May 15th, 2026 Local News
Cape Girardeau, Mo. (KFMO) - The Missouri Department of Public Safety has announced two investigations involving the Southeast Missouri State University Law Enforcement Training Academy and the administration of the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam given on December 9, 2025.
According to DPS, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is conducting a criminal investigation into the administration of the exam at the request of the Cape Girardeau County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office. The request for the investigation was made on May 13, 2026. Officials say no further information can be released at this time because the investigation remains ongoing.
In addition to the criminal investigation, the DPS Peace Officer Standards and Training program launched a separate non-criminal investigation into allegations of misconduct related to the administration of the exam immediately after receiving reports of wrongdoing.
As a result of the administrative investigation, the Department of Public Safety has recalled seven Missouri peace officer licenses that had been issued following the academy cadet class’s completion of the exam and academy training.
State officials cited Missouri Code of State Regulation 11 CSR 75-13.090(6), which authorizes the DPS director to recall a peace officer license issued “by fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake to a person not qualified to receive such license.”
Southeast Missouri State University has acknowledged that it is cooperating with the Missouri Department of Public Safety and a national law firm in what the university described as a comprehensive investigation into allegations regarding academic integrity at the SEMO law enforcement academy.
The Department of Public Safety noted that Missouri law limits the amount of information that can be publicly released regarding peace officer license applicants, officers, and training academies. DPS also stated it cannot disclose details tied to ongoing investigations.
Officials say the department will continue taking steps aimed at protecting the integrity of Missouri’s law enforcement profession and ensuring public trust.