Boone County will not participate in Missouri Blue Shield Designation, despite Columbia and other areas opting in
Nia Hinson
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Several counties and cities within Mid-Missouri, including Columbia, Jefferson City and Cole County have received the Missouri Blue Shield Designation from the Missouri Department of Public Safety.
However, Boone County did not apply for the designation. The deadline to was June 1.
Capt. Brian Leer, with the Boone County Sheriff’s Office told ABC 17 News the county chose not to pursue it at this time, as they’re still looking into it.
The Blue Shield Program was created by Gov. Mike Kehoe on his first day in office, aimed at increasing public safety. Counties and cities who receive the designation are able to apply for grants in July, when the fiscal year begins.
According to Department of Public Safety spokesman Mike O’Connell, every community will be allowed to apply for the same amount of grant funds.
“The grant notice of funding opportunity will go out in July. Agencies will then be reimbursed for their expenditures,” O’Connell wrote via email to ABC 17 News.
According to O’Connell, some of the eligible equipment that law enforcement can apply for includes:
Radio equipment;
Personal protective equipment;
Body worn cameras;
Gunshot detection technology; and
Training.
O’Connell said cities and counties cannot apply for ammunition/weapons, construction, drones, lobbying or military type equipment.
Those who apply have to meet several requirements in order to be eligible, including demonstrating a commitment to public safety, making investments in public safety and having a police officer recruitment-and-retention program.
Cities and counties also have to demonstrate efforts to reduce crime, including creating programs to help do so.
According to documents obtained by ABC 17 News through a records request, the Columbia Police Department’s goals over the next five years includes establishing a “Real Time Crime Center.”
CPD also wants a certification for Achieve Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and work to enhance resource sharing through regional law enforcement.
The Jefferson City Police Department lists that it plans to work to expand its efforts to target guns, drugs and victim support by continuing its Community Resource Officer program. The department also wants to build on recruitment and internships through Lincoln University and make upgrades to technology, including body-worn cameras.
Documents show Cole County is hoping to achieve accreditation for the Cole County Sheriff’s Office and jail, as well as take part in a domestic violence unit within the county.
Several other cities and counties within Mid-Missouri have received the designation including Ashland, Fulton, Audrain County, California and Randolph County.