On January 13, 2025, moments after his inauguration, Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe signed six executive orders aimed at combating crime across the state. These directives underscore his commitment to making Missouri safer, a central theme of his campaign.
Governor Kehoe’s Statement
“Too many Missourians don’t feel safe, and too many Missourians aren’t safe,” Governor Kehoe remarked during the signing ceremony. “My administration will be relentless in our pursuit to make Missouri a place where it’s easier to be a cop than a criminal.”
Details of the Executive Orders
The six executive orders introduced by Governor Kehoe are as follows:
- Operation Relentless Pursuit: Establishes regional teams dedicated to serving outstanding arrest warrants, focusing on apprehending individuals with pending felony charges.
- Blue Shield Community Recognition Program: Introduces a program to acknowledge cities and counties that enhance law enforcement effectiveness through increased budgets and community policing initiatives.
- Federal Immigration Enforcement Training: Directs selected Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to undergo federal immigration enforcement training under the 287(g) program, enabling them to assist in federal immigration matters.
- Immigration Status Reporting: Mandates that law enforcement agencies include the immigration status of arrested individuals in their reports, integrating this data into the statewide reporting system.
- Highway Patrol Salary Advancement: Reduces the time required for Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers to reach the top of their pay grade from 15 years to 12 years, aiming to improve retention and morale.
- Probation and Parole Task Force: Establishes a working group within the Department of Corrections to review probation and parole regulations, focusing on balancing treatment options for non-violent offenders with incarceration for repeat or violent criminals.
Table of Executive Orders
| Executive Order | Description | Implementation Date | Responsible Agency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operation Relentless Pursuit | Establishes regional teams to serve outstanding arrest warrants. | January 13, 2025 | Missouri State Highway Patrol |
| Blue Shield Community Recognition | Recognizes communities enhancing law enforcement effectiveness. | January 13, 2025 | Governor’s Office |
| Federal Immigration Enforcement Training | Trains selected troopers under the 287(g) program. | To Be Announced | Missouri State Highway Patrol |
| Immigration Status Reporting | Requires inclusion of immigration status in arrest reports. | January 13, 2025 | Missouri Department of Public Safety |
| Highway Patrol Salary Advancement | Reduces time for troopers to reach top pay grade from 15 to 12 years. | January 13, 2025 | Missouri State Highway Patrol |
| Probation and Parole Task Force | Reviews probation and parole regulations to address repeat offenders and support rehabilitation. | January 13, 2025 | Missouri Department of Corrections |
Support from Law Enforcement
Attorney General Andrew Bailey, present at the signing, expressed strong support for the governor’s swift actions. “I applaud Governor Kehoe for taking action less than an hour after being sworn into office,” Bailey stated. “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.”
Administrative Actions
In addition to the executive orders, Governor Kehoe appointed a designated staff member to serve as a liaison for law enforcement agencies. This role is intended to enhance communication and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the governor’s office.
Future Plans
Governor Kehoe indicated that these initial actions are the beginning of a comprehensive crime-reduction strategy. He plans to collaborate with lawmakers and will provide further details during his first State of the State address later in January.