Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.261 : CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — Proceedings to Preserve the Peace - Searches and Seizures —SEARCHES AND SEIZURES — Peace officer defined TEXT PDF As used in sections 542.261 to 542.296 and section 542.301, the term "peace officer" means a police officer or* member of the highway patrol to the extent otherwise permitted by law to conduct searches, sheriff or deputy sheriff. § 542.261, RSMo L. 1974 S.B. 366 § 1, A.L. 2004S.B. 920 , A.L. 2010H.B. 1868.