Message from the Chief
Looking to Summer!
Happy 250th Birthday America!
A Message from Robert Spinks, Chief of Police, Parsons Police Department
Safe and Sane 4th of JulyThe Parsons Police Department hopes that you are having a fun and safe summer vacation. Enjoy and celebrate America's 250th Birthday! The Fourth of July-also known as Independence Day or July 4th-has been a federal holiday in the United States since 1941, but the tradition of Independence Day celebrations goes back to the 18th century and the American Revolution. On July 2nd, 1776, the Continental Congress voted in favor of independence, and two days later delegates from the 13 colonies adopted the Declaration of Independence, a historic document drafted by Thomas Jefferson.
From 1776 to the present day, July 4th has been celebrated as the birth of American independence, with festivities ranging from fireworks, parades and concerts to more casual family gatherings and barbecues.
July 4th Safety Tips
According to the U.S. Consumer Product and Safety Commission, there are nearly 9,000 emergency room-treated injuries associated with fireworks a year. Here are a few tips on how to have fun but also stay safe on the 4th of July.
- Never give fireworks to children.
- Always follow the instructions on fireworks packaging.
- Keep a supply of water close by as a precaution.
- Make sure the person lighting fireworks always wears eye protection.
- Light only one firework at a time.
- Never relight a 'dud.'
- Store fireworks in a cool, dry place away from children and pets.
- Never throw or point a firework toward people, animals, vehicles, structures or flammable materials.
- Stay at least 500 feet away from professional fireworks displays.
- Leave any area immediately where untrained amateurs are using fireworks.
Driving Safety Tips
July 4th is the second-most-deadly holiday period of the year - just behind New Year's - due to impaired driving. Drunk driving is a serious crime. If you're caught we'll place you under arrest. No exceptions. No excuses. Much of the tragedy that comes from impaired-driving related crashes could be prevented if everyone would take a few simple precautions before going out to party this Fourth of July holiday.
Always follow these tips for a safer July 4th celebration:
- Whenever you plan on using alcohol, designate your sober driver before going out and give that person your keys;
- If you're impaired, call a taxi or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely;
- Promptly report drunk drivers you see on the roadways to law enforcement;
- Wearing your safety belt or using protective gear on your motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver;
- And remember, Friends Don't Let Friends Drive Drunk. If you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.
The Parsons Police Department is preparing for one of the busiest times of the year - the summer rush. With more people outdoors and participating in activities, it is important that we take precautions to ensure the safety of our community. We congratulate all area graduates and wish them the best of luck in the future, whether away at college, into a career or somewhere in between!
We want to remind everyone to prioritize safety and responsibility during this season of relaxation and fun. Whether you are hiking, swimming, enjoying a neighborhood barbeque, or just spending time with family and friends, please be mindful of your surroundings and take steps to avoid accidents or injury.
Due to increased outdoor activities and travel during summer, remind all drivers in your family to follow traffic laws and never drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Please ensure everyone traveling in the vehicle is wearing their seatbelt and it is properly buckled.
While Parsons has had a multi-year decrease in crashes due to a combination of education and enforcement efforts. Now is not the time to speed, be inattentive while driving nor to drive while buzzed. It is time to use seatbelts to reduce injuries and visits to the ER from crashes.
Crime has not seen any dramatic increases year to date. In fact we have seen some noteable drops in criminal activity in 2026. While there have been a handful of noteworthy criminal events, those have all resulted in arrests. To date this year, we have arrested and processed over 346 criminals who have been processed through our lockup before being transferred to the county jail.
We routinely update our Lockup Roster which can be accessed on-line from our web site at: www.parsonspdks.gov
This is also a great time to make sure that you have signed up to receive text and/or email alerts for your police department. You can sign up at: www.parsonspdks.gov
For more information on extreme heat preparation, safety, and the signs of heat-related illnesses, please visit www.Ready.gov .
The Parsons Police Department wishes everyone a safe, healthy, and enjoyable summer.
Please follow us on Facebook, on Instagram and check us out on www.nextdoor.com Don't forget to download the Parsons Police free App from the App Store to stay connected!
Chief Robert Spinks, MA, MS
Parsons Police Department
