Missouri Governor Touts Success of Public Safety Initiative

Operation Relentless Pursuit task force arrests over 1,500 fugitives in first year

Apr. 10, 2026 at 7:25pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a handcuff or other law enforcement equipment against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually representing the investigative work of the Operation Relentless Pursuit task force.A harsh, high-contrast image of law enforcement equipment symbolizes the relentless pursuit of dangerous fugitives by Missouri's Operation Relentless Pursuit task force.Jefferson City Today

Missouri Governor Mike Kehoe announced that in its first year, the Operation Relentless Pursuit (ORP) task force arrested or assisted in the arrests of 1,585 fugitives wanted for outstanding felony warrants, including individuals connected to 26 murder or homicide charges. The arrests resulted in clearing 2,699 outstanding warrants across the state.

Why it matters

The ORP initiative was launched by Governor Kehoe on his first day in office as a top priority to reduce crime and apprehend dangerous fugitives across Missouri. The program's success in its inaugural year demonstrates the state's commitment to public safety and holding offenders accountable.

The details

ORP is a regional anti-crime effort that emphasizes intelligence-led policing and cross-jurisdiction collaboration to apprehend the most dangerous fugitive felons. In addition to the 1,585 arrests, ORP officers also seized 119 illegally possessed guns. The task force is composed of Missouri State Highway Patrol officers and local deputy sheriffs working together in nine regional teams.

  • Operation Relentless Pursuit began field operations on April 7, 2025.
  • The arrest totals reported are through April 6, 2026, marking the program's first year.

The players

Governor Mike Kehoe

The Governor of Missouri who launched Operation Relentless Pursuit on his first day in office as a top public safety priority.

Mark James

The Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety, which oversees the ORP program.

Brad Cole

The Christian County Sheriff and Operation Relentless Pursuit Co-Coordinator.

Michael A. Turner

The Colonel of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, which provides officers for the ORP task force.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We launched Operation Relentless Pursuit last year because Missourians in cities, suburbs, and small towns want action taken to reduce crime. From day one, our administration made public safety our top priority, and ORP is a critical piece to our efforts.”

— Governor Mike Kehoe

“Instead of slowing down, our ORP officers are actually continuing to increase the pace of their arrests of individuals wanted for violent felonies. In just the first three months of 2026, ORP officers have made arrests in 13 murders or homicides, equaling the total of 13 for those crimes in nine months of operations last year. The tremendous arrest figures are the result of ORP and assisting officers across the state who are sharing intelligence data and fully committed to working together to protect our communities.”

— Mark James, Department of Public Safety Director

“Operation Relentless Pursuit is succeeding because of the incredible investigative efforts and collaboration between ORP Deputy Sheriffs and Highway Patrol co-leaders in each of the nine regions and their local Sheriffs and police departments. The network of partnering law enforcement agencies is continuing to grow and that means our dedicated ORP teams will be able to capture even more wanted felons.”

— Brad Cole, Christian County Sheriff and Operation Relentless Pursuit Co-Coordinator

“April 6 marked one year of Operation Relentless Pursuit. A year of focused, unwavering commitment by the Patrol and our law enforcement partners for a safer Missouri. We're proud of the work accomplished but our mission continues. We will not slow down, and we will remain relentless in our pursuit of holding offenders accountable and standing up for victims.”

— Michael A. Turner, Missouri State Highway Patrol Colonel

What’s next

Members of the public with information that could lead to the capture of a Missouri fugitive can share it with the ORP team through a provided link. Additional questions on ORP can be directed to the Missouri Department of Public Safety.

The takeaway

Operation Relentless Pursuit has demonstrated the state's commitment to public safety and the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing and cross-jurisdiction collaboration in apprehending dangerous fugitives. The program's success in its first year suggests it will continue to play a crucial role in reducing crime and holding offenders accountable across Missouri.