September 3, 2009

Competitive grant through Recovery Act Rural Law Enforcement Program will enhance recently expanded Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force

Gov. Nixon announces $3.4 million competitive grant won by Highway Patrol to enhance rural law enforcement

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. - Gov. Jay Nixon today announced that the Missouri State Highway Patrol has been awarded a competitive grant of more than $3.4 million in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds to establish a Rural Crimes Task Force. The Highway Patrol was selected following a competitive application process under the Rural Law Enforcement Assistance Program. 

"Since the day the Recovery Act was signed, I've promised that Missouri would fight hard for every last competitive grant. And because we decided to compete for federal rural law enforcement funds, we know today that the safety and security of Missourians will be better protected," Gov. Nixon said. "These competitive grant funds will keep farmers and other rural Missourians safer and allow them to focus on their critical role in growing our state's economy."

The grant will fund 10 criminal investigators, two criminal analysts, a part-time administrator and overtime for local police agencies that partner with the Patrol to fight crimes in rural areas.  These enforcement resources will assist in the mission of the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force, the expansion of which Gov. Nixon announced on Aug. 20, citing an increasing number of crimes being committed against farmers and their property.

"This is a great opportunity for us to fight crime, and especially drug crimes, in rural Missouri," Gov. Nixon said.   "Making our rural communities safer and drug-free is a top priority, and that's why I recently reconstituted the Livestock and Farm Protection Task Force. Having these dedicated investigators in the field, working alongside local law enforcement in those efforts, should have a real impact."

Col. James Keathley, Superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, said the Rural Crimes Task Force will be able to track and respond to rural crime trends and also fight local crimes that may arise up in a particular rural community.  Col. Keathley said investigators will be tasked with coordinating with local police, sheriffs and prosecutors to combat rural crimes.

"This Rural Crimes Task Force will be an invaluable tool to assist the Patrol and other law enforcement agencies in combating rural crime, recovering stolen property, and sharing information and intelligence related to rural crimes," said Col. Keathley.

The money is to be used over a two-year period beginning Aug. 1, 2009 and ending July 31, 2011.  The grant funds will also purchase equipment and supplies for investigators to perform their duties.

"Because of Gov. Nixon's leadership on this issue, Missouri farmers and rural Missourians will benefit from greater safety and security," said Dr. Jon Hagler, Director of the Missouri Department of Agriculture. "Agriculture is the backbone of Missouri's economy, and when law enforcement has more resources to protect rural areas, our agricultural communities thrive and the entire state benefits."