Missouri Department of Public Safety Director Sandra Karsten has announced her retirement, effective January 13th at the end of Governor Mike Parson’s term. Karsten, who has served in the Missouri State Highway Patrol for 33 years, was appointed to the position in 2018 and became the first woman to lead the department.
In a statement, Karsten expressed her honor in serving the people of Missouri for nearly four decades and working towards making the state safer. During her tenure, she worked with Governor Parson to establish the Missouri Blue Scholarship, providing financial assistance to law enforcement recruits attending training academies, and oversaw the expansion and restructuring of the Missouri Medical Assistance Team in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Additionally, Karsten collaborated with Lincoln University to establish and license the Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy. She is grateful for the opportunity to work with dedicated professionals in the Highway Patrol, Department of Public Safety, and public safety partners across the state.
Karsten’s retirement marks the end of a successful career marked by achievement and groundbreaking milestones for women in law enforcement. Governor Parson has yet to announce her successor.
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