Missouri Legislators Look to Add Arrest Powers to the State's Attorney General

The Missouri House gave initial approval this week to broadening the state attorney general’s power to arrest and detain individuals.

Republicans argue the bill would add a level of protection for individuals and increase public safety. It would allow the Attorney General to appoint investigators who would have the same arrest powers as other peace officers.  

Sikeston Republican David Dolan says his bill would increase public safety.  

“As the Attorney General said whether it is a 26-year-old case or a crime committed yesterday, their office will never stop fighting for victims. Their commitment to justice for their families does not expire", Dolan told the Missouri News

But Columbia Democrat David Tyson Smith says it’s not the time to give the attorney general more power, saying “This, you know, slow encroachment power we're seeing in the state around the country, is unnecessary and it's dangerous. Look around you to see what's happening, and especially when you don't have politicians with a backbone to stand up to the governor or the president,”. 

An amendment that would have extended the same powers to Alcohol and Tobacco control officers and the state Fire Marshal’s office was defeated.

(Story by Libby Howell, Mo News Network)