Lane Roberts is a Republican representing Missouri House District 161, which includes parts of Jasper and Newton Counties. He was first elected on November 6, 2018, and re-elected in 2020, 2022, and most recently in the August 6, 2024 primary and November 5, 2024 general election. A veteran law enforcement leader, Roberts served as Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety and Chief of Police for Joplin, Missouri , retiring from that role before entering politics. His career began in 1966 with the United States Air Force , including service in the Philippines and Vietnam, followed by becoming a police officer in 1971. Notable achievements include passing a comprehensive crime prevention and public safety bill, the lifetime protection order for domestic violence victims, and being named 2013 Police Chief of the Year by the Missouri Police Chiefs Association; he is a past president of the Oregon Association of Chiefs of Police and regional vice-president of the Missouri Police Chiefs Association.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: MBA from William Woods University; Graduate Certificate in Management from City University of Seattle; Bachelor of Science from Liberty University; graduated from the FBI National Academy and Northwest Law Enforcement Executive Command College.
• Political Experience: Missouri State Representative for District 161 , focusing on public safety legislation.
• Law Enforcement Experience: Chief of Police in Twisp and Union Gap, Washington; Undersheriff of Yakima County Sheriff's Office, Washington; Chief of Police in Redmond, Oregon.