Missouri’s new Republican governor prioritizes public safety

Missouri’s new Republican Gov. Mike Kehoe was inaugurated Monday, Jan. 13, taking office with a strong focus on public safety. He wasted no time in signing a series of executive orders targeting crime prevention.

“Securing Missouri’s future begins with public safety,” Kehoe said during his inauguration speech. “Too many Missourians don’t feel safe and too many Missourians aren’t safe. When people are afraid for their lives and their family, they cannot be productive and they will not prosper.”

Kehoe, now Missouri’s 57th governor, made it clear that his top priority is ensuring the safety of the state’s residents. His administration also launched the “Safer Missouri” initiative to address crime and bolster law enforcement efforts statewide.

As his first official act in office, Kehoe signed six executive orders. Four of them target crime prevention and law enforcement enhancements.

Executive orders focus on crime prevention

Executive Order 25-02 establishes “Operation Relentless Pursuit,” a regional anti-crime initiative aimed at intelligence-driven policing. The initiative will enhance cooperation across jurisdictions to target and capture dangerous fugitives, according to Kehoe’s office.

Executive Order 25-03 launches the Blue Shield Program, recognizing local governments for their commitment to law enforcement and community safety.

Executive Order 25-04 allows state and local law enforcement to assist federal immigration authorities, which stands in contrast to sanctuary laws in states such as California, Illinois and New York.

Executive Order 25-05 directs the Missouri Department of Public Safety and the Missouri State Highway Patrol to collect immigration status data for individuals charged with crimes. The statewide Uniform Crime Reporting System will include the data.

“But that’s not all,” Kehoe said. “In the coming weeks, months and years, my administration will be relentless in our efforts to make Missouri a place where it’s easier to be a cop than a criminal.”

National focus on crime

Kehoe’s emphasis on public safety mirrors efforts in other states, both Republican and Democratic-led, to take a tougher stance on crime. According to an AP VoteCast poll conducted before the 2024 election, 8 in 10 voters expressed concerns about crime in their communities.

In California, voters approved a ballot measure to lower the threshold for felony shoplifting. In Los Angeles specifically, voters ousted District Attorney George Gascon in favor of Nathan Hochman. Hochman promised to take a harder line on crime. In Colorado, voters passed a measure requiring longer prison terms before parole eligibility for serious crimes such as murder and sexual assault.

Attorney general supports Kehoe’s actions

Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey, who also attended Kehoe’s inauguration, expressed his support for the new governor’s swift actions.

“I applaud Governor Kehoe for taking action less than an hour after being sworn into office,” Bailey said in a statement. “Today is a bold move toward restoring law and order, backing Missouri law enforcement as they protect our families, and reaffirming our commitment to obtaining justice for victims.”