Lee's Summit Police Receive Blue Shield Designation
On Tuesday, April 29, the Lee’s Summit, Missouri Police Department officially received Missouri Blue Shield designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety. This prestigious honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate a steadfast commitment to enhancing public safety and supporting law enforcement.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program, created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025, recognizes local governments that make significant efforts to reduce crime, foster law enforcement collaboration, and build strong community partnerships for public safety.
“Public safety is the foundation of a thriving community and state. It affects everything from families feeling secure to businesses having the confidence to invest and grow,” said Governor Kehoe. “We designed the Missouri Blue Shield Program to recognize communities that go above and beyond in creating a place where people want to live, work, and build their futures. A Missouri Blue Shield designation is a testament to the hard work and dedication of local governments across Missouri who are leading the way in making public safety a priority.”
“The Department of Public Safety is proud to work alongside communities like the Lee’s Summit Police Department that have shown exceptional dedication to enhancing public safety,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “This program is about fostering collaboration between local law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve. Our goal is to support these efforts, providing resources and guidance to help communities build sustainable, long-term solutions for crime reduction and public safety.”
“The Lee’s Summit Police Department looks forward to working with the state of Missouri to improve the community's safety," said Chief Travis Forbes. We hope to utilize the opportunities provided by Blue Shield to build on our existing foundations for public safety, which include training, equipment and community relationships.”
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 will be reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.
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 2026. 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.