Missouri DPS offers grants for 'Blue Shield' communities | The Locally Times
Fifteen communities are the first to earn 2026 Blue Shield status, making them eligible for state law enforcement grants, with $10 million proposed in the FY27 budget.
The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) has designated 15 communities as 2026 Missouri Blue Shield communities, making them eligible for state grants aimed at boosting law enforcement equipment and training. This marks the second year of the program, which provides funding pending approval by the General Assembly. The designation recognizes communities that demonstrate a commitment to enhancing public safety, strengthening support for law enforcement, and building sustainable public safety partnerships. ## First 2026 Blue Shield Designations The first 15 communities to receive the 2026 Blue Shield designation include the cities of Arnold, Ballwin, Dexter, Gerald, Ironton, Maryland Heights, Moberly, Odessa, Peculiar, Sikeston, and Washburn. Additionally, Johnson, Maries, Marion, and Oregon counties have also earned the designation. The Department of Public Safety's February 20, 2026, news release states that each of these 15 jurisdictions also held the Blue Shield designation in 2025. The news release indicates that additional communities will be announced weekly on the Department of Public Safety's Facebook page. The specific criteria for demonstrating commitment to public safety, strengthening law enforcement support, and building partnerships are not detailed in the available records. ## Funding for Law Enforcement Enhancements Governor Mike Kehoe's Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes a proposal for $10 million in grants for the Blue Shield program. This funding is pending approval by the General Assembly. In 2025, the program saw 201 Missouri communities achieve the Blue Shield designation, with each becoming eligible for $50,000 grants for law enforcement equipment and training. The state grants in 2025 funded various types of equipment, including 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers, 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios, and 56 vehicles. The specific amount of grant funding each of the 2026 designated communities will receive has not been specified. ## Application Process and Upcoming Deadlines The Department of Public Safety administers the Blue Shield Program. Jurisdictions seeking the Blue Shield designation must submit applications online through an official from the jurisdiction, in coordination with the jurisdiction’s chief law enforcement officer. The news release encourages communities to apply early. If the General Assembly approves grant funding, the department is scheduled to begin accepting grant applications in July 2026, coinciding with the availability of FY 2027 funding. The news release lists a contact person for questions regarding the application process. ## Key Questions **Which communities have received the 2026 Blue Shield designation so far?** The first 15 communities designated for 2026 are Arnold, Ballwin, Dexter, Gerald, Ironton, Maryland Heights, Moberly, Odessa, Peculiar, Sikeston, Washburn, and Johnson, Maries, Marion, and Oregon counties. **What kind of funding is proposed for these communities?** Governor Mike Kehoe's Fiscal Year 2027 budget includes $10 million for these grants, which are intended for law enforcement equipment and training, pending General Assembly approval. **When can communities apply for the grants?** If grant funding receives General Assembly approval, the Department of Public Safety plans to begin accepting grant applications in July 2026, when Fiscal Year 2027 funding becomes available.