JEFFERSON CITY – The Missouri State Highway Patrol has announced that effective November 1, 2024, at 3 p.m., the Missouri State Highway Patrol implemented a change to the preliminary online traffic crash and boat/drowning incident reports in which the names of involved parties will no longer be posted online.
The Patrol was recently notified of scam incidents across the state targeting motor vehicle crash victims and/or individuals associated with someone who was involved in a crash. These suspects may have used information obtained via public databases, including the Patrol’s online reports, to sound credible.
The Patrol conducts periodic review of all policies, procedures, and general orders. As a result, names of those involved in motor vehicle crashes, boating incidents and drownings will no longer be included in our preliminary online reporting. The gender, age, injury type, city/state and other information will continue to be posted. Advancements in technology and social media platforms were a significant consideration in this decision.
The Patrol is entrusted with protecting the safety and public interest of those we serve. The public safety benefit of the dissemination of information that identifies a traffic/boating crash victim, or drowning victim no longer outweighs the risks when the names are disseminated. Importantly, all parties who have a legal right to access such information are readily able to do so through the Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Records Center. This decision is further consistent with the Driver’s Privacy Protection Act, 18 U.S.C. § 2721.
In accordance with RSMo 610.100, the procedure for posting preliminary information relating to arrests performed by the Missouri State Highway Patrol will not change.