The St. James Police Department has earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and the community. 

The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengthen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4, 2026. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.

“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor Kehoe said. “After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns, and cities that remain committed to the program.” 

“Strengthening public safety and committing to joint law enforcement community – citizen safety efforts is what the Blue Shield Program is all about and the Department of Public Safety is honored to work with communities like St. James, that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers (LPR), 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles. We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.” 

Chief Ron Jones and Mayor Rick Krawiecki said, “We’re proud to receive the Blue Shield designation, which reflects our department’s ongoing commitment to protecting our community and strengthening public safety partnerships. This recognition underscores the proactive steps we’ve taken to enhance training, invest in modern policing strategies, and collaborate closely with local, state, and federal partners. It also highlights the dedication and professionalism of our officers, who work every day to build trust, prevent crime, and serve with integrity. We are especially grateful for the support of our community, whose engagement and cooperation play a vital role in our success. We remain focused on continuing this important work, building on this achievement, and maintaining the high standards this designation represents.”

Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community’s commitment is reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals. 

Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027, provided the General Assembly approves the funding. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program.  

St. James earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. Through initiatives like officer recruitment, major law enforcement funding, and partnerships with community stakeholders, the community has shown a strong, ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms St. James’ effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work there.