The City of Higginsville received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that it has earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026.

This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and our community. The City of Higginsville was also recognized with a Blue Shield designation in 2025.

In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.

Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027, provided the General Assembly approves the funding. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants.