MISSOURI (KFVS) – The Missouri State Highway Patrol is changing the way it posts its preliminary reports online.

According to MSHP, they will no longer publish the names of involved parties in preliminary reports of traffic accidents and boating/drowning incidents.

It started at 15.00 on Friday, November 1.

According to the highway patrol, they have recently been made aware of scams across the state targeting car accident victims and/or people associated with someone involved in the accident. They say the suspects may have used information from public databases, including the patrol’s online reports, to appear credible.

Periodically reviews MSHP policies, procedures, and general orders. They say advances in technology and social media platforms “were a significant factor in this decision.”

Gender, age, injury type, city/state and other information will continue to be published.

“The Patrol is charged with protecting the public interest and the safety of those we serve. The public safety benefit of disseminating information identifying a traffic/boating accident victim or drowning victim no longer outweighs the risks inherent in disseminating names. More importantly, such information is legally permitted.” This decision is also consistent with the Driver Privacy Protection Act, 18 USC § 2721, according to a news release.

According to MSHP, the procedure for releasing preliminary information on arrests made by the highway patrol will not change.

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