Mike Kehoe is already on the job, issuing six executive orders within hours of being sworn in as Missouri’s 58th Governor.

Kehoe’s first executive orders as governor address public safety as part of his new “Safer Missouri” initiative, with the goal to, “make Missouri a place where it’s easier to be a cop than a criminal.” Among the orders was the establishment of a regional anti-crime unit to encourage cross-jurisdiction collaboration, including the designation of a full time investigator and deputy sheriff in each of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s nine troop regions. Two executive orders address immigration, directing the patrol and state department of public safety to collect immigration status of those charged with crimes in Missouri, and authorizes state and local law enforcement to partner with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement to enforce immigration laws through the 287(g) designation.

A fourth executive order directs the Department of Corrections and Parole to assemble a working group to assess existing rules concerning parole eligibility and the conduct of parole hearings. Other orders establish a Blue Shield Program to recognize local governments for their dedication to effective law enforcement and community safety, and reduces the time of service required for a state trooper to reach the top salary tier from 15 years to 12.

Governor Kehoe’s six executive orders are posted on the Missouri Secretary of State’s website.