Sen. Blunt planning law-enforcement listening tour

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt is planning to meet with law enforcement officers across Missouri.

Blunt's office says he will hold "law enforcement listening sessions" Monday in Kansas City, St. Joseph, Jefferson City and St. Louis to learn more about their policies, resources and challenges.

The meetings come as police in the St. Louis area are under national scrutiny following the Aug. 9 death of Michael Brown. The shooting of the black 18-year-old by a white officer in Ferguson highlighted racial tensions with police. Some people also criticized what they described as a militarized response by police to protesters.

Blunt is co-chairman of the Senate Law Enforcement Caucus. His office says the tour also will touch on other law enforcement needs and issues besides those related to Ferguson.