MOUNTAIN, VIEW, MISSOURI- Friday, Mountain View Police Department received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that we have 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 our 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 Mountain View, 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.”
“As Chief of Police for the City of Mountain View, I am proud that our community has earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation. This recognition shows our department’s ongoing commitment to proactive policing, reducing crime, and working alongside our citizens to ensure Mountain View is a safe and great place to call home.” Stetson Schwien.
Eligibility and Program Details: 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.
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Participation Incentives: 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. A map of 2025 Blue Shield communities is available here.
Mountain View earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. The City of Mountain View earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation through its continued commitment to proactive law enforcement, officer training, and community engagement. The Mountain View Police Department has prioritized proactive patrol strategies, ongoing officer development, and team building.
Additionally, the department has strengthened partnerships with community members, schools, and local organizations to address concerns, reduce crime, and improve quality of life. These combined efforts demonstrate Mountain View’s dedication to maintaining a safe and secure environment for all residents. This designation affirms Mountain View Police Department’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.
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