Travis Forbes
Police Chief

The exciting growth of Lee’s Summit presents challenges to the City and the Police Department in meeting expanding needs. In April 2021, voters supported enhancing public safety to meet these needs through a public safety sales tax. Police Department employees are working to implement plans to utilize these budget enhancements in an efficient, evidence-based way to better protect the citizens of Lee’s Summit. Over the course of the next several years the crime reduction team, patrol division, behavioral health services and administrative support functions will see an increase in personnel to best serve our community. Equipment will also be updated to keep up with the rapidly changing technology needed to provide quality law enforcement services.

During 2022, the Police Department continued to improve operations. Electronic case file submission was perfected with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office to provide a modernized, efficient delivery of criminal cases. The department worked with the cities of Grandview, Blue Springs and Independence to create an impartial police-involved fatality incident task force to investigate any incident involving citizen fatalities and the police. A new technology position was created to help administer emerging technological needs, from the radio system to video tech, throughout the department.

A sergeant’s position was added to improve department training and also institute wellness programs for employees. Law enforcement's physical and mental wellness is important to address improving officer health, providing mutual benefits for the officer’s career and post-employment quality of life and quality of service to citizens. Positions were also added to the Communications Unit to ensure a quality emergency response from this important part of public safety. The department continued to add new officers. In 2022, 44 new hires joined the Police Department, a record number.

Looking toward the future, we are exploring improvements to our communications facilities, a potential substation in the southern part of the city, and the expansion of technology to prevent crime and improve investigations. Our goal is to work with the community to ensure the safety of our fellow residents, businesses and nonprofit organizations. We hope our residents enjoy living and working here as much as we enjoy serving this terrific community!