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

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.