Representative Gregory is urging Missouri to take the lead on school safety nationwide. “It’s time for the state of Missouri to step up and be a leader in school safety across the country,” Gregory said as he introduced his proposal.
The Missouri Rangers Plan
Under Gregory’s plan, a new specialized police force—called the Missouri Rangers—would be created. A Ranger would be assigned to every K-12 school in Missouri, including both public and private institutions.
Gregory emphasized that the force would be highly trained and specialized in school safety and security, covering areas such as lockdown techniques, behavioral observation, emergency preparedness, and defensive tactics.
Context and Motivation
Gregory cited the 2023 Christian school shooting in Nashville as a driving factor behind his proposal. He also argued for recognizing and legislating against “Christophobia,” which he said contributes to violence against Christians and faith-based schools.
Gregory connected the urgency of his plan to broader concerns about child safety, referencing recent tragedies such as the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Support from Law Enforcement Leaders
Missouri Police Chiefs Association Executive Director Robert Shockey highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen school security. Nearly 100 new school resource officers (SROs) were trained this year, and about 350 attended their annual conference.
The standard SRO training requires a 40-hour class, with an additional 36-hour advanced course available. Shockey noted, “MOPCA supports any effort that will make our schools safer for the kids of Missouri and will continue to work with the Governor and all elected officials on any new legislation.”
Differences from Existing SROs
While Missouri already employs school resource officers, Gregory said the Rangers would differ significantly. Unlike typical SROs, the Rangers would be an elite, highly specialized unit dedicated exclusively to school safety.
Their scope would extend beyond active shooter preparedness to include first aid, tornado and flood response, fire safety, and broader emergency management.
Fiscal Impact
The proposal carries a potentially steep price tag. Missouri has about 2,200 public schools and roughly 600 private schools. With the starting salary of a state trooper at approximately $58,000, staffing a Ranger in every school would cost taxpayers at least $162 million annually.
Looking Ahead
While there is no fiscal note yet, the proposal is already sparking discussion. Gregory insists that no cost is too high when it comes to protecting children, while supporters and skeptics alike await details on how the program could be funded and implemented.
