Van Buren Police Department

08/29/2026

As our children head to and from school each day, their safety depends on all of us. Beginning August 28, 2026, Missouri law increases the penalties for drivers who fail to stop for a school bus that is loading or unloading students.

These new penalties include increased fines, license points, and mandatory license suspensions for repeat offenses. In cases where a violation results in serious injury, the consequences can become even more severe, including felony charges and potential prison time.

But beyond the fines and penalties, this is about PROTECTING OUR KIDS. A few extra seconds of patience can make all the difference.

When you see a school bus stopped with its warning signals activated, please slow down, pay attention, and STOP. Let's work together to make sure every child gets safely on and off the bus and home to their family.

Please continue to keep our kids safe!

Van Buren Police Department

08/04/2026

We are looking for hardworking, dependable, and driven officers to join our team. We have recently received a pay raise and are excited to bring people on to strengthen the Van Buren Police Department. The starting pay is now $18.50, and after 90 days, it will go up to $19.00. If you have any questions or are interested, do not hesitate to call the Van Buren Police Department at the number listed in the photo. If you do not receive an answer, just leave a voicemail with your name and phone number, and we will contact you at the earliest time possible.

Thank you all,
Chief Sean Bradwell
Van Buren Police Department

07/21/2026

This post is a little late, but I want to thank the South Missouri Baptist Assembly Church Camp for baking and delivering cookies to the Police Department last Friday! We appreciate it and strive to be the presence that all can look to for help in their time of need.

Chief Sean Bradwell

06/25/2026

Hello everyone! There will be a company in town today flying drones down the streets for a grant the City of Van Buren has received. So, if you see these drones, they are most likely from the company surveying the roadways.

If you have any further questions about this, please contact City Hall at (573) 323-4335.

06/03/2026

**SCAM ALERT***

We are urging residents to remain vigilant following recent reports of phone scams targeting local citizens.

According to reports, fraudsters are impersonating Carter County Deputies. In these calls, the scammers frequently threaten citizens with arrest or prosecution regarding missed jury duty notices, or they attempt to gather sensitive personal and business information. Additionally, some citizens have been instructed to purchase gift cards and provide the card numbers over the phone to clear up fictitious warrants.

Please be advised that these are well-known, ongoing scams. The Sheriff’s Office will never solicit funds, demand gift cards, or threaten arrest over the phone for missed jury duty.
Residents are strongly advised to adhere to the following safety protocols:
• Do not provide personal or financial information to anyone who calls you unsolicited.
• Hang up if a caller makes threats or demands immediate payment.
• Verify the call by contacting the Carter County Sheriff's Office directly
Please share this information with your friends, neighbors, and family members to help protect our community from these predatory tactics.

05/29/2026

🚗 Car Seat Safety Event 🚗

Join CPSTs Breanna and Olivia for a FREE car seat check event!

📅 June 16th
⏰ 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
📍 Carter County Health Center Drive-Thru

Drive through and have your child’s car seat checked for:
✔ Proper installation
✔ Correct use
✔ Appropriate fit for your child

Please bring your child with you so we can make sure they are in the right seat for their age, height, and weight.

Help keep your little ones safe on the road! ❤️

05/19/2026

🚨 BLUE ALERT ISSUED AFTER SHOOTING INVOLVING POLICE 🚨

Law enforcement agencies across Missouri are searching for a suspect after officers were reportedly fired on during a traffic stop in Caruthersville, Missouri early Sunday morning.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says 42-year-old Zachary Rance Walker allegedly exchanged gunfire with officers before fleeing the area. Authorities believe Walker may have been struck during the incident after officers returned fire.

Investigators say Walker should be considered extremely dangerous and may still be armed with both a handgun and a rifle. Officials also stated he poses an active threat to law enforcement and the public.
Walker was last reportedly seen wearing:
• A navy graphic T-shirt
• Dark-colored shorts
• Black lace-up boots

Troopers say he has extensive tattoos and may be suffering from gunshot wounds.

A statewide Blue Alert remains active as authorities continue searching for him.

Anyone who spots Walker is urged not to make contact and to call 911 immediately.

The case remains under investigation. All individuals are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

05/11/2026

Dear Supportive Business Owners,

We at the Van Buren Police Department are seeking your assistance in our newest endeavor. We are collaborating with Hometown Publishing Company to earn funds through our local business owners. This collaboration is centered on a new critical drug education and prevention program, attempting to safeguard our community from the dangers of drugs and drug abuse.

We seek your partnership in this endeavor to help secure a better future for the youth and adults of our community. We will advertise your business with a one-time contribution that directly supports the Van Buren Police Department's new critical drug education and prevention program.

We are honored to work with you and your businesses to make a positive impact on our wonderful community.

Sincerely,

Sean Bradwell
Chief of Police
Van Buren Police Department

05/11/2026

04/03/2026

Van Buren Officially Receives Missouri Blue Shield Designation!!!!!

– Today, Van Burn received official word from the Missouri Department of Public Safety that we have earned the Missouri Blue Shield designation for 2026. This honor recognizes Missouri communities that demonstrate their commitment to enhancing public safety, investing in and supporting law enforcement and building partnerships between law enforcement and our community.
The Missouri Blue Shield Program was created by Governor Kehoe in January 2025 through Executive Order 25-03. In 2025, 201 Missouri communities earned the Blue Shield designation, recognizing local governments’ significant efforts to reduce crime and foster law enforcement – community partnerships to strengethen public safety. The opportunity to earn the Blue Shield designation for 2026 opened on February 4, 2026. Communities that earned the Blue Shield designation in 2025 had to reapply this year to be approved once again.
“The Blue Shield program has shown what’s possible when communities commit to prioritizing law enforcement and public safety,” Governor Kehoe said. “After awarding $50,000 grants to more than 200 communities last year, we’re continuing that work by welcoming new communities and renewing Blue Shield designations for counties, towns, and cities that remain committed to the program.”
“Strengthening public safety and committing to joint law enforcement community – citizen safety efforts is what the Blue Shield Program is all about and the Department of Public Safety is honored to work with communities like Van Buren that have answered the Blue Shield challenge,” said Mark James, Director of the Missouri Department of Public Safety (DPS). “Last year, the essential equipment provided by Blue Shield grants included 388 mobile data terminals, 351 body cameras, 151 license plate readers (LPR), 102 ballistic vests, 91 interoperable radios and 56 vehicles. We look forward to getting additional important equipment and training to our partners in local law enforcement.”
Eligibility and Program Details
Communities are eligible for a Missouri Blue Shield designation based on their dedication to reducing crime, making substantial investments in public safety, and developing strong collaboration with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders. Each participating community’s commitment is reviewed annually to ensure continued alignment with the program’s goals.

Participation Incentives
Communities that earn a Missouri Blue Shield designation will receive grant funding for law enforcement training and equipment as part of Governor Kehoe’s Recommended Budget for the State Fiscal Year 2027, provided the General Assembly approves the funding. The Governor’s FY 2027 budget appropriated $10 million to the program for equipment and training grants. Communities will also be featured on Governor Kehoe’s social media pages as well as the DPS website to highlight their participation in the program. A map of 2025 Blue Shield communities is available here.

About Van Buren
Van Buren earned a Missouri Blue Shield designation because of its exceptional commitment to public safety. The community has demonstrated a strong and ongoing commitment to protecting its residents. This designation affirms Van Buren’s effort to create a safer, more secure environment for all who live and work here.