HISTORY

In 1959, legislation was enacted to create the Missouri Boat Commission. The purpose of the commission was to make the waters of the state safe for boating and other water-related activities through law enforcement, registration, inspection and educational programs. In 1974, the Omnibus State Reorganization Act transferred the Missouri Boat Commission to the Department of Public Safety, and the agency was named the Division of Water Safety. In 1989, the agency name was changed to the Missouri State Water Patrol. Since 1959, the authorized number of patrol officers has grown from 8 to 99 highly trained professionals.

The Missouri State Water Patrol is a statewide law enforcement agency specializing in the regulation of waterways and boating safety. They operate in a quasi-military fashion with authority being delegated by rank. The commissioner is appointed by the governor and holds the rank of colonel. The commissioner determines policy for the Water Patrol. Second in command and assistant to the commissioner is the assistant commissioner, who holds the rank of lieutenant colonel. Next in command are the administrative services commander and the field services commander, who hold the rank of major. The administrative services commander is responsible for supervision of all administrative services of the water patrol, and the field services commander is responsible for supervision of all field activities and operations of the Water Patrol. The state is divided into six districts with a captain in charge of each district. District captains are responsible for supervision of all field activities in their respective districts. Patrol officers in each district are responsible for carrying out the policies of the commissioner.