The Fall Season is Here!

The Halloween Holiday is coming up soon! We remind you to prioritize safety this Halloween when carving pumpkins, decorating, dressing up in costumes, and trick-or-treating.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has several safety tips to help children remain safe while still experiencing the fun and excitement that comes with Halloween.

• Costumes: Need to be made of flame-resistant fabric and should be brightly colored or trimmed with reflective tape to make them visible to vehicles at night. Also, ensure the costume fits and avoid overly long or baggy costumes to prevent trips and falls.
• Masks: Should have eye holes large enough to allow full visibility and nose holes that allow for adequate breathing.
• Candles: Candle-lit jack-o-lanterns and other decorations should be located where children cannot brush up against the flame (try using LED lights instead).
• Treats: Use reflective tape on treat bags and check to ensure treats are individually wrapped for safety purposes. Additionally, do not give toys with small parts to children under age 3.

For more information on having a safe and fun Halloween, visit the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):

https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/kids-and-babies-clothing-and-accessories/halloween-safety 

Halloween can be a safe and enjoyable evening for all with some preparation, communication, and diligence. Of course, we will be on patrol and available to you and your children if you need us. As always, dial 911 in case of an emergency.

We appreciate your cooperation,

Chief Robert Spinks, MA, MS

"Fall into the Season"
By Robert Spinks, Chief of Police - Parsons, Kansas Police Department

As we move into the crisp days and cool nights of fall, your Parsons Police Department is focused on keeping our community safe through smart prevention, awareness, and teamwork. Fall is a season of change-and also an opportunity to "fall into" good safety habits that make a real difference.

One of the simplest and most effective crime prevention habits is our 9 PM Routine. Every evening at 9:00 PM, take a few minutes to walk through these steps:

• Lock your car, home, garage, and shed.
• Remove valuables from your vehicle and porch areas.
• Turn on exterior lights to illuminate your property.
• Check that all doors and windows are secured.
• Lighting up our neighborhoods at night is one of the best ways to displace thieves and burglars. Criminals look for darkness and opportunity-bright, well-lit homes and streets send a clear message: not here, not tonight.

As Halloween approaches, keep these seasonal safety tips from national crime prevention organizations in mind:

• Trick-or-treat in groups and accompany young children.
• Use reflective tape or glow sticks to make costumes visible.
• Stay on well-lit streets and use sidewalks when possible.
• Inspect candy before allowing children to eat it.
• Drive cautiously through neighborhoods-expect excited children to dart into streets.

These small steps ensure that everyone enjoys a safe and fun Halloween night.

Remember our agency's community watch phrase: "See It! Hear It! Report It!"
Being a "nosy neighbor" is a good thing in Parsons! When you see or hear something suspicious-no matter how small-report it right away. Your call could stop a crime before it happens. That's true for suspicious vehicles, strange activity, or even when you sense someone may be in danger.

That same watchfulness applies to domestic violence. If you suspect that someone needs help, call the police. The Parsons Police Department is one of the few small agencies in Kansas with a dedicated Domestic Violence Unit, staffed to not only investigate crimes but to connect victims and survivors with vital resources and support. Together, we can break the cycle of violence and make our community safer for everyone.

Finally, an exciting update-this fall, the Parsons Police Department is working with the CW Network television series Police 24/7. We are hosting a film crew has been riding along with our officers, capturing the real-life guardianship, professionalism, and compassion that define our team. The crew has worked with nearly two dozen agencies nationwide and shared that Parsons stands out for its community spirit and the wide variety of calls our officers handle daily. Parsons was picked because of our forward thinking community policing, number of awards, results of community surveys and our commitment to being a helping agency first and enforcers second. We are often unique in our award winning policing efforts. The show airs nationwide every Thursday night on the CW Network-locally on KOAM/KFJX Channel 14.2 (The 4 States CW)-and reaches over 500,000 homes. Portions filmed here may appear in Season 3, airing in 2026.

This fall, let's continue working together-neighbors and officers, hand in hand-to keep Parsons safe, bright, and strong.

Stay alert, stay safe, and remember:
See It! Hear It! Report It!

