Chief's Blog - Parsons Police Department
By Chief Robert Spinks

The 9 PM Routine: A Simple Habit That Prevents Crime

Every community wants to feel safe. In Parsons, Kansas, we are fortunate to live in a place where neighbors still look out for one another and where the police department works closely with citizens to prevent crime before it happens. One of the simplest and most effective crime-prevention habits any household can adopt is something called the 9 PM Routine.

It takes less than five minutes each evening, but it can prevent many of the most common crimes we see across the country.

What Is the 9 PM Routine?

The 9 PM Routine is a national crime prevention campaign that encourages residents to conduct a quick nightly security check of their homes and vehicles. The concept began with law enforcement in Pasco County, Florida in 2017 and has since spread to police departments across the United States and Canada.

The goal is simple:
Make your home and property a harder target for criminals.

Most property crimes - especially thefts from vehicles and burglaries - are crimes of opportunity. Criminals are often simply looking for the easiest target. Unlocked cars, open garages, or valuables left in plain sight create opportunities that offenders exploit. The 9 PM Routine reminds residents to take a moment each evening to remove those opportunities.

The Five-Minute Checklist
At 9:00 PM each night, take a quick walk through your property and check the following:

🔒 Lock vehicle doors
Many vehicle burglaries occur simply because the vehicle was left unlocked.

🚗 Remove valuables from your car
Wallets, firearms, purses, electronics, tools, and garage door openers should not be left in vehicles.

🏠 Lock doors and windows on your home
Even in small communities, unlocked doors can invite crime.

🚪 Close and secure garage doors and sheds

💡 Turn on exterior lighting
Good lighting reduces hiding places and deters criminal activity.

📦 Bring in packages, bikes, and tools

🚨 Activate alarm systems or security cameras

These simple steps can significantly reduce theft and burglary risks.

Why It Matters in Communities Like Parsons
Small communities are not immune to crime. In fact, property crimes often occur in quiet neighborhoods because offenders believe residents are less likely to lock doors or secure property.

Across the country, police departments consistently report that a large percentage of theft-from-vehicle cases involve unlocked vehicles.

When someone walks down a street pulling on car door handles, they are not breaking into cars. They are simply checking for unlocked ones.

That is why the 9 PM Routine works.

It removes the opportunity.

And when opportunity disappears, many crimes never occur.

Crime Prevention Is a Community Partnership
One of the most important principles in modern policing is this:

Police cannot prevent crime alone.

Crime prevention works best when citizens and law enforcement work together. Programs like the 9 PM Routine empower residents to play a direct role in protecting their homes and neighborhoods.

When thousands of households in a community take a few minutes to secure their property every night, it changes the environment for criminals. It tells them:

This is not an easy place to commit crime.

Make It a Family Habit
The best way to adopt the 9 PM Routine is to make it part of your nightly schedule.

Many families:

• Set a phone alarm for 9:00 PM
• Ask children to help check doors or lights
• Make it part of the nightly routine before bed

Reporting Suspicious Activity
Crime prevention also includes reporting suspicious activity. If you see something unusual in your neighborhood:

🚨 Emergency: Call 911
📞 Non-emergency Parsons Police number is 620-421-7060

Five Minutes That Can Prevent a Crime
The 9 PM Routine reminds us that crime prevention often comes down to simple habits.

• Lock a door.
• Turn on a light.
• Bring valuables inside.

These small actions send a powerful message that our community is paying attention.

And when communities pay attention, crime has a harder time finding opportunity.

Tonight at 9 PM, take a few minutes to check your home and vehicles.

You might prevent a crime before it ever happens.

As the weather warms and the flowers begin to bloom across Parsons, we welcome the arrival of spring and the sense of renewal it brings to our community. After the colder months, spring offers an opportunity to get outside, reconnect with neighbors, and enjoy the parks, sidewalks, and neighborhoods that make Parsons such a special place to live and work.

For many of us, spring means more time outdoors-whether that's taking evening walks, jogging through local neighborhoods, riding bicycles with family, or simply enjoying the longer daylight hours. Children are back outside playing, families are visiting parks, and community events begin to fill the calendar again. It is one of the most active and vibrant seasons of the year.

While spring brings excitement and energy, it also comes with new safety considerations. As activity increases throughout the city, we must all remain mindful of our surroundings and take steps to ensure that our streets, sidewalks, and public spaces remain safe for everyone.

The Parsons Police Department encourages residents to enjoy the season while also keeping safety a top priority.

