What We Know: The Missouri State Highway Patrol has launched a new way for the public to report suspicious activity to law enforcement.
The Department of Public Safety and the MSHP say Show-Me Shield is replacing the former Missouri SafeNation app.
What It Means: The online system allows Missourians to report unusual or suspicious activity that could raise security concerns. That could include someone showing unusual interest in a building’s security procedures, operations or personnel.
Authorities stress that suspicious behavior doesn’t automatically mean a crime has occurred. Law enforcement will review the information and decide whether further investigation is needed.
What It Means: The Patrol is also making changes to its Courage2Report program for school safety concerns. Tips involving possible school violence or bullying can still be submitted online or by calling 1-866-748-7047.
Those reports are handled around the clock and remain confidential.
The former Courage2Report and SafeNation apps have now been deactivated and are no longer being monitored.
(Photo provided by the Missouri State Highway Patrol)