OWENSVILLE — In preparation of the Owensville Police Department (OPD) applying for Missouri’s Blue Shield Program, the Board of Aldermen passed resolution 2026-5 Monday, May 4, to demonstrate the city’s commitment to public safety.

Governor Mike Kehoe announced in March 2025 that local governments could apply for the Missouri Blue Shield designation as part of Executive Order 25-03. The order was part of Kehoe’s Safer Missouri initiative that was announced on his first day in office and the designation allows communities to access state grants for law enforcement training and equipment.

“Improving public safety is the top priority of our administration, and Missouri communities that are making public safety and support of law enforcement a priority should be recognized,” Kehoe said when he announced the initiative. “We urge Missouri communities to apply for the Blue Shield designation to spread the word about the safer communities they’re building. We will continue to work with the General Assembly to make $10 million in grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment available to Blue Shield communities.”

The program, administered by the Missouri Department of Public Safety, holds several eligibility criteria including passage of a resolution demonstrating a commitment to public safety, including reducing violent crime; extraordinary investments in public safety funding; community policing initiatives or local partnerships to invest in and/or improve public safety; a law enforcement officer recruitment and retention program; demonstrated effectiveness in reducing crime or innovative programs that reduce crime; participation in regional anti-crime task forces or a commitment to be a willing partner with the same in the future; and compliance with Missouri crime reporting and traffic stop data requirements and other related statutes.

Applications for the designation are being accepted through June 1 and then once applications are approved, cities can apply for the related Missouri Blue Shield Grant Program beginning Aug. 1.

Last year, each approved law enforcement agency received $50,000 for the purchase of equipment, training, or technology.

OPD Chief Scott Griffith advised The Republican that this year’s amount is not known and will be determined once the pool of approved applications is known.

Griffith shared that he believes his department meets or exceeds the requirements and has made great strides in improving Owensville’s safety through reduction of violent crime and increased traffic stops.

According to Griffith, the proactive nature of OPD helps in these areas such as the partnerships with the Gasconade County R-2 School District and Gasconade County Fair, along with the Crisis Intervention Team, Chamber of Commerce and others.

If awarded a grant, he seeks to utilize the funds for already planned budget items by bringing those items forward, such as installation of car cameras and other needed equipment upgrades being available sooner.

Griffith has been vocal about his intention of continuing to build relationships and actively participating in community events throughout his tenure, as highlighted through the above partnerships as well as community-focused activities such as the Shop with a Hero program, annual Easter Egg Hunt and more.

The motion to approve the resolution was made by Ward 1 Alderman Dan Breeden, seconded by Ward 2 Alderman Matthew Kramme and passed with all in favor.