Pedestrian Safety
With more residents walking and exercising outdoors, pedestrian safety becomes increasingly important. Being aware of traffic, following roadway rules, and remaining alert can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers the following important safety reminders for pedestrians:

• Follow the rules of the road and obey all traffic signs and signals.
• Cross streets at crosswalks or intersections whenever possible, and always look for vehicles in all directions-including those turning left or right.
• If a crosswalk or intersection is not available, choose a well-lit area with a clear view of traffic and wait for a safe gap before crossing. Continue watching traffic while crossing.
• Use sidewalks whenever they are available.
• If there is no sidewalk, walk facing oncoming traffic and remain as far from the roadway as possible.
• Stay alert for vehicles entering or exiting driveways and for cars backing out in parking lots

Even small safety habits-such as making eye contact with drivers, avoiding distractions from phones or headphones, and staying visible at night-can help prevent serious accidents.

Driver Awareness
Drivers also play a crucial role in keeping our community safe. During the spring months, motorists should expect to see more pedestrians, cyclists, and children playing near roadways.

Residential areas, parks, and school zones require extra attention. A moment of awareness and responsible driving can prevent a tragedy.

According to NHTSA, drivers can improve pedestrian safety by following these guidelines:

• Always stay alert and watch for pedestrians everywhere.
• Follow posted speed limits, especially in neighborhoods, schol zones, and areas where children may be present.
• Be extra cautious when visibility is limited, such as during bad weather, early morning hours, nighttime, or when backing up your vehicle.
• Yield to pedestrians in crosswalks and stop well back from the crossing area.
• Never pass vehicles that have stopped for pedestrians at a crosswalk.
• Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Safe driving behaviors help create safer neighborhoods for everyone-from young children playing outside to older adults enjoying an afternoon walk.

Working Together for a Safer Community
Public safety is a shared responsibility. When pedestrians remain alert and drivers stay attentive, we create a safer environment for everyone who lives, works, and visits Parsons.

The Parsons Police Department remains committed to serving and protecting our community throughout every season of the year. Our officers continue to work proactively to keep our streets safe, respond to community concerns, and build strong relationships with the residents we proudly serve.

We encourage everyone to take advantage of the warmer weather, enjoy the outdoors, and spend time with family and friends-but always remember to make safety part of your plans.

Learn More
For additional information about pedestrian and roadway safety, please visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) website at:
https://www.nhtsa.gov 

 
If you ever have questions, concerns, or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the Parsons Police Department. Working together, we can ensure that this spring remains a season of growth, renewal, and safety for our entire community.

On behalf of the Parsons Police Department, I wish you a safe, enjoyable, and successful spring season.

Chief Robert L. Spinks
Parsons Police Department

Policing as a Constitutional Trust: Remembering Dr. Martin Lurther King, Jr and the Policing Duty to Protect Human Dignity

By Robert Spinks, Chief of Police - Parsons, Kansas

With this week's holiday to remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. it invites our community and the nation to pause, not just on this past Monday but as we look forward into the new year of 2026, not simply to remember a historical figure, but to reflect on the moral responsibilities that accompany authority, power, and public service. That discussion is just as important today as it was in the 1960's.

In March of 1963, standing in Montgomery, Alabama, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. delivered a speech that was both a moral appeal and a constitutional warning. He rejected "normalcy" when normal meant injustice. He challenged institutions to look beyond order and ask whether that order was fair, humane, and worthy of a democracy. More than sixty years later, his message remains especially relevant to policing.

Dr. King understood something fundamental about democratic government: legitimacy is not derived from power alone, but from the consent and trust of the governed. When government actors-including law enforcement-lose sight of human dignity, the system itself is weakened.

That truth applies to all policing-local, state, and federal.

Policing as a Constitutional Trust

In a constitutional republic, law enforcement is not an occupying force. Police authority is delegated by the people and constrained by the Constitution. Our role is not simply to enforce compliance, but to protect rights, preserve peace, and uphold justice under the rule of law.

Dr. King's critique of injustice was never anti-law enforcement. It was anti-abuse of power. He did not call for disorder; he called for accountability. He did not reject authority; he demanded that authority be exercised with conscience.

That distinction matters.

At the Parsons Police Department, we believe policing is most effective-and most legitimate-when it is empathetic, effective, and just. That belief is why our agency became the first law enforcement agency in Kansas accredited as a Peace Officer Agency through the Police2Peace.org framework.

This philosophy is not about doing less policing. It is about doing better policing.

Why Empathy Matters in Policing

Empathy in policing is often misunderstood. It is not sentimentality, hesitation, or weakness. It is awareness-of the human impact of police authority and the constitutional principles that guide its use.

The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Fourteenth Amendments presume that government actors will recognize the dignity of the individual. Empathetic policing ensures that discretion is exercised fairly, that encounters are guided by respect, and that enforcement decisions are proportional and lawful.

