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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 ForbesPolice Chief
Deputy Chief of Police John Boenker
Major Cary Colyne Operations
Major Mark Liebig Administration Services
Major Nicole Walters Criminal Investigations
In 2022 the Police Department transitioned from Uniform Crime Reporting (UCR) to NIBRS data which categorizes offenses into three groups; Crimes Against Person, Crimes Against Property and Crimes Against Society.
These offenses are divided into two groups:
Local crime data indicated that thefts from autos, stolen autos and burglaries targeting open garages are the most common crime categories impacting quality of life in the community. In response, the Secured Neighborhoods and Property Initiative (S.N.A.P.) was created in spring 2023.
S.N.A.P. is a collaborative effort bringing together patrol officers, Traffic Enforcement, Criminal Investigations, the Crime Reduction Team, community interaction officers and Neighborhood Services. Their combined efforts aim to reduce crime in both residential and commercial areas.
The Police Department launched Safe Passage in 2018 to tackle substance use disorders in the community. This initiative, a partnership between the department, ReDiscover, Heartland Center for Behavioral Change and the American Addiction Center, provides immediate care and treatment for those struggling with a substance use disorder. Participation is voluntary and individuals can call 911 or approach an officer for help. Officers connect individuals to treatment and recovery resources. The program is free and does not deny treatment for lack of insurance.
The Mental Health Co-Responder Program began in October 2020. Two behavioral health professionals respond to calls with police officers that involve people who are having a behavioral health emergency. Co-responders provide additional assistance and resources to officers. The program has gained the trust of both officers and citizens, leading to increased usage of co-responders and a reduction in overall behavioral health calls. This has resulted in quicker engagement of citizens in services, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the program.
Officer of the Year Officer Beth Glover
Life Saving Award Officer Robert Berg
Civilian Employee of the Year Atalie Brown
CIT Officer of the Year Officer Dixon Ethington
The Community Policing Award recognizes officers who have engaged in significant community-oriented policing activities. The IMPACT team received the award for their work creating a new curriculum to replace the D.A.R.E. program taught in schools.
The Life Saving Award is given to employees for taking action to save the life of another human being.
The Medal of Distinction is awarded for exemplary, continuous, long-term professionalism by an employee.
The Medal of Meritorious Service recognizes an employee who performed a heroic deed and exceptional meritorious conduct that involved risk and danger to their personal safety.
The Award of Commendation recognizes employees for an act or performance taken outside of normal job expectations, duties and/or responsibilities.
Aaron Evans Aaron Ide Alex Walker Andrew Ewing Auburne Counihan Beth Glover Billy Foutz Bradford Severn Brent Evans Brian Wilson Cameron Egan Carmen Spaeth Carrie Craver Chad Albin Chris Depue Conner Frame Dave Schumaker Dixon Ethington Dustin Reeves Elizabeth Hoon Eric Faler Erica Short
Erika Albin Hunter Watson Jacob White James Brock James Treacy Jamie Taylor Jason Spaeth Jennifer Maynard Jeremy Verhulst John Easley Joshua Ward Kellene Lyman Kent Miller Kevin Dibben Kristen Perez Lee Turner Luke Wilson Madison Madden Marina Wallace Mark Corbin Mark Liebig
Mark Phillips Matt Miller Michael Reese Mike McClure Mike Murray Nathan Cantrell Nick Rippey Phil Stewart Phillip Eubanks Ryan Brownell Ryan Small Sam Cole Scott Doumitt Scott Liles Steve Grubb Steve Owings Terrance White Thomas Schnackenberg Tim Warner Todd Weger