The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) is the highway patrol agency for Missouri and has jurisdiction all across the state. It is a division of the Missouri Department of Public Safety. Colonel Eric T. Olson has been serving as the 24th superintendent since March 15, 2019.[4]
 | This article may rely excessively on sources too closely associated with the subject, potentially preventing the article from being verifiable and neutral. (February 2022) |
| Missouri State Highway Patrol | |
|---|---|
 Patch of Missouri State Highway Patrol | |
| Abbreviation | MSHP |
| Motto | Together Protecting Missouri's Citizens Simul protegens Missouri scriptor Cives (Latin) |
| Agency overview | |
| Formed | April 24, 1931 |
| Employees | 2,336.00 (as of 2021)[1] |
| Annual budget | $366,805,718 (2021) |
| Jurisdictional structure | |
| Operations jurisdiction | Missouri, U.S. |
 | |
| Missouri State Highway Patrol Troops | |
| Size | 69,704 square miles (180,530 km2) |
| Population | 6,083,672 (2016)[2] |
| Legal jurisdiction |  Statewide |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Public Safety |
| General nature | |
| Operational structure | |
| Headquarters | 1510 East Elm Street Jefferson City, Missouri 65102 |
| Troopers | 952 (authorized minimum, as of 2024)[3] |
| Civilian employees | 1,289 (as of 2020)[1] |
| Director of MO DPS responsible |
|
| Agency executives |
|
| Parent agency | Missouri Department of Public Safety |
| Facilities | |
| Troops | 9 |
| Dogs | 11 German Shepherds |
| Notables | |
| Anniversary |
|
| Website | |
| MSHP Website | |
In 1992, MSHP became the 10th state law enforcement agency to receive accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA).
Purpose
State laws pertaining to the Highway Patrol including its creation, powers, structure, mission and duties are specified in Chapter 43 of Missouri Revised Statutes (RSMo).[5] According to Chapter 43.025 RSMo: "The primary purpose of the highway patrol is to enforce the traffic laws and promote safety upon the highways. In addition the Missouri State Highway Patrol has responsibility in criminal interdiction which involves the suppression of marijuana, cocaine, and narcotics on the state's roads and highways including the Missouri Interstate System. As near as practicable all personnel of the patrol shall be used for carrying out these purposes." The MSHP has a criminal investigation division that investigates crimes statewide such as murder, robbery, burglary, rape and financial crimes.
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Organization & Troops
General Headquarters (GHQ) and the Law Enforcement Academy are located in Jefferson City, Missouri, the state capital.
The state is divided into nine Troops, with Troop headquarters and communications centers located in the following cities:
- Troop A: Lee's Summit (Kansas City)
- Troop B: Macon
- Troop C: Weldon Spring (St. Louis)
- Troop D: Springfield
- Troop E: Poplar Bluff
- Troop F: Jefferson City
- Troop G: Willow Springs
- Troop H: St. Joseph
- Troop I: Rolla
In addition, three of the Troops maintain service centers:
- Troop C: Park Hills
- Troop D: Carthage
- Troop E: Sikeston
- Recruiting & Community Outreach Division is housed in the MSHP General Headquarters in Jefferson City, Missouri.
Badge and rank structure
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is one of only five State Patrol forces that do not wear a badge on their uniform shirts. The Missouri State Highway Patrol uses a paramilitary rank structure and has the following ranks:[15]
| Title | Insignia | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Superintendent (rank of Colonel) |  |
The Superintendent holds the rank of Colonel and is appointed by the Governor of Missouri. The Superintendent must be confirmed by the Missouri Senate |
| Assistant Superintendent (rank of Lieutenant Colonel) |  |
The Assistant Superintendent holds the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and reports directly to the Superintendent (Colonel). The Lieutenant Colonel has authority over the bureau commanders and is appointed by the Colonel. |
| Major |  |
Each of the six Majors is responsible for command of a bureau within the Highway Patrol and they are appointed by the Colonel. |
| Captain |  |
A captain is generally a commander of one of the nine troops or many divisions within the agency. |
| Lieutenant |  |
A lieutenant is the assistant commander of a troop or division. |
| Master Sergeant |  |
A Master Sergeant is the supervisor of a group of troopers, corporals, and/or sergeants. |
| Sergeant | |
A Sergeant serves as a specialist or other non-supervisory capacity. |
| Corporal |  |
Corporals are the first-line supervisors and are usually assigned as road supervisors within troops. In the absence of a Master Sergeant, they may act as the supervisor. |
| Trooper | No Insignia | Candidates successfully completing the academy and field training are appointed as troopers. |
| Trooper Cadet | No Insignia | The American Legion Trooper Cadet program provides an experience for young individuals who are interested in a career in law enforcement. |
State Trooper (Recruit) is the initial rank of oncoming Missouri State Highway Patrol, held while undergoing training at the Missouri State Highway Patrol Law Enforcement Academy.[16]
Vehicles
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The MSHP utilizes a variety of vehicles, including but not limited to, the Dodge Charger, Ford Police Interceptor Utility (Explorer), Ford F-150 and 250 series, Chevrolet Tahoe PPV, and the Chevrolet Silverado 1500 and 2500 series. Both fully marked and semi-marked vehicles are used frequently. Colors include but not limited to: white, tan, blue, silver, black, gray, and maroon.