In a democracy:

• People comply more readily when they believe they are treated fairly
• Trust becomes a force multiplier for public safety
• Communities cooperate when they feel heard rather than controlled

Dr. King understood that means shape outcomes. Policing that lacks empathy may achieve short-term compliance, but it erodes long-term legitimacy.

Effectiveness Requires Justice, Not Just Power

Too often, effectiveness in policing is reduced to numbers-arrests, citations, response times. Those metrics matter, but they are incomplete.

Effective policing is measured by whether:

• Harm is prevented before it occurs
• Conflict is resolved without unnecessary escalation
• Public confidence is maintained during difficult moments

History has shown that systems relying on coercion rather than justice eventually fail. When enforcement appears arbitrary, disproportionate, or disconnected from community impact, it weakens trust and deepens division.

Dr. King warned against returning to a "normal" that tolerated suffering. In policing, we must be willing to ask the same hard question: If normal means mistrust, fear, or inequity, then normal is not acceptable.

Justice as the Foundation of Peace

Dr. King famously stated that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." For policing-particularly federal policing-this carries significant weight. Actions taken under federal authority send a national message about whether constitutional protections are consistent or conditional.

When any level of government tolerates unequal enforcement, disproportionate impact, or lack of accountability, it undermines democratic confidence. Conversely, just policing strengthens democracy by demonstrating that:

• The law applies equally to all
• Authority is exercised with restraint
• Accountability is non-negotiable

This is why empathetic, effective, and just policing is not simply a best practice-it is a democratic necessity.

The Peace Officer Philosophy and Dr. King's Legacy

The Police2Peace philosophy aligns directly with Dr. King's vision. It recognizes that peace is not passive, authority must be morally grounded, and justice is inseparable from public safety.

Dr. King did not envision the absence of law enforcement. He envisioned law enforcement that served rather than subdued, protected rather than intimidated, and upheld dignity rather than eroded it.

In that sense, peace officer policing is not a modern invention. It is a return to constitutional first principles.

A Commitment Beyond Words

Dr. King reminded us that the arc of the moral universe bends toward justice-but only when institutions and individuals choose to bend with it.

On this Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday, the Parsons Police Department reaffirms its commitment to policing that honors dignity, earns trust, and strengthens peace. We believe public safety and human dignity are not competing values. They are inseparable.

Honoring Dr. King's legacy requires more than remembrance. It requires daily action-one interaction, one decision, one community at a time.

That is not idealism.
That is our constitutional duty.

Welcome to 2026 - A Year for Peace, Partnership, and Personal Safety
By Chief Robert Spinks, MA, MS - Parsons Police Department

As we welcome 2026, I want to extend sincere best wishes for a safe, peaceful, and prosperous new year to every member of our Parsons community. The holiday season is a time of reflection, celebration, and renewal. I hope that each of you had an opportunity to be with family and friends, and that you enter this new year with optimism and purpose.

The arrival of a new year is more than a change on the calendar - it is an invitation to strengthen our commitments to one another and to the ideals that bind us as neighbors and as a community. In the weeks and months ahead, I encourage all residents to seize opportunities to be part of positive community change. Whether that means getting involved in neighborhood programs, attending community events, or simply looking out for one another, every act of engagement contributes to a safer and more connected Parsons.

As we head into 2026, your police department remains the most award-winning agency with recognition in community collaboration, traffic safety, policy management and training. In early 2026, the Parsons Police Department will complete accreditation through the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (KLEAP), being one of only a dozen agencies to meet over 160 accreditation standards.

If current trends continue as we end 2025 and tally crime data, its looking like we may have drops in burglaries, thefts, and other crime categories.  

This time of year, also brings unique challenges. The current cold snap reminds us to take simple but important steps to protect your family and property. Please remember to:

• Prepare your home for winter weather - ensure that heating systems are functioning properly, pipes are insulated, and walkways are clear of ice and snow.
• Drive with caution on cold, slick roads - winter weather can change conditions quickly, and safe driving requires reduced speed, increased following distance, and your full attention.

As we celebrate, let us do so responsibly. Festive gatherings and safe transitions into the new year help ensure that everyone arrives home safely. During the New Year's period, our officers will be out in force focused on traffic safety and impaired driving enforcement. Plan ahead: designate a sober driver, use a ride-sharing service, or arrange for a safe ride home. Driving sober and safely is one of the most important gifts you can give to your loved ones. 

Community safety is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement - it is a shared endeavor. I invite you to continue building partnerships with our department through open communication, active involvement, and mutual respect. Parsons PD leads the region in community outreach through radio/tv/newspapers along with social media, public events and presentations along with our quarterly Report to the Community that is in The Sun Newspaper. Together, we can uphold the peace and enhance the quality of life for all who live, work, and visit Parsons.