- Chief Robert Spinks, MA, MS
Parsons Police Department

PS - Don't forget to download the FREE Parsons Police App from the App Store too. 

Back to School Video on Facebook

Just released - Check out the new Parsons Police Back to School Video on the Parsons Police Facebook page. School Resource Officers, Cpl Shyanne Dunn and Officer Mark Raney will be welcoming students back to school. Share this safety video message with family, friends and students. Don't forget to download the free Parsons Police App to receive alerts and important information. Friend us on the Police Facebook Page and sign up to receive email and text alerts at: www.parsonspdks.gov  Cheers!

Summer Safety & Community Connection: A Message from Chief Robert Spinks

As the heat of summer settles in across Parsons, it's the perfect time for a friendly reminder about how we can stay safe, alert, and connected as a community. Whether it's backyard barbecues, family vacations, or neighborhood projects, summer brings us outdoors - but it also brings unique challenges that we can tackle together.

Stay Smart in the Summer Heat
Kansas summers are no joke when it comes to heat and humidity. Take these simple steps to avoid heat-related illnesses:

• Hydrate often, even if you're not thirsty. Water is your best friend in extreme temperatures.
• Limit outdoor activities during the hottest parts of the day, typically between 1 PM and 5 PM.
• Wear light-colored, loose-fitting clothing to help your body cool down.
• Never leave children, pets, or vulnerable adults in vehicles - even for a moment. The temperature inside a parked car can rise dangerously fast.
• If you have elderly neighbors or relatives, check on them regularly to ensure they're safe and cool.

Keep Watch, Stay Safe
We rely on the eyes and ears of our community to keep Parsons safe. If something doesn't seem right - whether it's a stranger loitering where they shouldn't be, suspicious behavior near homes or cars, or something that just raises your instincts - report it.

You can contact us directly at the Parsons Police Department by calling 620-421-7060, or if it's an emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Remember: "See It, Hear It, Report It!" No tip is too small when it comes to the safety of our neighborhoods.

Stay Connected with Us
We're making it easier than ever to stay informed and engaged with your Parsons Police Department:

Sign up for email and text alerts straight from our website:
👉 www.parsonspdks.gov

This is a great way to receive updates on emergencies, community events, weather alerts, and public safety information.

Download our FREE Parsons Police Department App!
Available now on the App Store and Google Play, our app puts crime alerts, safety updates, and police news right in your pocket. It's an easy way to stay connected wherever you are.

A Safer, Stronger Parsons
Our mission is not just to enforce the law - it's to build a community where every resident feels safe, valued, and heard. Together, through vigilance, smart safety practices, and staying connected, we can make sure this summer is enjoyable and secure for all.

Thank you for being our partners in safety. Let's keep Parsons vibrant, safe, and thriving - all season long.

Stay cool, stay safe, and stay connected!

Robert Spinks, MA, MS
Chief of Police
Parsons Kansas Police Department
👉 www.parsonspdks.gov

Blog Series: Policing in Parsons, Kansas - Challenges and Triumphs

By Chief Robert Spinks

 
Bridging the Gap - Community-Oriented Policing in Parsons

In today's rapidly evolving society, the relationship between law enforcement and the communities we serve has never been more crucial. At the Parsons Police Department, we've embraced Community-Oriented Policing and Problem Solving (COPPS) as a foundational strategy to foster trust, collaboration, and mutual respect between our officers and residents. 

Parsons Police Department
The Essence of COPPS

Community-Oriented Policing is more than a methodology; it's a philosophy that places the community at the heart of policing. By engaging directly with residents, understanding their concerns, and working collaboratively to address issues, we aim to create a safer and more cohesive environment. This proactive approach moves beyond traditional reactive policing, emphasizing prevention and community partnership.

Programs Making a Difference

Safe Exchange Zone: Recognizing the need for secure locations for transactions, we've established designated areas monitored by surveillance to ensure the safety of our residents during exchanges. 

R YOU OK? Program: This initiative provides regular wellness checks for our vulnerable populations, ensuring their well-being and offering peace of mind to their families. 

Public Safety Advisory Board: By involving community members in discussions about safety concerns and departmental policies, we ensure transparency and inclusivity in our operations. 

