Police departments could receive additional funding through “Blue Shield” Program

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - Police departments across the metro area in Missouri now qualify for new state funding.

The funding is part of Governor Mike Kehoe’s “Blue Shield” program to improve public safety.

Eligible departments must meet several criteria, including community policing initiatives, participation in regional anti-crime task forces and compliance with crime data requirements.

Each department could receive up to $50,000 for things like body cameras, license plate readers and vehicles, among other things.

More than 200 cities and several counties, including St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, Franklin and Washington counties, qualified.

St. Louis City did not qualify.