The mission for every member of this department is to consistently seek and find
ways to affirmatively promote, preserve and deliver a feeling of security, safety
and quality service to members of our community.
To fulfill this mission, the West Plains Police Department is committed to providing
professional and effective police services to the citizens of West Plains. The department
is currently comprised of 21 full-time certified Police Officers, and is supported
by a group of certified Reserve Police Officers. In addition to patrol and investigative
personnel, the department is also comprised of many specialized units to address
specific crimes and community problems. Included in the specialized units are Traffic
Enforcement, the K-9 unit, Bicycle Patrol, SWAT and Negotiations.
As you know, crime is on the increase in most large U.S. cities. It is also becoming
more prevalent in small communities. Thinking that it can only happen to someone
else and doing nothing to prepare yourself or take precautionary measures in case
makes you the perfect victim criminals are looking for.
The West Plains Police Department occasionally finds it appropriate to ask for public
help. We do this with caution, realizing we must protect innocent persons, and not
unnecessarily intrude on any person's rights.
