MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102
NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact: Lt. Eric F. Brown 573-526-6115
August 26, 2026
Q08262026
EMPHASIS: Captain Julie A. Kerr To Retire
Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, announces the retirement of Captain Julie A. Kerr, effective September 1, 2026, after 36 years of dedicated service.
Kerr was appointed to the Patrol on July 1, 1990, as a member of the 63rd Recruit Class. Upon graduating from the Patrol's Academy, she was assigned to Troop A, Platte County. She transferred to the Human Resources Division (HRD), General Headquarters, Jefferson City, on July 1, 1997. While serving in that division she was promoted to corporal on January 1, 1998, sergeant on October 1, 2000, and lieutenant on October 1, 2012. As a lieutenant, Kerr served as assistant director of HRD. On May 1, 2017, she was promoted to the rank of captain and designated as the director of HRD. Kerr transferred to the Budget and Procurement Division on February 1, 2026, and served as an assistant director.
Capt. Kerr grew up in Salem, MO, and graduated from Salem High School in 1987. She earned a bachelor's degree in criminal justice administration from Columbia College in Columbia, MO, in 2008; a master's degree in criminal justice and sociology from Lincoln University in Jefferson City, MO, in 2016; and a Master of Business Administration - human resources degree from Columbia College in 2018. Capt. Kerr graduated from the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command in 2011; IACP Leadership in Police Organizations in 2015; and Missouri Police Chief's Command College in 2015.
A photo of Capt. Kerr is posted with this news release on the Patrol’s website.