The City of Cape Girardeau is proud to announce its official designation as a Missouri Blue Shield Community, a recognition awarded by Governor Mike Kehoe and the State of Missouri to cities that demonstrate an exceptional and ongoing commitment to public safety, innovation in crime reduction, and strong community partnerships. Cape Girardeau earned the Blue Shield distinction by exceeding rigorous criteria, including “extraordinary investments” in law enforcement infrastructure, technology, and community engagement programs. The designation also highlights the department's leadership in proactive policing, mental health integration, and regional collaboration on violent crime prevention.
“We are deeply honored to receive the Blue Shield designation from the State of Missouri,” said Mayor Stacy Kinder. “This recognition affirms what we already know, that our police department is made up of dedicated, forward-thinking professionals who work tirelessly to keep Cape Girardeau safe. This designation is a direct reflection of that dedication and effort by Chief Glueck and his department. We greatly appreciate Governor Kehoe’s interest and investment in advancing strong public safety in Missouri cities, as this designation opens up grant funding for training and equipment to the Cape Girardeau Police Department. I also want to thank our City Council, staff, and community partners for their unwavering support of public safety initiatives here in Cape.”
The designation reflects Cape Girardeau’s wide-ranging and strategic efforts in recent years. These include the opening of a new, state-of-the-art police headquarters, the implementation of a gunshot detection system, citywide license plate reader network, and the expansion of both a mental health co-responder unit and community engagement programs such as the Citizen’s Police Academy, Coffee with a Cop, and the Safe Exchange Program.
“Our officers don’t just respond to crime—they work to prevent it, to build trust with the community, and to bring innovative solutions to long-standing public safety challenges,” said Police Chief Adam Glueck. “This designation is a testament to our department’s hard work, but more importantly, it’s a promise to our community that we will continue to grow, adapt, and serve with integrity and compassion.”
Chief Glueck also highlights the department’s accomplishments, including partnerships with local organizations and universities, regional anti-crime task forces, and groundbreaking programs like the police gun detection K9 (or canine) and CAPEPD Notification System. These initiatives have led to measurable success in reducing crime, improving emergency response times, and connecting residents to needed services.
Looking ahead, the City and Police Department remain focused on expanding public safety infrastructure and capabilities. Key goals for the coming year include opening a new police substation in a high-crime area, launching a drone program for emergency and tactical operations, and maintaining the K9 unit. Over the next five years, Cape Girardeau plans to invest in a Real Time Crime Center to further enhance data-driven policing efforts.
“This designation is more than a badge of honor,” said Mayor Kinder. “It’s a reflection of the values we hold as a community—safety, service, and unity. It’s also a recognition that the Cape Girardeau Police Department is committed to helping create a city where every resident feels safe and secure, and contributing to positive growth in both the community and economy.”
For more information about the City’s public safety programs or to learn more about the Missouri Blue Shield initiative, please contact the Cape Girardeau Police Department or visit
governor.mo.gov.