MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF

In 2023, the Lee's Summit Police Department pushed full-steam ahead as we grew to meet the City's future safety needs. Funding from the Public Safety Sales Tax provided opportunities to expand our Crime Reduction Team, add personnel to our Property and Evidence Unit, implement a mental health liaison officer, expand our communications unit, increase investigative technology and more. Growth will continue in 2024.

Voters approved a bond issue that will provide funding for a South Substation at the former Fire Station No. 5 site at M-150 Highway and Windemere. We are excited to redevelop this property to provide easier access to the citizens in this area. This location will also allow us to implement community programs throughout the City. The increased presence will enhance safety in this growing region.

Planning is underway in coordination with the Fire Department to build a Joint Operations Facility that will include an emergency operations center, communications center and Fire Headquarters on Tudor Road just west of the Police Headquarters. This expansion will better meet the present and future emergency service needs of Lee’s Summit. The building will represent cutting-edge technology and service options and serve as a public safety model for the region.

City staff coordinated with the Police Department in 2023 to re-launch the Safe Passage drug treatment program using funds from an opioid settlement. The funds have provided additional in-patient treatment options for the program. During 2023, a media campaign was instituted, drawing in more individuals in crisis and in need of help for substance use disorders. Safe Passage opened the door for assistance.

The crime analysis function drives the department’s proactive efforts to prevent crime. A civilian position was added to help provide information and intelligence to different officers and units throughout the department to improve this function. The analyst will also build the foundation for plans to create a real-time crime center intended to maximize response and investigation efforts to prevent and solve crime in the City.

The chief challenge for the department lies in recruitment and hiring. A community interaction officer was added late in the year to help in recruitment efforts. Our best employees are from the community so we spend significant time recruiting, selecting and hiring public service-oriented individuals from our population. Particular focus was devoted to the communications and uniform patrol ranks.

The remarkable support of the community has helped provide the Police Department with the tools needed for our success. I am grateful to partner with residents, businesses and organizations in Lee's Summit to keep the City safe. The City continues to grow, and we are rapidly growing to meet the challenges ahead. Our partnerships are the key to progress.

Travis Forbes
Police Chief