Salem Police Department, Salem Missouri

06/01/2026

⚠️ TRAFFIC ALERT – ROUTE 32 CLOSURE TONIGHT ⚠️

MoDOT advises that Route 32 east of Salem will be CLOSED overnight beginning Monday, June 1, for the removal of a crashed oversized vehicle from the roadside.

🕖 Closure begins as early as 7:00 PM
📍 Route 32 between Route 72 South and County Road 4350
🕖 Expected to reopen by 7:00 AM Tuesday, June 2

🚧 No signed detour will be posted. Motorists should use Routes 72, A, and 19 to travel around the closure.

Please be aware that timing could change due to the complexity of the vehicle removal and weather conditions.

Drivers are reminded to slow down in work zones, obey traffic signs, buckle up, and put phones away while driving.

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – The planned closure for the removal of a crashed vehicle from the roadside of Missouri Route 32 east of Salem has been rescheduled to begin tonight, Monday, June 1.

05/23/2026

This little guy was found on Carnett Industrial. If he is yours, please contact the Salem Police Department.

05/21/2026

Are you missing your dog? He was picked up on Saturday near Salem United Methodist Church. If this is your dog, or you know who it belongs to, please contact ACO Sander’s at 573-247-4057 or the Police Department at 573-729-4242.

05/19/2026

During National EMS Week, the Salem Police Department proudly thanks Salem Memorial Hospital EMS for their dedication, professionalism, and compassionate care.

Your commitment to serving our community and providing lifesaving assistance makes a difference every single day. We are grateful for your partnership and for everything you do when our community needs you most.

Thank you for your outstanding service.

05/19/2026

On May 18, 2026, around 11:30 p.m, Patrolman #118 and Detective #106 of the Salem Police Department conducted an investigation into a suspicious persons during their normal patrol duties.

Contact was made with the subject wherein his identity was obtained and subsequently was discovered to have an active warrant for his arrest through Phelps County.

#118 and #106 followed up with the subject at his residence where he was located. As a result, Ian Dale, was placed under arrest and transported to the Dent County Jail.

Dale is being held on a $10,000 Cash/surety bond warrant for:
-Kidnapping 2nd Degree
-Domestic Assault 2nd Degree

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/16/2026

The Salem Police Department would like to congratulate the senior class of 2026 on their graduation!

Good luck in this next chapter of life!

05/15/2026

After more than a decade of dedicated service, we are proud to congratulate Detective Luc Burns on his retirement.

Detective Burns began his career with the department in 2014 after graduating from the Missouri Sheriffs Association Training Academy. He first served in patrol and was promoted to Detective in 2020, where his professionalism, determination, and commitment to justice made a lasting impact on our department and community.

Throughout his career, Luc completed specialized training in Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force investigations, REID Interview and Interrogation Technique, crime scene investigation and processing, and detailed investigations. He also served as a member of the ICAC Task Force and the Missouri Investigators Association.

A proud United States Army Veteran, Detective Burns has served both his country and his community with honor, integrity, and dedication.

Please join us in thanking Detective Luc Burns for his outstanding service and wishing him and his family all the best in retirement.

Attached in the comments will be additional videos of Detective Burns’ last 10-42.

05/14/2026

On 05/07/2026, Detective #106 responded to business in the 100 block of South Main. #106 discovered a male shattered the glass of the business door while entering the business.

An investigation was conducted and as a result, Christopher Turner, was located on 05/13/2026 and arrested. Turner was transported to the Dent County Jail by Sergeant #103.

A probable cause statement was submitted to the Dent County Prosecutor’s Office. Assistant Prosecutor Weber filed a felony complaint in the circuit court of Dent County. A $5,000 Cash/Surety bond warrant was issued by the Honorable Judge Kelsaw for the the following:

-Property Damage 1st Degree

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/14/2026

On 05/13/2026, Sergeant #103 of the Salem Police Department conducted an investigation of the whereabouts of a wanted fugitive.

#103 responded to the 100 block of North Pershing and located the subject, Buck Prater, and was placed under arrest. Prater was transported to the Dent County Jail and held on a probation and parole NO BOND warrant for the following:

-Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

05/11/2026

Today, in observance of National Police Week, the Salem Police Department proudly recognizes the dedicated officers who go above and beyond in service to our community.

The Salem Police Department is led by Chief Joe Chase #100 and Assistant Chief/Lieutenant Jonathon Counts #101.

Our Patrol Division is supervised by Road Sergeant Matt Williams #102, Sergeant Mike Loveday #103, and Corporal Jordan Brown #107.

This division is made up of hardworking officers committed to protecting and serving the citizens of Salem: Patrolman John Brown #118, Patrolman Gabe Castro #117, Patrolman Cory White #116, Patrolman Dell Hoffmeister #115, Patrolman Christian Martin #113, and School Resource Officer Lawrence Rictor #112.

Our Detective Bureau is staffed by Detective Trent Stephenson #106 and Retired Detective Luc Burns #105, who work diligently to investigate crimes and seek justice on behalf of our community.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to law enforcement officers across the nation and to our valued partners here at home, including the Dent County Sheriff’s Office, the Missouri State Highway Patrol, Missouri Fire Safety, Missouri State Park Rangers, the National Park Service, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

During National Police Week, we honor the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of all law enforcement officers who serve and protect our communities every day.