Saint Joseph, Missouri Police Department

Saint Joseph, Missouri Police Department The Official page of the Saint Joseph, Missouri Police Department.
***This page is not monitored 24/7***

The Saint Joseph, Missouri Police Department employs 128 sworn officers and 44 full-time and 5 part-time civilian support personnel. It serves over 77,000 residents; officers patrol 46.5 square miles and answers an average more than 76,000 calls for service per year. We are located within the Law Enforcement Center in the downtown area. This the official page of the Saint Joseph,, Missou

ri Police Department. This page was created to provide people who live and work in Saint Joseph or others with an interest in the SJPD, access to information about the office and a platform with which to interact with the SJPD. Before posting on this page, please review these terms. A posting on this page constitutes acceptance of the following terms and conditions:
• In case of emergency, or if you need police assistance, dial 911.
• Do not use this page to report a crime. To report a crime, call 911 or our non-emergency number, 816-271-4777, or go to the Law Enforcement Center, Police Department side.
• If you post information related to a crime on this page, you may be placing yourself in the position of becoming a witness in court proceedings.
• SJPD’s “liking” of other organizations’ or users’ pages does not indicate endorsement of that organization’s/person’s actions or comments.
• Comments posted by others on a SJPD social media page are not to be considered the opinion of the SJPD; nor does SJPD endorse any third-party comments on this page.
• The Saint Joseph, Missouri Police Department reserves the right to remove and/or block anyone who posts inappropriate material as determined by the SJPD. For examples of inappropriate material, see below.
• SJPD does not allow posting of photos or videos by anyone other than members of the department’s Media Unit. The Saint Joseph, Missouri Police Department welcomes a person’s right to express his/her opinion and encourages posters to keep comments related to content on this page. The SJPD reserves the right to remove any comments that are inappropriate or offensive, including, for example, comments that:

• defame, abuse, harass, stalk, threaten or violate the legal rights of others,
• include hatred, slander, threats, obscenity, violence, vulgarity or s*xual content,
• spam, advertise or solicit commerce or promote or encourage illegal activity,
• promote, foster or perpetuate discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, religion, national origin, gender or s*x, s*xual orientation, or disability,
• have personal information about another person or that violate a person’s privacy,
• include copyrighted material that belongs to another person or entity,
• contain links to inappropriate web sites,
• contain confidential information or information that may compromise the safety or security of the public or any member of the SJPD.

🚔 ALREADY A POLICE OFFICER? WE WANT YOU.Thinking about a change? Looking for a new opportunity where your experience, tr...
09/06/2026

🚔 ALREADY A POLICE OFFICER? WE WANT YOU.

Thinking about a change? Looking for a new opportunity where your experience, training, and dedication are valued?

The St. Joseph Police Department is looking for experienced law enforcement officers from other departments who are ready to bring their knowledge and skills to our team.

We know that changing departments is a big decision. Your experience matters, and we want to make the transition as smooth as possible while giving you the opportunity to continue serving the community as a member of SJPD.

If you're an experienced officer looking for a new challenge, we want to talk with you.

👮‍♂️ Bring your experience.
🤝 Join a team that supports one another.
🏙️ Continue serving the community.
🚔 Make St. Joseph your next assignment.

If you're ready to take the next step in your career, click the link or scan the QR code! https://www.stjosephmo.gov/637/Join-SJPD

Your badge may be the same — but your next chapter could be with SJPD.

💙9/11 Tribute Week💙The St. Joseph Police Department is proud to recognize and honor the 25th Anniversary of September 11...
09/05/2026

💙9/11 Tribute Week💙

The St. Joseph Police Department is proud to recognize and honor the 25th Anniversary of September 11, 2001, and the incredible courage and sacrifice displayed by first responders that day.

We invite our community to join Missouri Western State University for a week of remembrance, service, and tribute. All activities are open to the public.

📅 September 8–11

Tuesday & Wednesday | Blum Union | 11 AM–1 PM
• CFS Service Activities
• First Responder Student Challenge

Wednesday | Blum Union, Esports Arena | 12–4 PM
🩸 “Battle of the Badges” Blood Drive
Presented in partnership with Community Blood Center.

Friday, September 11

7:30 AM | Spratt Stadium
🏃 9/11 Stair Climb
A powerful opportunity to honor the first responders who climbed the stairs of the World Trade Center while responding to the attacks.

Patriot’s Day
Wear red, white, and blue as we come together in remembrance.

12:00 PM | Fire Station #9
🕊️ Memorial Ceremony
3202 Faraon St.

On September 11, we remember the lives lost, the families forever changed, and the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice. We also honor those who answered the call in the days, months, and years that followed.

25 years later, their courage continues to inspire us.

We Remember. We Honor. We Serve.
Never Forget.

⭐ FEATURE FRIDAY | OFFICER JOE HERRERA ⭐For more than two decades, Officer Joe Herrera has dedicated himself to serving ...
09/04/2026

⭐ FEATURE FRIDAY | OFFICER JOE HERRERA ⭐

For more than two decades, Officer Joe Herrera has dedicated himself to serving his community through law enforcement, education, and youth athletics.

