The Chillicothe Police Department has again earned the Missouri Department of Public Safety, Missouri Blue Shield designation. Chillicothe Police Chief Jon Maples says this is a big thing for us.
The state’s goals align with the department.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025. In the first year, 201 Missouri communities, including Chillicothe, earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengthen public safety.
Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, pointed out that statewide, “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers, 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios, and 56 vehicles.
Chillicothe received $50,000. In 2025, the funds were used for new patrol laptops. Maples says in 2026, they want to focus on community safety.