We will continue to invest in our philosophy of effective, empathic and just policing which has led our agency to be the only department in Kansas to be certified as a Peace Officer Accredited agency by Police2Peace.org

Thank you for your continued support and cooperation. Let us make 2026 a year of safety, service, and shared success.

Stay safe, stay engaged, and may this year be your best yet.

Honoring a Giant Among Us: Remembering First Sergeant Henry Gatewood, Jr.
By Chief Robert Spinks, Parsons Police Department

On Saturday, November 15th, Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd and I had the honor of attending the funeral of a man whose life was nothing short of extraordinary-Retired U.S. Army First Sergeant Henry Arthur Gatewood, Jr. More than 400 people filled the Parsons VFW Hall to capacity. They came from Lake Charles, Louisiana...from Fort Riley...from across the Midwest and across the nation. And they came from right here at home in Parsons-because Henry was home to so many of us.

The room was overflowing, yet if you ever met Henry Gatewood, you know he would have never counted that crowd as a measure of himself. He would have smiled, nodded humbly, and said he was just doing what needed to be done. That's who he was-steady, humble, principled, and always in service to someone other than himself.

Today, as a community, we pause to honor the life of this exceptional man, and we reflect on what he leaves behind for all of us to learn from and follow.

A Life Rooted in Parsons, and Dedicated to Service

Henry was born here in Parsons in 1941 and raised in the neighborhoods and classrooms that shaped so many community leaders. A proud graduate of Parsons West High School and Parsons Junior College (now Labette Community College), Henry's journey of service began the moment he stepped into basic training after college. What followed was a 25-year Army career that spanned continents, conflicts, and countless lives changed for the better.

His service took him to Germany-twice-Panama, Nicaragua, Korea, and Vietnam. He served in combat with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment and worked alongside the 875th Combat Engineer Battalion at installations from Fort Meade to West Point. His roles were as diverse as they were demanding: combat engineer, platoon sergeant, drill sergeant, intelligence sergeant, Army advisor, instructor, and ultimately First Sergeant.

Henry's decorations alone read like a chapter in American military history:

• Silver Star
• Bronze Star
• Purple Heart with Oak Leaf Cluster
• Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters
• Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Clusters
• Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars
• Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation with Palm
  ...and many more.
   Each medal represented more than valor-it represented character.

A Second Life of Service to Community

After retiring from the Army in 1985, Henry continued serving-because that's what came naturally to him. He worked in care facilities and schools, influencing young people and adults alike. At the Labette County Correctional Camp, he led with discipline, dignity, and compassion. He taught, trained, mentored, and corrected-not to punish, but to build people up.

In Parsons, he became a pillar of faith, serving at Hamilton Chapel. He poured his heart into Brown Bishop VFW Post 704, eventually serving as a district commander for the Kansas VFW. His leadership and dedication earned him induction into the Kemper Military School and College Alumni Hall of Fame, the LCC Distinguished Alumni Award, and appointment as a colonel in the Kemper Corps of Cadets-one of only two non-cadets to receive such an honor.

But if you walked with Henry through town, he wouldn't talk to you about medals or titles. He'd talk about his family. His wife Martha, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He'd talk about the joy he found in sports, in traveling, in cruising, and in gathering with fellow veterans-men and women who shared his experience and his heart.

A Legacy for Parsons to Carry Forward

The front-page story in The Parsons Sun on November 14th captured what many of us already knew: Henry Gatewood lived a life of uncommon leadership, unshakable faith, and unwavering commitment to others. He was a man whose actions-across nations and right here in Parsons-quietly inspired generations.

As we remember him, I am struck by how much Henry exemplifies the values our community holds dear:

• Service above self.
• Courage when courage is required.
• Humility in every success.
• Commitment to family, community, and country.
• Faith that guides action.

Henry didn't just live these values-he modeled them every day. That is why more than 400 people gathered to honor him. That is why his name is spoken with reverence. And that is why his legacy will long outlive all of us.

Walking in His Footsteps

In law enforcement, we talk a lot about guardianship-about protecting and serving. First Sergeant Henry Gatewood lived that calling in every chapter of his life. His example challenges each of us-police officers, veterans, community members, and young people-to step forward, serve others, and build the kind of community he believed in.

The best way we can honor Henry is not simply by remembering him, but by emulating him.

• Show up for others.
• Serve with purpose.
• Lead with integrity.
• Love your family.
• Lift your community.

Parsons is stronger, kinder, and better because Henry Gatewood lived among us. And though we mourn his passing, we celebrate a life that leaves a shining path for the rest of us to follow.

Rest well, First Sergeant Gatewood. Your watch is complete-but your legacy marches on.

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