Officer Herrera began his law enforcement career in 2004, after graduating from the Missouri Western State University Police Academy. During his time with the St. Joseph Police Department, he spent 10 years as a Patrol Officer before becoming a Defensive Tactics Instructor, where he helped train and prepare fellow officers in critical skills and techniques.

Since 2015, Officer Herrera has served as a School Resource Officer with the St. Joseph School District. His role goes far beyond school safety. He works to build meaningful relationships with students, mentor young people, and serve as a positive and trusted presence within the school community.

His dedication to youth doesn't stop when the school day ends. Officer Herrera also serves as the Girls Greater Heights Wrestling Coach. Under his leadership, the program has established itself as a respected force across Missouri and Kansas, earning multiple state championships across numerous age divisions. 🏆

Wrestling gives young athletes the opportunity to learn some of life's most important lessons—discipline, resilience, confidence, accountability, hard work, and perseverance. Officer Herrera takes pride in helping young people overcome adversity, support one another, believe in themselves, and become better both on and off the mat.

Whether he's walking the halls of Central High School, directing campus traffic, mentoring a student, training an officer, or coaching from the corner of the wrestling mat, Officer Herrera continues to make a difference.

Today, we recognize Officer Joe Herrera and thank him for more than 20 years of service and for the lasting impact he continues to make on the young people and families in our community.

Thank you, Officer Herrera, for your dedication to the St. Joseph community! 👏👮‍♂️

09/03/2026

Transparency Thursday | Behind the Cleanup

On July 1, 2026, Code Enforcement received complaints regarding tall grass and trash on a vacant lot at 1029 Douglas Street. Inspectors observed significant overgrowth and trash on the property and issued a notice of violation to the owner.

Several days later, area residents reported seeing individuals experiencing homelessness living in tents on the property. Over the following weeks, a substantial amount of trash and debris accumulated.

The St. Joseph Police Department’s Homeless Liaison, Officer Josh Hewitt, along with staff from Community Missions, made four visits to the property. During those visits, they worked to provide housing resources and assistance to those staying there. Individuals were informed they needed to leave the property and were advised of the upcoming City cleanup, but declined the assistance at that time.

Meanwhile, Code Enforcement inspectors made multiple attempts to notify the property owner and gain compliance, but those efforts were unsuccessful.

On July 29, 2026, Code Enforcement inspectors and a City contractor responded to the property to complete the abatement. Officer Hewitt and Community Missions staff were also on scene to continue offering assistance.

During the cleanup, one individual who had been experiencing homelessness since 2022 accepted assistance. Officer Hewitt provided transportation to a doctor's appointment that morning, and the individual was subsequently provided housing.

Throughout the day, the City contractor removed more than 100 cubic yards of trash and debris from the property. Rank growth, tree saplings, and tall grass were also cut and removed, leaving the property with a cleaner appearance and improved visibility.

What happens with the cost?
Costs associated with this and other Code Enforcement abatements are invoiced to the property owner. If the amount remains unpaid, it is applied to the property's real estate tax bill in accordance with Section 15-6 of the St. Joseph Code of Ordinances.

Thank you to the residents who brought this issue to our attention, and thank you to Officer Hewitt, Community Missions, Code Enforcement, and the City contractor for their work to address the property and connect those in need with available resources. 💙

FATAL VEHICLE VS PEDESTRIAN CRASH 36 HWY At approximately 9:47 p.m. on September 1, 2026, officers with the St. Joseph P...
09/02/2026

FATAL VEHICLE VS PEDESTRIAN CRASH 36 HWY

At approximately 9:47 p.m. on September 1, 2026, officers with the St. Joseph Police Department responded to the area of 36 Highway and Riverside Road for a report of a vehicle versus pedestrian crash. A male pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle.

The male sustained life-threatening injuries and was pronounced deceased.

The crash remains under investigation by the St. Joseph Police Department Traffic Unit. No additional information is being released at this time.

The road has since been reopened to traffic.

Anyone with information that may assist investigators is encouraged to contact the St. Joseph Police Department at 816-271-4777 or submit an anonymous tip through the TIPS Hotline at
816-238-TIPS (8477).

Watch Wednesday 🚨 | Beware of Bond ScammersScammers are once again targeting members of our community by posing as law e...
09/02/2026

Watch Wednesday 🚨 | Beware of Bond Scammers

Scammers are once again targeting members of our community by posing as law enforcement officers and claiming that a loved one has been arrested and needs bond money.

In some cases, scammers are using phone number masking/spoofing to make the call appear to come from a legitimate law enforcement non-emergency number. This can make the scam sound convincing—but don’t be fooled.

🚨 Remember:

Law enforcement will NOT call you and demand bond money over the phone.
Law enforcement will NOT ask you to pay bond through an online payment, gift card, wire transfer, cryptocurrency, or other unusual method.
A caller ID showing a legitimate police department number does not mean the call is legitimate.
If someone calls claiming to be law enforcement and demands immediate payment, hang up and verify the information independently.
Do not provide personal or financial information to an unsolicited caller.

