Excelsior Springs, Mo. — The Excelsior Springs Police Department is urging residents to report any suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
“Some residents think they might be bothering us or taking up our time, but that’s why we’re here, to serve the public,” said ESPD Lt. Ryan Dowdy.
During a recent interview, Lt. Dowdy emphasized the importance of vigilance, recounting examples of how small tips from residents have helped address community concerns. One such instance involved a call about an individual loitering in a public building. Officers responded and spoke with the individual, resolving the situation peacefully.
“These conversations are often enough to de-escalate potential concerns and allow us to familiarize ourselves with potential troublemakers,” Dowdy said.
Residents are encouraged to call the department’s non-emergency line at 816-630-2000 to report any suspicious behavior. For situations where speaking on the phone is not possible, residents can also text 911.
“Those texts go right to our call center, just like a call would,” said Dowdy, noting that while text-to-911 isn’t widely used, it remains a critical tool in situations where discretion is necessary.
Dowdy also addressed a common hesitation among residents. “We want people to understand they’re not inconveniencing us. We’ll let them know if it’s something that isn’t a violation. But it’s better to call and let us decide,” he said.
The department hopes to foster a stronger partnership with local business owners and residents to create a safer environment. Dowdy mentioned reinstituting a ‘beat cop’ program where officers on duty patrol the downtown, talk with folks on the street, and build rapport with business owners and those living downtown.”My vision is for ESPD Community Outreach Unit members to use the golf cart to cruise downtown, visiting the parks and historic areas on Fridays and Saturdays when the weather is nice. Just to be more visible in the community,” he said
Dowdy said the move to encourage more calls has come from residents who have said they’ve noticed an uptick in suspicious behavior. “We’ve had shop owners express discomfort being alone in their stores when something feels off,” Dowdy said. “A quick text or call can bring an officer to check things out and offer peace of mind.”
The initiative is a valuable tool for keeping communities safe, but it’s crucial to use it responsibly. Reporting suspicious activity should be based on behavior, not personal biases or assumptions. “We ask that residents focus on specific actions or situations that seem genuinely out of place or concerning,” Dowdy said. Misusing the system by reporting individuals solely based on prejudice wastes valuable resources and can harm community trust. The goal, he said, is to foster safety, inclusivity, and fairness for all residents.
“We just want people to feel safe here,” Dowdy said. “Most of the time, people don’t have bad intentions, but staying alert and communicating with us can prevent issues before they escalate.”
For emergencies, residents should always call or text 911. The non-emergency line at 816-630-2000 is available for non-urgent concerns or general inquiries.
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