MSHP no longer providing names in preliminary online traffic crash, boat/drowning incident reports

Missouri State Highway Patrol

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has 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 said in a press release that it recently was notified of scam incidents across the state targeting motor vehicle crash victims and/or people associated with someone 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 a periodic review of all policies, procedures and general orders. As a result, names of people 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 press release said 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 with a legal right to access such information can do so through the Missouri State Highway Patrol Public Records Center.

Miss Clipping Out Stories to Save for Later?

Click the Purchase Story button below to order a print of this story. We will print it for you on matte photo paper to keep forever.

Current Weather

MON
49°
25°
TUE
44°
37°
WED
47°
29°
THU
36°
20°
FRI
31°
20°

Trending Stories