Travis Forbes
Police Chief
Everyone will remember 2020 as a year of challenges. The Lee’s Summit Police Department was confronted with the same issues faced by our entire community. We found it best to approach them as we always have, hand-in-hand with our residents and local partners. Our central philosophy has always been to work together to meet the needs of the community and this worked well for all of us in 2020.
Highly publicized incidents involving law enforcement nationwide initiated conversations in the community about topics such as police officer training, procedures and community involvement. Citizens let their voices be heard through public gatherings aimed at expressing frustration. The Police Department supported the First Amendment rights of participants and focused on ensuring their safety so these conversations could continue. Simultaneously, we assured the public that our accreditation-based policies and procedures aligned with societal concerns about proper policing. Our strong relationship with the community provided a foundation for peaceful engagement and positive outcomes for all.
Another significant challenge in 2020 was the COVID-19 pandemic. From a public safety perspective, our goal was to continue the delivery of effective policing services while protecting our front-line staff from risk and exposure to COVID-19. It has been a difficult task. While we have experienced a number of COVID-19 cases within our own workforce, we are thankful that none of these resulted in serious medical complications. We are also grateful for the vaccine opportunities which will allow us to engage with the community as we did prior to the pandemic.
Despite the challenges this year presented, department employees initiated and completed several significant projects that will improve operations and the delivery of services to the public. These were funded by various sources, but often through bond issues approved by our fellow citizens. Radio system upgrades were completed allowing both the Police and Fire Departments to join the Metropolitan Area Regional Radio System (MARRS). This enables us to operate more easily with our regional public safety partners during emergency circumstances. We also completed an upgrade to the internal records management system. Improvements are forthcoming on data available through the public portal via this system, as well.
A prior bond issue and a federal grant allowed the department to issue body cameras to every officer in the agency. The department has long desired to purchase and implement these devices however, the cost was prohibitive in the past. The body cameras will integrate with updated in-car video systems to aid with evidence, accountability and professionalism.
Funding through the CARES Act and a federal grant, secured with the assistance of the Mid-America Regional Council, has allowed the Police Department to improve our interaction with those who are experiencing a mental health crisis. Through a partnership with ReDiscover, we have implemented a mental health co-responder program. The co-responder will assist in behavioral health calls for service and follow-up to ensure services are made available to those in need long after the call. The program started in October and has already delivered great results to our residents. We are grateful to the community partners involved in this effort.
Lee’s Summit’s character is one that persists despite the challenges that come our way. We appreciate being part of this community and helping contribute to this spirit. The future for the City is bright thanks to our residents, businesses and visitors.