Missouri § 85.561 - Police officers, conservators of peace — supervision — powers and duties.
Full text of Missouri Revised Statutes of Missouri § 85.561 — Police officers, conservators of peace — supervision — powers and duties., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 85.561. Police officers, conservators of peace — supervision — powers and duties.
1. In all third class cities the members of the police department shall be conservators of the peace, and shall be active and vigilant in the preservation of good order within the city.
2. The chief of police shall, in the discharge of his duties, be subject to the orders of the mayor only; the deputy chief of police and all other members of the police department shall be subject to the orders of their superiors in the police department and the mayor only.
3. Every member of the police department shall have power at all times to make or order an arrest with proper process for any offense against the laws of the city or the state, and to keep the offender in the city prison or other proper place to prevent his escape until a trial can be had before the proper officer, unless such offender shall give a good and sufficient bond for his appearance for trial, and shall also have power to make arrests without process in all cases in which any offense against the laws of the city or the state shall be committed in his presence. Every member of the police department is also empowered to serve and execute all warrants, subpoenas, writs or other process issued by the judge hearing and determining municipal ordinance violation cases of the city at any place within the limits of the county or counties within which the city is located. Every member of the police department shall have the power to make or order an arrest in areas leased or owned by the municipality outside of the boundaries of such municipality.
4. It shall be the duty of the chief of police or in his absence the deputy chief of police to collect all fines assessed for violations of municipal ordinances if not otherwise collected and pay the same into the city treasury.
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(L. 1955 p. 290 § 3, A.L. 1978 H.B. 1634, A.L. 1982 S.B. 637, A.L. 1991 H.B. 462)
---- end of effective 28 Aug 1991 ----
Source: official Missouri text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Missouri § 85.561
What does Revised Statutes of Missouri § 85.561 cover?
Section 85.561 ("Police officers, conservators of peace — supervision — powers and duties.") is part of the Revised Statutes of Missouri, the codified statutory law of Missouri. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Missouri § 85.561?
A common citation format is "Revised Statutes of Missouri § 85.561" (Missouri). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Missouri law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Missouri official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Missouri attorney.
How does Missouri § 85.561 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Missouri can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Missouri.