"The people of Caruthersville are dealing with damage and loss at the hands of Mother Nature," said Blunt. "State law enforcement officials dispatched today will ensure what is left of storm victims' property is protected from further harm at the hands of would be criminals. I will continue to work with SEMA to offer available support to those families and communities crushed by the storms."
By this evening a total of more than 100 state law enforcement officials are expected in Caruthersville to assist with recovery and security efforts. Forty-four additional Missouri Highway Patrol officers will join the almost 20 already on site. Ten water patrol officers will assist with law enforcement and security operations and will be joined by 10 law enforcement staff from the Missouri Department of Conservation, 10 Rangers with Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and two state fire marshals. The Missouri National Guard's advance team of 20 military police will also be on site.
The Department of Public Safety's mobile command vehicle is en route and will provide a mobile command center as well as facilitate all interoperable communications systems. Four Highway Patrol Communications Officers have been dispatched with the command vehicle.
In addition, 35 additional military police with the Missouri National Guard are expected to arrive tomorrow morning.
The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) continues to coordinate the state's response.
Blunt has also signed Executive Order 06-18 to capitalize on available resources by extending the authority of investigators within the Division of Fire Safety, Park Rangers from the Department of Natural Resources, Conservation Agents from the Department of Conservation, and other POST certified state agency investigators to exercise full state wide police authority in response to the state emergency.
