Police Department Releases 2024 Annual Report
The Parsons Police Department is proud to announce the public release of its 2024 Annual Report, highlighting the department's commitment to transparency, accountability, and community partnership.
This year's report details significant improvements in public safety, strategic advancements, and department operations. Most notably, the 2024 crime index data reflects a substantial 14.57% overall reduction in crime compared to 2023. The report also showcases enhanced outreach efforts, continued investment in officer development, and the impact of new programs such as the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU).
"The numbers tell a story of teamwork and trust between our department and the community," said Chief Robert Spinks. "We've embraced innovation and built stronger relationships with the people we serve, and the results are clear - we're making Parsons safer, smarter, and stronger."
Important takeaways from the 2024 Report:
- Overall Crime Decreased by 14.57%
- Property Crime Decreased by 22.81%
- Violent Crime Increased by 20.00% (driven by improved reporting and intervention efforts)
While the report notes a rise in violent crime statistics, this increase is largely attributed to the successful launch of the Domestic Violence Unit (DVU) in mid-2023 - a specialized unit aimed at addressing the historically under-reported issue of domestic violence.
"What we're seeing is the result of building trust with victims who once suffered in silence," said Lieutenant Sherri McGuire, who oversees operation of the DVU. "We've worked hard to ensure survivors know they're not alone, and that help is real and accessible. That trust is leading to more reporting and more lives being protected. "The increase in reported violent crimes is therefore seen as a positive step in outreach, accuracy in reporting, and victim advocacy, not a reflection of increased community danger.
At the same time, the department celebrates a sharp decline in property crime, crediting it to targeted patrol strategies, technological enhancements, and strong partnerships with residents and local businesses.
The 2024 Annual Report is not just a snapshot of crime statistics: it's a comprehensive review of the department's continued growth and modernization. Highlights include:
- Ongoing investments in officer training and education
- Deployment of advanced technology and crime analysis tools
- Expansion of the vehicle fleet and equipment upgrades
- Deepening of community engagement initiatives
- Transparency in budgeting, staffing, and performance goals
"These improvements reflect the future of policing in Parsons," said Chief Spinks. "From smarter tools to stronger relationships, we are redefining what it means to serve this community, not just with enforcement, but with compassion and commitment."
This Annual Report was compiled by the department's Administrative Services Division and reflects the hard work and dedication of the entire staff. Lieutenant Jason Ludwig, who heads Administrative Services, said, "I rely heavily on the contributions of our staff to develop this report, and I want to give special recognition to our Records Coordinator, Marshall Sills. His ability to collect and organize the critical data needed to inform the public goes well beyond the typical duties of his role. I remain committed to maintaining public trust through transparency, whether it's through the Annual Report, the Crime Clock, press releases, or regular updates on social media and the website."
This report will soon be available for download on the Parsons Police Departments website at www.parsonspdks.gov
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