Weapons
Lethal Options:
- Glock 17 GEN 5 9mm (As of late 2018)
- Glock 22 .40 S&W (phased out as of late 2018)
- Colt AR-15A1 (M16A1) 5.56x45mm
- Remington Model 870 12 Gauge
Less Lethal Options:
- Pepper Spray (OC Spray)
- ASP Baton
- Taser
Fallen Officers
31 Troopers have been killed while on duty since 1931 with one Highway Patrol member dying in World War II.[17][18]
The members are as follows:
| Rank | Name | Date of Death | Cause of Death | Age | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sergeant | Benjamin Oliver Booth | 06-14-1933 | Shot and killed along with Boone County Sheriff Roger Wilson while manning a roadblock in an attempt to catch 2 bank robbers | 35 | Intersection of U.S. Highway 40 and U.S. Highway 63; just north of his residence in Columbia, Missouri |
| Trooper | Fred L. Walker | 12-03-1941 | Shot and killed while transporting 2 car thieves to jail; he failed to find a pistol on them and was shot going down the road | 33 | Near Ste. Genevieve and Bloomdale in Ste. Genevieve County |
| Trooper | Victor O. Dosing | 12-07-1941 | Shot and killed in a cafe/apartment while helping Trooper Sam Graham, local officer John Love, and Justice of the Peace A.F. Stubbs arrest an Army Private wanted for murder | 34 | In the Coffee Pot Cafe one mile south of Galloway, Missouri and near Springfield, Missouri |
| Trooper | James D. Ellis | 10-16-1942 | Killed in a Japanese prisoner-of-war camp; the only Missouri State Highway Patrol Trooper to die in the military | 29 | Manila, Philippines |
| Trooper | Charles P. Corbin | 09-15-1943 | Killed while on patrol with Public Service Commission Inspector Ed Bilyeau; a tractor trailer came into his lane and hit him head-on while on a narrow bridge | 27 | On U.S. Highway 71 north of Carthage, Missouri |
| Trooper | Ross S. Creach | 12-12-1943 | Struck and killed by a speeding car while helping a tow truck get a tractor trailer out of a ditch | 24 | U.S. Highway 36, 5.5 miles west of Shelbina, Missouri in Shelby County |
| Trooper | John N. Greim | 07-13-1945 | Killed in a plane crash during a pursuit along with the plane's owner | 32 | Just over the Missouri-Arkansas line near Corning, Arkansas |
| Trooper | Wayne W. Allman | 10-27-1955 | Killed in a car crash while en route to another crash | 34 | Intersection of Missouri State Route 35 and Missouri State Route B |
| Trooper | Jesse R. Jenkins | 10-14-1969 | Shot and killed during a court sentencing hearing | 29 | In the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office in Montgomery City, Missouri |
| Trooper | Gary W. Snodgrass | 02-21-1970 | Killed in a single car crash after losing control in a curve | 24 | On Missouri Highway 32; 7 miles east of Salem, Missouri in Dent County |
| Trooper | William R. Brandt | 06-12-1970 | Killed when tornado-like winds put his car into a bridge abutment | 23 | U.S. Highway 36 near Macon, Missouri |
| Trooper | Dennis H. Marriott | 06-13-1981 | Died from injuries sustained after being hit by a car during a traffic stop on 06-01-1981 | 36 | U.S. Highway 54 in Jefferson City, Missouri in Cole County |
| Trooper | James M. Froemsdorf | 03-02-1985 | Shot and killed while taking a wanted man to jail; the suspect got his hand free and stole Froemsdorf's gun | 35 | On I-55 near Brewer, Missouri |
| Trooper | Jimmie E. Linegar | 04-15-1985 | Shot and killed while on a traffic stop with Trooper Allen D. Hines | 31 | At the intersection of U.S. Highway 65 and Missouri Highway 86 south of Branson, Missouri |
| Trooper | Russell W. Harper | 02-08-1987 | Shot and killed while on a traffic stop | 45 | East of U.S. Highway 65 and U.S. Highway 60 near Farm Route 189 in Greene County, Missouri |
| Corporal | Henry C. Bruns | 02-16-1987 | Killed after the vehicle in which he was a passenger, lost control on the icy roadway and hit a bridge abutment | 41 | Missouri Highway 6 in Buchanan County |
| Trooper | Robert J. Kolilis | 11-21-1988 | Struck and killed by a truck while investigating 2 stopped cars on the side of the road | 24 | On Missouri Route M in Washington County near Irondale, Missouri |
| Corporal | Michael E. Webster | 10-02-1993 | Struck and killed by a drunk driver while on a traffic stop | 33 | On U.S. Highway 40 in Blue Springs, Missouri in Jackson County |
| Sergeant | Randy V. Sullivan | 02-17-1996 | Killed in a single car wreck after losing control and hitting trees while trying to pull over a speeding car | 40 | On Missouri Highway 72 in Madison County, 8 miles west of Fredericktown, Missouri |
