News Release

For further information please contact: Sgt. Jason Clark
(573) 522-0980
DDCC01072009
January 07, 2009

EMPHASIS: Playing Card Initiative

Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces a playing card initiative will begin February 1, 2009. This initiative targets inmates that are currently incarcerated in county jails and the Missouri Department of Corrections facilities. These customized playing cards will be distributed featuring unsolved homicides, missing persons, wanted fugitive photos, and case profiles with the hope they generate new tips related to the cases indicated on each card.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has partnered with the Taney County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Bass Pro Shops, and One Missing Link Inc., to provide these cards to inmates who may have crucial information that will assist law enforcement with many cold cases throughout the state. The Missing Persons Unit and Violent Crime Support Unit, within the Division of Drug and Crime Control, developed these cards, which feature cold cases from more than 30 law enforcement agencies and communities from around the state of Missouri.

Initially, 5,000 decks will be distributed to key areas of the state. It is our hope this project will develop new leads and intelligence regarding these crimes, which have affected families, communities, and law enforcement agencies throughout Missouri for many years.

Other agencies from around the country have distributed customized playing cards with effective results. We encourage any agency that would like to have a case featured on possible future decks, or would like to become involved with this endeavor, to contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Violent Crime Support Unit.


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