Citizens Academy
The West Plains Police Department provides an opportunity for our citizens to learn what it is like to be a police officer, and gives you a glimpse into how our department operates.
What you can expect to experience during the Academy:
Classroom discussions, hands-on practical scenarios, and a ride-along to make the learning experience come alive for participants. The knowledge gained helps to open communication and therefore promotes understanding of the very difficult yet rewarding profession of law enforcement.
Here is a list of topics:
Meet Chief Stephen Monticelli and his Command Staff, Tour of WPPD, Police Reserve Officer Program, Emergency Communications, Patrol Procedures, Geographic Policing, General Investigations, SRT Team, SWAT, Active Shooter, Use of Force, Drug Task Force, Cyber Crimes, Firearms Safety, Trip to the Range, K9 Operations, Traffic Stops, Crime Scene and Evidence, Emergency Management System, Crisis Negotiations Team, and Practical Night. The West Plains Police Department looks forward to this opportunity and encourages you to apply, attend, and work together for safer communities.
The Academy is held on Wednesday evenings between 6:00 PM and 9:00 PM for ten weeks. It is open to all community members who live or work in the City of West Plains.
Applications can be found in the lobby of the Police Department. Applications are required to be submitted to the West Plains Police Department with ATTENTION: Chief Stephen Monticelli.
This does NOT certify attendees in any way as a police officer
Community Advisory Committee
The West Plains Police Department is excited to announce the formation of the “Police Community Advisory Committee,” a group that functions as a resource for the City of West Plains and the West Plains Police Department to assist in the formation of strategies, development of community policing concepts, increasing public awareness, furthering engagement and transparency efforts, and help to identify best practices. The Committee is intended to supply a forum for discussions concerning community issues and the goal is to have a broad spectrum of viewpoints represented.
The West Plains Police Department is committed to community engagement and providing exceptional and transparent police services. In support of this commitment, the mission of the Police community Advisory Committee is to function as a resource for both the community and the Police to enhance community involvement regarding policy issues. The Police Community Advisory Committee acts solely in an advisory capacity and will be driven by the active participation, creativity, and vision of its members. To carry out its purpose, the Committee will address issues associated with police-community relations, the improvement of the West Plains Police Department’s operations, and public safety issues to further enhance the quality of life in our community. The Committee functions as a sounding board for the Chief regarding community needs and concerns while keeping the Chief apprised of the community’s need for police services. The Committee’s focus is on contemporary challenges that affect the community and its Police Department.
The Committee is comprised of eight to ten members, featuring a diverse cross-section of active community members throughout the City of West Plains. These members represent a range of interests and experiences, such as business owners, residents, education, non-profits, public relations, faith community, youth representation, and more. Members must be West Plains residents or West Plains businesses. Members are chosen to serve on the Committee for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to their community.
Committee members are strongly urged to attend the Police Department’s Citizen Academy. If you are interested in serving on this important community committee in the future, applications may be found in the lobby of the West Plains Police Department. Applications are required to be submitted to the West Plains Police Department with ATTENTION: Chief Stephen Monticelli.
National Night Out
National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, more caring places to live. National Night Out enhances the relationship between neighbors and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community. Furthermore, it provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
Millions of neighbors take part in National Night Out across thousands of communities from all fifty states, U.S. Territories and military bases worldwide on the first Tuesday in August. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts, and various other community events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel, exhibits and more.
We can’t wait to see you for this year’s National Night Out and ask that you join us to show that we stand against crime. Watch our website and Facebook page for updates.
Coffee with A Cop
National Coffee with a Cop Day is observed on the first Wednesday in October. This day is very important for the community because it fosters relations between community member and their police officers. Officers hear from the community about their security challenges and needs. The community liaises with their police officer as allies in protecting and caring for the people of their town. If crime is to be abated, both the community and police officers must work together. We look forward every year to this day because we get to connect with our community members, and it shows how we stand together against crime.
Events are planned several times a year. Watch our website and Facebook page for the next event.
Shop with A Cop
The West Plains Police Department supports local businesses and the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) with the Annual Shop with A Cop event.
Held every December, the program’s main service event pairs underprivileged and at-risk children ages 3-12 with a law enforcement officer for a shopping spree leading up to Christmas. The hope is that this experience of shopping for toys alongside law enforcement will instill in each child a positive experience which they will carry into their adolescence and adulthood.
In 2022, the program saw over $21,000 go to children in the area.
Department Tours
We offer tours of the Police Department. To schedule a tour, you must contact the Police Department and speak with one of our lieutenants.
Ride Along
As a way to build relationships with our community members and as a tool for employment seekers, we have a Ride Along program. Applications may be found in the lobby of the West Plains Police Department. Applications are required to be submitted to the West Plains Police Department.
Car Seat Safety Checks
West Plains Police Department is interested in your child’s safety and will be glad to assist you in your car seat installation. Please fill out the request form and one of our staff will be in touch with you.
Finger Printing
We offer employment fingerprinting. If you need to be fingerprinted for employment you can contact the Police Department and schedule an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome. Wait times vary on staff availability and call volume.