The Domestic Violence Unit (DVU): Grant funded through 2025 this unit focuses on not just prosecution but in supporting victims and survivors of domestic violence.

School Resource Officer (SRO) Program: A partnership with the Parsons School District that emphasizes mentoring, safety and communication with students.

The Road Ahead

While we've made significant strides, the journey is ongoing. Building and maintaining trust requires continuous effort, open communication, and a genuine commitment to community well-being. We encourage all residents to engage with us, participate in our programs, and share their perspectives. Together, we can navigate the challenges of modern policing and create a safer, more united Parsons.

The holiday season is right upon us! Family get-togethers, giving thanks, fresh-baked cookies, holiday shopping, the new year is fast approaching and cups of egg nog lattes abound. 

First responders enjoy all of this, but it is harder with juggling shift work, dealing with the problems and crises of others, probably shopping online during a break between calls and occasionally grabbing bargain-basement coffee to stay warm while working wintery days and nights. We have all heard or endured the rants of defunding or unfunding, along with the occassional social media troll. So even a small break from patrol with that pumpkin spice latte, or a warm patrol car heater while parked writing a police report in a parking lot, or park with the fresh snap of winter air, offers a moment to think of the future.

Tradition dictates that every 365 days, we try to kick bad habits and start our lives anew. This tradition dates back to 153 BC during the time of the Roman Empire, and yet we still have trouble achieving our resolutions.

If you fell off the resolution wagon last year - let us regroup and start the process over fresh.

Fast forward to today. Every first responder will echo that the holiday season means more, not less work. Across the nation, law enforcers are being challenged. It is also a time when the police become an even more important thin blue line of stability in a time of citizens under increased stress and crisis. Parsons has seen a seasonal increase with people in crisis, domestic violence, disturbances and abuse of alcohol and/or drugs - people in crisis. So maybe our collective resolutions are even more important this year.

The annual task of creating your list of resolutions can be a cleansing process. This simple act can be a time to de-stress as well as to look forward to resetting our positive view of life, family and career. A resolution means a change of behavior, which requires willpower. It requires a plan, so let us push forward.

If you fell off the resolution wagon last year, let us regroup and start the process over fresh. Mental health professionals tell us that setting goals can give us direction and boost our mood when we achieve a goal. Even a small goal achieved from your list of resolutions is a success.

Here is my top 10 list of resolutions for family and career. They are bite-sized, and I hope achievable:

Family
Find or create quality family time, even if the job competes.
Be happier, even if you must force it.
Tell your significant other and family you love them often.
Put the cell phone down so you can plug into family.
Walk, live the moment, share a sunset, a sunrise, a moment in a park.
Shed the crime-fighter mask at your door, or better yet, leave it in the locker at the agency.
Connect with the community off duty.
Find a hobby and involve your family.
Drink more ... water (hydrate!).
Lose the gut to live longer.

Career
Be even safer - watch your six - and plan "what if" as an officer safety tactic every day.
Grow your empathy for those in need.
Survive to arrive at every call.
Be early to shift changes and briefings - come prepared.
Find your zen moment to kick off every shift - have your "game face" on and be focused.
Take ownership of your morale - fight the negatives that you cannot control.
Workout, relax and rest up - it truly is about officer safety.
Practice proactive funda-mentals daily: handcuffing, searches, cover/contact and de-escalation.
Invest in your future through training, education and career planning.
Look in the mirror and evaluate if that image is the professional you should be or could be.
Just like Santa, make your list and check it twice. Post it in your locker and read it, commit to it and follow through. According to most experts, 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by mid-February! Be part of the winning 20% and follow through.

Sound too cheesy? Or maybe all of us crime fighters need to decelerate occasionally. In past years, I have committed to working out, spending more quality time with family, helping others, paying it forward and getting organized. So far, the working out has dropped off as the number of meetings in my life has grown. I am working on family time, my debt has dropped and time off is incredibly valuable. In the long run, I am doing better than many of my fellow resolution makers. Join me.

At the end of our shift, assignment and career, we all want our significant other - those Connie's, Mary's, Bill's, Bob's or Jim's to be there for us. Maybe that is the greatest New Year's resolution of all. Happy holidays to all!