Missouri would coordinate law enforcement against organized retail theft

The Department of Public Safety would establish a center to coordinate work against organized retail theft. The center would coordinate state law enforcement, assist state and local investigations, and work with law enforcement, selected companies, and other organizations. The department director may hire additional staff only if money is appropriated. The program would sunset six years after this section takes effect unless lawmakers renew it.

The center's director could approve sharing certain information that would otherwise be protected from disclosure. The rule applies to information that would otherwise be subject to limits on disclosure under chapter 610. The director may approve sharing only when it is operationally necessary. The director cannot delegate this approval authority.

The public safety director and attorney general would evaluate existing support programs, report their findings, and issue guidance on training and technical help. The review would cover existing state programs that provide grants, training, or technical help to law enforcement agencies working to counter organized retail theft. The joint report would be due no later than March 1, 2027. The guidance would follow within 45 days after the report.

The public safety director would report on the center's creation and later describe its activities each year. The first report would go to the chairs of the House and Senate judiciary committees. Annual reports would go to the General Assembly. The first report would be due on or before August 28, 2027. Annual reports would begin on or before August 28, 2028, and continue each year.