If you receive a suspicious call, contact the St. Joseph Police Department through a verified phone number to confirm whether the call is legitimate.

When in doubt, stop and verify before sending money. A legitimate law enforcement agency will not pressure you into making an immediate payment over the phone or online.

Don’t let a scammer use fear and urgency to take your money. Stay alert, St. Joseph! 👮‍♂️📵

Tip Tuesday 🚸 | Crosswalk Safety for You & Your ChildrenWhether you’re walking to school, heading to the park, or simply...
09/01/2026

Tip Tuesday 🚸 | Crosswalk Safety for You & Your Children

Whether you’re walking to school, heading to the park, or simply crossing the street, taking a few extra seconds can make a big difference in keeping you and your children safe.

🚶 Teach your children to:

Always use a marked crosswalk when one is available.
Stop at the curb and look left, right, then left again before crossing.
Make eye contact with drivers whenever possible.
Never assume a vehicle sees you—even when you have the right-of-way.
Walk, don’t run, across the street.
Stay alert and put phones and other distractions away while crossing.
Watch for vehicles turning into or out of driveways and intersections.
Continue watching for traffic until you have safely reached the other side.

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents: Set the example! Children learn from what they see. Practice safe crossing habits with your kids and remind them that being visible, alert, and patient around traffic is always the safest choice.

🚸 Remember: A crosswalk is a designated place to cross, but it doesn’t make you invincible. Look, listen, make eye contact, and stay alert.

Let’s work together to keep our kids—and our entire community—safe! 💙

SJPD TO WORK WITH POLICE 24/7 TELEVISION SERIESThe St. Joseph Police Department is excited to announce an opportunity to...
08/31/2026

SJPD TO WORK WITH POLICE 24/7 TELEVISION SERIES

The St. Joseph Police Department is excited to announce an opportunity to work with the television series “Police 24/7.”

In the coming weeks, community members may see television production crews accompanying St. Joseph Police Department officers as they respond to calls for service and perform their daily duties. The crews will be filming alongside officers to provide viewers with a firsthand look at law enforcement and policing in St. Joseph.

This opportunity allows the department to showcase the professionalism and dedication of SJPD officers while also highlighting the St. Joseph community on a national platform. “Police 24/7” airs on the CW network.

The presence of a television crew does not change how officers respond to calls or provide police services. Citizens should also be aware that production crews will not enter private residences or businesses without the appropriate consent.

“We are proud of the work our officers do every day, and this is a unique opportunity to give people a closer look at that work and the community we serve,” Police Chief Paul Luster said. “We’re looking forward to showcasing our officers, our department, and the City of St. Joseph.”

The department is proud to represent St. Joseph and its community through this opportunity and looks forward to sharing the city with viewers across the country.

Monday Minute 🚲 | Bicycle Safety Tips for Kids & ParentsWith kids still enjoying the last days of summer, it’s a great t...
08/31/2026

Monday Minute 🚲 | Bicycle Safety Tips for Kids & Parents

With kids still enjoying the last days of summer, it’s a great time to review some important bicycle safety tips! Whether your child is riding around the neighborhood, heading to a friend’s house, or getting some exercise, a few simple precautions can help keep them safe.

🚴 For Kids:

Always wear a properly fitted helmet.
Follow traffic signs and signals.
Ride in the same direction as traffic.
Use hand signals when turning or stopping.
Stay alert and keep your eyes on the road.
Avoid headphones or anything that may distract you.
Use lights and reflectors when riding in low-light conditions.
Watch for cars pulling out of driveways and turning at intersections.

👨‍👩‍👧 For Parents:

Make sure your child’s bicycle fits properly and is in good working condition.
Check the brakes, tires, chain, and reflectors regularly.
Teach your child basic traffic rules and practice riding together.
Choose safe routes with less traffic when possible.
Make sure your child knows what to do if they encounter an unfamiliar or dangerous situation.

A helmet can help protect their head, but good habits help protect them everywhere they ride.

Have fun, stay alert, and ride safe, St. Joseph! 🚲💙

Feature Friday 👮‍♂️ | Welcome to the Team!Please join us in welcoming Officer Shubert and Officer Hanner to the St. Jose...
08/28/2026

Feature Friday 👮‍♂️ | Welcome to the Team!

Please join us in welcoming Officer Shubert and Officer Hanner to the St. Joseph Police Department! 👏

This week, we’re proud to officially welcome these two new officers to our ranks. We’re excited to have them join the team and look forward to watching them grow, serve, and make a difference in our community.

To Officer Shubert and Officer Hanner — welcome to SJPD! We’re glad you’re here! 💙

👮 Interested in joining them?

A career in law enforcement is more than a job — it’s an opportunity to serve your community, build meaningful relationships, face new challenges, and make a difference every day.

The St. Joseph Police Department is always looking for dedicated individuals ready to answer the call to serve. If you’re looking for a career with purpose, we’d love to hear from you. Apply below!

https://www.stjosephmo.gov/637/Join-SJPD

Your future could start here. Join SJPD! 🚔

Address

501 Faraon
Saint Joseph, MO
64501

Telephone

+18162714702

Website

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