A south-central Missouri native has been named director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety effective Jan. 13 and pending Missouri Senate confirmation.
Mark S. James, who grew up in Willow Springs, was named by Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe.
“Mark James brings decades of valuable law enforcement and leadership experience to this role, and we’re going to get to work on day one to bring safety back to our communities,” Kehoe said. “We need a strong, experienced leader who will be tough on crime, and I am confident Mark will be an excellent leader for the Department of Public Safety.”
A former state and federal law enforcement official, James began his law enforcement career with the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) in the 48th recruit class, where he served for nine years, as a uniformed trooper in Greene and Christian counties and undercover.
James was recruited to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) in 1987, eventually rising the ranks to become the Special Agent in Charge of ATF’s Kansas City Field Division when he retired from ATF in 2007. Following his retirement, James continued his public service after being appointed by then-Missouri Gov. Matt Blunt as director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety in 2005. In 2010, he became the chancellor of Metropolitan Community College (MCC) in Kansas City, while overseeing all aspects of the college, he created its first campus police department and dispatch center.
Most recently, James was appointed by President Donald Trump as the United States marshal of the Western Judicial District of Missouri, where he spearheaded numerous law enforcement operations that resulted in the arrests of hundreds of state and federal fugitives wanted for violent crimes, including Operation Legend.
“Gov.-Elect Kehoe’s vision for public safety will drive the work of the department and its agencies, and I’m honored to have his trust and confidence,” Mark James said. “I look forward to working with the Kehoe Administration, the Missouri legislature, and all of our local, county, state, and federal public safety partners to ensure safety for all Missourians.”
After graduation from Willow Springs, James studied at the University of Missouri, earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and administration from the University of Central Missouri, a master’s degree in strategic intelligence from the National Intelligence University, completed coursework for a doctoral degree in business administration, and received a doctoral degree in laws from the University of Central Missouri.
The Department of Public Safety comprises eight different agencies (including two commissions and the Missouri State Highway Patrol) and five separate programs all committed to ensuring the safety of the citizens of Missouri. Additionally, the office of the director administers the Homeland Security Program and state and federal funds in grants for juvenile justice, victims’ assistance, law enforcement and narcotics control.
Other programs in the director’s office provide support services and resources to assist local law enforcement agencies and to provide training criteria and licensing for law enforcement officers.
