(Jefferson City, MO) — The Missouri Department of Public Safety has announced the first round of “Blue Shield” law enforcement grants for 2026. DPS Spokesman Mike O’Connell says the first 15 Shield communities announced this year, can use the $50-thousand dollar grant for equipment and/or for training. He says the 200 grants awarded last year to cities and counties paid for data terminals, body cameras, license plate readers, ballistic vests and vehicles.
The first communities recognized as Blue Shield communities for 2026 include: Arnold, Ballwin, Dexter, Gerald, Ironton, Maryland Heights, Moberly, Odessa, Peculiar, Sikeston, and Washburn. The counties of Johnson, Maries, Marion, and Oregon are also on the list. The $10 (M) million program is funded by the Legislature and is included in Governor Mike Kehoe’s Fiscal 2027 budget as well.