SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Greene County was officially named as a Blue Shield county on Apr. 17, 2025. The recognition is granted under a state-run program that aims to enhance public safety, strengthen support for law enforcement, and build sustainable public safety partnerships.
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe announced that counties, towns, and cities could apply for the designation in March. One primary benefit includes access to state grants for law enforcement training and equipment.
To be eligible, local governments must have completed the following criteria:
Passage of 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.
Compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.
A total of $10 million in grant funding is available statewide for local governments. The Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS) is administering the Blue Shield Program. Low governments must maintain their commitments each year to retain the designation via annual reporting.
“This funding will help support our staff and ease the burden on local taxpayers,” said Greene County Sheriff Jim Arnott. “We’re honored to serve Greene County and remain committed to providing the highest level of law enforcement possible.”