Mo. Rev. Stat. § 542.261 : CRIMINAL PROCEDURE — Proceedings to Preserve the Peace - Searches and Seizures —SEARCHES AND SEIZURES — Peace officer defined

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.