steps in a comprehensive, multi-phase plan that focuses on reducing crime, supporting law enforcement, and fostering community partnerships to achieve lasting change.

Further steps requiring General Assembly action are slated for implementation in the coming weeks, with additional details to be unveiled during Governor Kehoe’s 2025 State of the State address. 

Safer Missouri

"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."

Governor Kehoe was joined by Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety Mark James, and leaders from statewide law enforcement associations, including the Missouri State Fraternal Order of Police, Missouri State Troopers Association, Missouri Police Chiefs Association, and the Missouri Sheriffs Association.

"I applaud Governor Kehoe for taking action less than an hour after being sworn into office," said *Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey*. "Today is a bold move toward restoring law and order, backing Missouri law enforcement as they protect our families, and reaffirming our commitment to obtaining justice for victims."

"Governor Kehoe’s actions reflect his unwavering resolve to enhance safety and security in Missouri," said *Mark James*,* Acting Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety*. "These executive orders will equip law enforcement with much-needed resources and support to effectively address crime."

Exercising his constitutional authority, Governor Kehoe enacted the following measures:

*Executive Order 25-02 *establishes "Operation Relentless Pursuit", a regional anti-crime effort that emphasizes intelligence-led policing and cross-jurisdiction collaboration in order to collectively pursue and apprehend dangerous fugitives. The strategies employed in this enforcement initiative will include:


* The designation of full time Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Division of Drug and Crime Control (DDCC) investigators within each of the nine troop regions; and
* Allocation of budgetary funds to support one new deputy sheriff within each MSHP troop who will be dedicated to task force operations, including targeted operations against criminal activities.

*Executive Order 25-03 *launches the Blue Shield Program to recognize local governments for their dedication to effective law enforcement and community safety. A Blue Shield designation highlights initiatives that enhance public safety, strengthen support for law enforcement and build lasting partnerships with the community. Issuance of the Blue Shield designation enables law enforcement agencies to access specific state grant opportunities.

Blue Shield Program

*Executive Order 25-04* establishes a 287(g) designation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to allow state and local law enforcement to assist in enforcing immigration laws. The executive order directs the Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) designate specific MSHP troopers to undergo immigration enforcement training with an emphasis on preventing illegal immigration, apprehending criminal offenders, and interdicting drug trafficking activities as an integral part of their regular responsibilities within Missouri.

*Executive Order 25-05* charges DPS and MSHP with the collection of immigration status within the statewide uniform crime data reporting system for those charged with crimes in Missouri. 

*Executive Order 25-06 *tasks DPS with modifying the Patrol’s salary schedule by reducing the time of service required to reach the top salary tier from 15 years of service to 12 years of service.

*Executive Order 25-07 *directs the Department of Corrections and Parole to assemble a working group comprised of stakeholders to assess the existing rules with regard to the eligibility of offenders for parole, conduct of parole hearings and the conditions to imposed on paroled offenders. Once the group’s recommendations have been received, the Board will present amended rules to the governor’s office by October 1, 2025. The current rules, as set by Section 217.690.4 RSMo., have not been amended since 2017. By enhancing guidelines and processes through formal rulemaking, Missouri can continue to refine its approach to offender management while reducing criminal relapses.

 

Additionally, in order to enhance communication and strengthen the relationships between law enforcement agencies and the governor's office,  Governor Kehoe also took administrative action to establish a designated staff member in his office as the contact for law enforcement agencies and issues. This liaison will serve as the intermediary between field operations and state resources available to assist in law enforcement efforts.

The executive orders will be posted at this link [ [link removed] ].

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*Contact: Gabby Picard*

Communications Director

Mobile: 573-536-6566

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.governor.mo.gov




* Governor Kehoe Inaugural Address Media Copy .pdf [ [link removed] ]
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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] ]