Liberal MO Police

07/28/2026

As many of you know, this Thursday will be my last day as Chief of Police for the City of Liberal.

Serving this community has been one of the greatest honors of my career. From the very beginning, I was welcomed with kindness and support, and I have had the privilege of getting to know so many outstanding people who truly care about their neighbors and this town. Liberal may be a small community, but it has a big heart. The support you've shown our police department over the years has never gone unnoticed, and I will always be grateful for the trust you placed in me.

I want to sincerely thank the Mayor, City Council, city employees, our neighboring law enforcement agencies, and, most importantly, the citizens of Liberal for allowing me to serve as your Chief of Police. It has been a responsibility I carried with great pride every single day.

While I am retiring as Chief, this isn't completely goodbye. I will be remaining with the department as an unpaid Reserve Officer, and I look forward to continuing to serve the community whenever I'm needed. Public service has always been important to me, and I'm thankful I'll still have the opportunity to give back.

Please join me in welcoming our new Chief of Police, Riley Spurling. I have every confidence that he will lead the department with professionalism, integrity, and dedication. I ask that everyone extend him the same support and encouragement that you've shown me throughout my time here.

As with any change in leadership, there may be some delays in handling non-emergency matters while we complete the transition. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this time. Please know that emergency calls will continue to be handled promptly, and keeping our community safe remains our highest priority.

Thank you again for allowing me to serve this wonderful community. The friendships I've made, the experiences we've shared, and the memories we've created will stay with me forever. Liberal will always hold a special place in my heart.

Thank you, God bless you all, and I'll see you around town.
— Chief Jeff Steffen

07/01/2026

Just a reminder fireworks must stop by 10pm and cannot start until 8am. On the fourth it is extended to midnight.
If someone violates the time restrictions a citation will be issued. There is zero tolerance for this. Please be respectful.

06/09/2026

Don’t forget to get your rabies shots and tags!!!

06/03/2026

06/03/2026

Get you some in liberal!!!! It was amazing

05/21/2026

Anyone know this dog?

05/19/2026

I have learned that all the information in the dog registration form is on the vaccination certificate. So if you just want to bring that down, we will make a copy and give you a tag. Also, tags are in. If you have already filled out a form, I'll bring a tag to your house.

05/18/2026

OWNER / KEEPER INFORMATION Owner Name: ___________________________________________ Address: _______________________________________________ City: ____________________ State: ______ Zip: ___________ Phone Number: _________________________________________ Email Address: _________________________________________ ANIMAL INFORMATION Animal #1 Type: ☐ Dog ☐ Cat Name: _________________________________________________ Breed: ________________________________________________ Color/Markings: ________________________________________ S*x: ☐ Male ☐ Female Spayed/Neutered: ☐ Yes ☐ No Age: ___________________ Rabies Tag Number (Vet Issued): _________________________ Microchip Number (if applicable): _______________________ VACCINATION INFORMATION Veterinarian Name: _____________________________________ Veterinary Clinic: _____________________________________ Rabies Vaccination Date: ________________________________
Rabies Vaccine Expiration Date: _________________________ Certificate Number: ____________________________________ ☐ Copy of Rabies Certificate Attached CITY REGISTRATION City Registration Number: _______________________________ City Tag Number Issued: _________________________________ Date Registered: _______________________________________ Registration Expiration Date: April 30, 20____ Received By: ___________________________________________ OWNER CERTIFICATION I certify that the information provided above is true and correct. I understand that City ordinance requires all dogs and cats within the City of Liberal to: 1. Be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian; 2. Have a current rabies vaccination certificate on file with the City Clerk; 3. Wear the City-issued registration tag continuously on the animal’s collar; and 4. Maintain current registration annually. I understand that failure to comply with these requirements may result in citations or penalties under City ordinance. Owner/Keeper Signature: _________________________________ Date: ___________________

05/18/2026

Lots of overachievers in turning in the rabies registration forms. I still have not received the tags yet, but I am expecting them any day now. When I get them, I'll bring them to you. I've attached the form; however, if all this information is already on your documentation from the vet, just send me a picture of that, and I will get you a tag. I'm building a dog database. In case your dog is lost, I will be able to return it to you. If you live outside the city limits and want your dog on this list, that is fine. I will get you a tag, but I am going to limit it to the immediate area, such as the school district.

05/08/2026

ENFORCEMENT OF CITY TAGS FOR DOMESTICATED ANIMALS

The City of Liberal would like to remind residents that the City’s rabies vaccination and registration ordinance for dogs and cats is NOT a new ordinance. However, it has not been actively enforced in recent years.

Due to the recent dog attack incident, the City has reviewed its animal ordinances and will begin strictly enforcing all applicable animal regulations in an effort to improve public safety and responsible pet ownership within our community.

Beginning on May 18th, residents may begin registering their dogs and cats at City Hall. We have ordered registration tags and will begin issuing them as registrations are completed.

Residents will have 30 days to obtain and attach the new City registration tags before enforcement of the tag requirement begins. However, all dogs and cats are already required by ordinance to be vaccinated against rabies, and vaccination requirements will be strictly enforced immediately.

At this time, there is NO charge to register your dog or cat.

To register your animal, you must provide proof of current rabies vaccination from a licensed veterinarian. Once registered, a City-issued tag must be securely attached to the animal’s collar and worn at all times while within the city limits.

We will also post the registration form online for anyone who wishes to fill it out prior to coming to City Hall.

The ordinance states:

“The owner or keeper of any dog or cat in the City of Liberal is hereby required to have such animals vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian and to procure a certificate of such vaccination from the veterinarian and to present such certificate to the City Clerk on or before May first (1st) of each year; and the City Clerk shall register such certificate, which registration shall remain in force until the April thirtieth (30th) next following said registration; and upon registration, the City Clerk shall issue a tag evidencing the registration and certificate of vaccination, and the owner or keeper shall securely attach the tag so issued to a collar to be worn continuously by the animal for which the tag was issued. It shall be unlawful for the owner or keeper of any dog or cat to permit such animal to remain in the City of Liberal unless wearing the tag above provided for herein.”

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation as we work to improve safety for both residents and animals in our community.