The Missouri Water Patrol could be a standalone agency again, if some lawmakers have their way. The agency was merged with the Missouri State Highway Patrol in 2011, but a bill in the state legislature would undo that merger.
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Read more about the bill:
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Here are what some folks around the Lake of the Ozarks think about the idea:
Question: Do you think the Missouri State Highway Patrol and Water Patrol should separate?
Yes. The water patrol would get better training for water operations.
Val Ites, Gravois Mills
Yes. Water patrol would get separate and better training. The way it is now it takes officers off the roads where we need them the most.
Don Winfrey, Gravois Mills
Yes. Water patrol would get more quality and specific training. Highway patrolmen are trained differently.
Rex Smith, Sunrise Beach
Yes. The water patrol officers will receive better training.
Ron McCleary, Lake Ozark
Yes. It would save tax payer money and we would have properly trained officers patrolling the lake.
Jim Rogers, Gravois Mills
Yes. There are a large number of boats on the lake and those numbers are growing. The Highway Patrol should run the state roads and the Water Patrol the water. That will give them more control.
Dana Gallahue, Lake Ozark
Yes. When they were separate the water patrol officers had better training, they were more efficient, less problems and they did not have the egotistical highway patrol that try to cover up their mistakes. Instead of trying to arrest everyone for drinking they were more into boat safety. I commend Representative Diane Franklin for taking this issue to the legislature and I am willing to do whatever she needs to help her get this done.
Kim Gentosi, Rocky Mount
No. But what I do think needs to happen is they should be one agency, with two separate divisions, and officers should not serve in both capacities unless they have specific in-depth training.
Brian Myers, Eldon
Yes. Each unit would have the skills needed for their distinct job.
Donna Turner, Gravois Mills
