Parsons Police Partners with Police 24/7 to Highlight Community, Compassion, and the Reality of Modern Policing
For Immediate Release
Date: October 1, 2025
Contact: Lieutenant Jason Ludwig
Phone: (620) 421-7060
Email: jludwig@parsonspdks.gov
The Parsons Police Department is proud to announce its partnership with Police 24/7, a national television and documentary project that offers a real-world look at the men and women behind the badge. Over the next four to six weeks, film crews will embed with Parsons officers to document the daily realities of policing in a small but dynamic Midwestern community.
The concept for Police 24/7 was inspired by the department's participation in the nationally recognized Police2Peace program, a forward-thinking initiative that equips officers with communication and empathy-based strategies to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the communities they serve. The training emphasizes viewing officers not only as enforcers of law, but as "peace officers" who promote trust, safety, and mutual respect.
Following the success of that training in Parsons, producers with Police 24/7 recognized the department's story as a model of what community-centered policing can look like across America. Their team will ride along with officers during patrols, training sessions, community events, and routine calls for service, offering viewers an authentic, unfiltered perspective of the department's work.
"This is an incredible opportunity for the City of Parsons to showcase the wonderful things happening in our community," said Parsons Police Chief Robert Spinks. "Our officers serve with pride, professionalism and dedication every day, and this project allows the public to see the reality of modern policing, the professionalism, compassion, and teamwork that define our department. It also highlights what policing truly looks like for the vast majority of law enforcement agencies across the United States, a holistic, community-approach built on transparency, respect, and public service."
Chief Spinks added that Police 24/7 is providing an important counter-narrative to the often-one-dimensional portrayal of policing seen in national headlines. "Our officers are mentors, coaches, neighbors, and volunteers. They know the people they serve and work hard to make Parsons a safe and welcoming city. This project helps tell that story, the one that doesn't always make the evening news or social media."
The Parsons Police Department has built a reputation for progressive policing practices, transparency, and community engagement. Recent initiatives such as the Parsons Police Legacy Fund, the annual Guardians of the Greens charity golf scramble, and local partnerships through Shop with a Cop and the Parsons Public Safety Fair reflect the department's ongoing commitment to building trust and investing in the city's future.
Lieutenant Jason Ludwig, who serves as both the department's Training Coordinator and Public Information Officer, emphasized the importance of this moment for local law enforcement: "Having a project like Police 24/7 here in Parsons allows our officers to share their experiences in an honest and educational way. It also highlights how our training and professionalism come together each day to make a difference."
The filming process will span approximately four to six weeks, during which community members may notice camera crews accompanying officers. The department assures residents that the production will not interfere with ongoing operations or emergency response, and filming will be conducted with full respect for privacy, sensitivity, and departmental policy.
"Having had the opportunity to attend the FBI National Academy I can fully appreciate the job that Police 24/7 is doing for small agencies such as ours," said Deputy Chief Dennis Dodd. "I had the opportunity to share how we do things and initiatives that we are launching and found that we are pushing the envelope for programs faster than some larger agencies. So, this opportunity is just one more way for us to show our citizens and the nation that small agencies can make positive change as well."
As the partnership unfolds, Police 24/7 will bring national attention to Parsons' commitment to progress, accountability, and service in an effort to show that great policing isn't just found in large cities but thrives in the heart land of small-town America.
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