Jordan Davis, a student from the South Central Career Center Creative Design & Applications class, recently designed decals for the police car of School Resource Officer Brad Jones.

Police Chief Chuck Brotherton Jr. (Left) has been presented a Safety Award from Kelly Beets with MIRMA.  The group applauds the police departments purchase of audio recorders plus dash-mounted cameras for patrol cars.  MIRMA also reimbursed the department a total of $3,872 as part of their grant program.

The South Central Regional Lodge #43 of the Fraternal Order of Police conducted its annual Shop With A Cop Program on Saturday December 10th at the West Plains Wal-Mart Super Center. The program was a huge success again this year and helped making a Merry Christmas for 200 Howell County Children.  Read more…

The Howell County Sheriff Department is looking for an inmate who took out trash this morning and did not return to jail.  Lloyd Miller, 33, was being held on charges of burglary, theft/stealing, resisting arrest, forgery, and possession of controlled substance.  He is described as 5’11” tall, 170 lbs, & clean shaven.  Contact the Howell County Sheriff s Dept. At 256-2544

The Southeast Coalition for Roadway Safety recently awarded a radar unit valued at $2,700 to the West Plains Police Department. This new unit has been added to a patrol car to aid in enforcement efforts of speed limits. The Southeast Coalition has identified Howell County as one of the top four highest accident and fatality counties within the region.  Read more…

The Department is proud to announce the addition of Officer Shannon Sisney our team.  Sisney, a native of Howell County, replaces Officer James Cruse who resigned from the Department in December 2011.

West Plains City Administrator Tom Stehn and Mayor Joe Paul Evans recently honored city employees that have served the city for the past 20 years.  Among those receiving recognition were Officer Stanley Vandiver and Detective George Buehler.

West Plains Police Chief Charles Brotherton receives recognition and was presented a pin from Missouri Governor Jay Nixon showing appreciation for his quick response following the Joplin, MO Tornado disaster.

Click It or Ticket

The West Plains Police Department will be joining efforts with statewide law enforcement February 24 for an aggressive “Click It or Ticket” mobilization to get more motorists to buckle up - and save more lives.

Despite evidence proving the benefits of wearing a seat belt, nearly one in four Missouri motorists are still not making it click.  Seven out of ten Missourians killed in traffic crashes are unbuckled.

“Local motorists should be prepared fro stepped up Click It or Ticket enforcement” said Darrell Jones, Assistant Chief of Police, “We’ll be out there to remind you seat belts can, and do, save lives.”

Buckle Up and Arrive Alive.

For more information, contact the West Plains Police Department at 417-256-6124 or visit www.saveMOlives.com

The West Plains Police Department will be hosting a Neighborhood Watch seminar at 6 p.m. Tuesday, February 28, 2012. The meeting will be held in the EOC Room, located at the Police Department, 1912 Holiday Lane. Information will be given explaining on how to start a Neighborhood Watch Program in the City of West Plains. The program will include useful information on observing and reporting crimes, tips on how to avoid becoming a victim and steps to crime-proof your home and autos. The meeting is free of charge and open to all residents of the City of West Plains.

For questions, contact Sgt. Jeff Head or Ofc. Bryan Brauer at (417) 256-2244.

ON 02-17-2012 AT 6:34 P.M. OFFICERS FROM THE WEST PLAINS POLICE DEPARTMENT RESPONDED TO A SHOOTING CALL AT 1760 STATE ROUTE BB HIGHWAY, IN THE CITY OF WEST PLAINS.  UPON ARRIVAL IT WAS DETERMINED A FOURTEEN YEAR OLD MALE HAD BEEN SHOT IN THE CHEST WITH A SMALL CALIBER HANDGUN.  THE VICTIM, JASON GREGORY SPURLING, WAS TRANSPORTED TO OZARK MEDICAL CENTER AND PRONOUNCED DEAD AT 7:25P.M.  

AT THIS POINT IN THE INVESTIGATION IT IS BELIEVED THAT A 15 YEAR OLD MALE JUVENILE HAD UNINTENTIONALLY DISCHARGED THE HANDGUN WHICH STRUCK THE VICTIM.  THE JUVENILE WAS REFERRED TO JUVENILE AUTHORITIES. AN AUTOPSY IS SCHEDULED FOR THE FIRST PART OF THE WEEK AND THE INVESTIGATION IS ONGOING.