Professionalism

The Joplin Police Department is a community-funded division of the City of Joplin. The citizens who fund this department have rightful expectations in regard to the services we provide. Our professionalism as a department is determined by the effectiveness of our officers in the execution of their assigned duties.

Accountability

The purpose of the Office of Internal Affairs is to ensure that officers are held accountable to the citizens and visitors of Joplin. Accountability demands that we hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards as set forth in the law enforcement code of ethics and ensures that when we fail in maintaining our integrity, consistent disciplinary action is taken.

Responsibility

The Office of Internal Affairs is under the direct supervision of the Chief of Police.  The IA Office is responsible for the Police Department, Joplin City Jail and the Dispatch Center.  An Internal Affairs Sergeant and Corporal share the responsibility of the investigations they conduct when staffing allows.

2021 Complaints

The following is a breakdown of all complaints received by Internal Affairs for 2021:

• 52 complaints were received.
• 35 complaints were generated by citizens
• 17 complaints were generated within the agency
• 20 complaints were sustained or partially sustained
• 32 complaints resulted in findings that were other than sustained
• JPD received an average of 2.9 citizen complaints per month
• JPD received an average of 1.4 internal complaints per month

During the year of 2021 the Joplin Police Department responded to 75,502 calls for service. Included in that number is 9,529 vehicle stops. JPD Officers made 4,746 arrests resulting in 10,626 charges.

During the year of 2020 the Joplin Police Department responded to 81,727 calls for service. Included in that number is 11,867 vehicle stops. JPD Officers made 5,501 arrests resulting in 12,422 charges.