08/14/2026
Have you been curious about what our officers have been up to all month? The Independence Police Department is sharing a sample of the calls for service each month to inform and educate community members on the work we do.
In July 2026, officers engaged in 970 activities. These included 36 arrests (adults and juveniles), 23 welfare checks, 9 domestic disturbances, 6 hit-and-run crashes, 17 emotional health calls, and 45 suspicious activity/person/vehicle calls. The activities listed above represent just a portion of the calls to which officers respond. Other incidents may include resident contact calls, tows, attempts to locate, assistance to other agencies, crashes, and other service requests.
JULY 2026
-An officer observed a driver looking at a cellphone while driving. The driver did not immediately respond to the officer’s attempts to stop the vehicle. It was determined this was the driver’s third citation for using a mobile device while driving within 10 years, elevating the offense to a misdemeanor.
-Store surveillance captured a shoplifting incident involving a bottle of liquor. Investigators identified a suspect who also had an outstanding warrant. The suspect was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail for theft and the warrant.
-Officers responded to a report of a theft at a local bar. A suspect entered an employee-only area, accessed an office, and took approximately $2,540 in cash before leaving through a back door. The incident was documented as burglary and theft, and investigators are reviewing surveillance footage.
-Officers investigated multiple theft and fraud reports connected to the Fourth of July. In one incident, a backpack and purse were stolen from Riverview Park, followed by fraudulent credit card activity. In another, a vehicle window was broken, and a wallet was stolen, with unauthorized transactions later identified. Investigators worked with neighboring agencies to identify a suspect, who was arrested on charges including theft, fraudulent use of a credit card, identity theft and unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
-Officers contacted an individual in Riverview Park after hours who was yelling and disturbing campers. The individual initially provided a false name and appeared to be intoxicated. Officers later discovered multiple outstanding warrants and a parole violation. The individual was also charged with disorderly conduct and providing false information to an officer.
-Multiple 911 calls reported an individual walking through downtown and residential areas while yelling and bleeding from a head injury. The individual provided false identifying information and continued walking in the roadway after being warned. The individual was ultimately taken to jail and charged with disorderly conduct and providing false information to an officer.
-Officers contacted an individual who provided false identifying information after being recognized by an officer. Once the person was correctly identified and an outstanding warrant was confirmed, the individual ran from the officer but was quickly apprehended. The individual was arrested on charges including escape III, providing false information to an officer, and the outstanding warrant.
-Officers contacted an individual whose family had reported concerns about drug use. Officers observed the person using a substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine. The individual was charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine and was also detained on a parole violation.
-Officers responded to a report of an assault between roommates. The victim reported being struck in the face several times. The suspect was arrested and transported to the Polk County Jail, where an outstanding warrant was also confirmed.
This is just a sample portion of what your Independence Police Officers do every month. Reach out if you need us! We’re here to serve you.