| Sergeant | David C. May | 05-17-1999 | Killed in a helicopter crash while having a photographer take pictures of the ongoing local Special Olympics | 41 | Behind the Union Planter's Bank in Poplar Bluff, Missouri in Butler County |
| Sergeant | Robert G. Kimberling | 10-06-1999 | Shot and killed after pulling a suspect over who didn't pay for gas | 43 | On I-29 in St. Joseph, Missouri in Buchanan County |
| Sergeant | Robert A. Guilliams | 02-16-2001 | Killed after losing control in the rain while responding to a car crash | 41 | On I-55 in Pemiscot County approx. 16 miles north of the Missouri-Arkansas state line |
| Trooper | Kelly N. Poynter | 01-18-2002 | Struck and killed by a drunk driver while helping out at a car wreck | 27 | U.S. Highway 63 in Texas County; 2 miles south of Houston, Missouri |
| Trooper | Michael L. Newton | 05-22-2003 | Struck by a truck and killed while sitting in his car with a driver he had pulled over | 25 | On I-70 near the 47 mile marker in Lafayette County |
| Sergeant | Carl D. "DeWayne" Graham, Jr. | 03-20-2005 | Shot and killed after an ambush at his residence as he just got home | 37 | Van Buren in Carter County, Missouri |
| Trooper | Ralph C. Tatoian | 04-20-2005 | Killed in a single car crash while responding to a manhunt for an armed bank robber in the Franklin County who shot at deputies in Gasconade County | 32 | On I-44 in Franklin County |
| Corporal | John A. "Jay" Sampietro, Jr. | 08-17-2005 | Struck and killed by a vehicle while directing traffic at a car crash scene | 36 | On I-44 near Stafford in Webster County, Missouri |
| Trooper | Donald K. "Kevin" Floyd | 11-22-2005 | Struck and killed by a truck while on a traffic stop | 45 | U.S Highway 60 approx. one mile east of Missouri Route MM in Texas County, Missouri |
| Corporal | Dennis E. Engelhard | 12-25-2009 | Struck and killed by a truck on the icy roadway while investigating an earlier crash | 49 | On I-44 east of Eureka, Missouri |
| Sergeant | Joseph G. Schuengel | 10-15-2010 | Killed in a helicopter crash | 47 | Near the intersection of Clarkson Road and Kehr Mills Road in St. Louis County |
| Trooper | Frederick F. Guthrie, Jr. | 08-01-2011 | Drowned along with his K9, Reed, when they were swept away by high water while working Missouri River flood duty | 46 | In the area of Big Lake near Missouri Highway 118 and Missouri Highway 111 in Holt County, Missouri |
| K9 | Reed | 08-01-2011 | Drowned along with his handler, Trooper Frederick F. Guthrie, Jr., when they were swept away by high water while working Missouri River flood duty | N/A | In the area of Big Lake near Missouri Highway 118 and Missouri Highway 111 in Holt County, Missouri |
| Trooper | James M. Bava | 08-28-2015 | Killed in a single-car crash while trying to pursue a motorcycle | 25 | On Missouri Route FF, just east of Audrain County Road 977 in Audrain County, Missouri |
Superintendents
The Missouri State Highway Patrol is headed by the Superintendent of the Highway Patrol, who is nominated by the Governor of Missouri and confirmed by the Missouri State Senate. The Superintendent of the Highway Patrol commands more than 1,356 troopers and 1,87 civilian support staff who help provide a full range of policing and public safety services to Missourian on behalf of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
| Superintendent | Term began & Term Ended |
|---|---|
| Lewis Ellis | 1931–1933 |
| B. Marvin Casteel | 1933–1939 |
| Albert D. Sheppard (acting) | 1939–1940 |
| William J. Ramsey (acting) | 1940–1941 |
| M. Stanley Ginn | 1941–1944 |
| Otis L. Wallis (acting) | 1944–1945 |
| Hugh H. Waggoner | 1945–1949 |
| David E. Harrison | 1949–1953 |
| Hugh H. Waggoner | 1953–1957 |
| Hugh H. Waggoner | 1957–1965 |
| E.I. (Mike) Hockaday | 1965–1973 |
| Sam S. Smith | 1973-1977 |
| William A. Dolan (acting) | 1977-1977 |
| Alvin (Al) R. Lubker | 1976–1981 |
| Allen S. Whitmer | 1981–1982 |
| Howard J. Hoffman | 1982–1988 |
| John H. Ford | 1988–1989[19] |
| Clarence E. (Mel) Fisher | 1989–1993[19] |
| Fred M. Mills | 1993–1997[20] |
| Weldon L. Wilhoit | 1997–2001[20] |
| Roger D. Stottlemyre | 2001–2006[21] |
| James F. Keathley | 2006–2010[21] |
| Ronald K. Replogle | 2010–2015 |
| J. Bret Johnson | 2015–2017 |
| Sandra K. Karsten | 2017–2018 |
| Eric T. Olson (acting) | 2018–2019 |
| Eric T. Olson | 2019-present |
See also
References
External links
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