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Special Programs
Flock Safety Program
In 2023, Branson Police Department launched our Flock Safety Program after receiving a grant for violent crime prevention. We have installed automated license plate reading (ALPR) cameras around the City of Branson to help solve and reduce crime. The new cameras are built by Flock Safety, the public safety technology company that helps neighborhoods, communities and law enforcement work together to fight crime. Flock Safety ALPR cameras send a real-time alert to law enforcement when a stolen car or known wanted suspect from a state or national crime database is detected. They can also alert when a vehicle associated with a missing person in an AMBER or Silver Alert is detected. According to the International Association of Chiefs of Police, 7 in 10 crimes are committed with a vehicle. This system helps provide objective evidence needed for investigations. Flock Safety ALPR cameras capture license plates and vehicle characteristics, not people or faces. Each search requires a justification and the data is never sold or shared with third parties. The cameras are used to solve and reduce property and violent crime, and are not used for minor traffic or parking violations. “We are excited to partner with Flock Safety and look forward to this system to help us in our goal of making Branson safer. One of the main reasons we chose Flock was because of their cost-effective programs for Home Owners Associations and businesses, which serves as a force multiplier for Branson PD. We will be striving to grow this program by encouraging Branson entities to consider adding these systems to their areas,” said Branson Police Chief Eric Schmitt. To learn more about Flock Safety and their mission to eliminate crime, visit: www.flocksafety.com
For more questions about our Branson Flock Safety program and partnership, email police@bransonmo.gov
If your business or HOA is interested in getting Flock Safety cameras that can help us fight Branson crime, email commercial@flocksafety.com for more information.
If you are a law enforcement agency and interested in getting Flock Safety cameras, email support@flocksafety.com for information on solutions and pricing.
- What is Flock Safety?
- What is ALPR?
- Who uses Flock Safety products?
- How does Flock Safety’s ALPR help promote transparency and objectivity in policing?
- How long is footage stored and how is it securely stored?
- What kind of crime does Flock help solve and reduce?
- What protections are put in place for Branson PD use of the system?
- How much did Branson PD spend on the Flock Safety camera system?
Safe Housing Unit
The Safe Housing Unit was created in 2017 after the City of Branson Board of Alderman passed the Hotel Tier Program Ordinance. The Unit engages local hotel and motel management to ensure each property remains in compliance with the Hotel Tier Program.
The Hotel Tier Program Ordinance can be found in Article IX of the Branson Municipal Code of Ordinances.
Project Lifesaver
In 2018, The Branson Police Department partnered with Project Lifesaver and launched the premier search and rescue program specifically designed for “at risk” individuals prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering. Wandering is walking away or leaving with no notice to anyone. The program’s objective is to provide timely response to save lives and reduce potential injury for adults and children with the propensity to wander due to a cognitive condition. The program utilizes a personalized custom fitted radio receiver capable of tracking the individual’s location. The program can reduce search times from hours to mere minutes.
Branson Police Officers have been certified by Project Lifesaver and trained to respond to incidents involving children and adults with autism, Alzheimer’s, and other cognitive conditions. This training provides first responders an understanding of these conditions and potential conditions so we are better able to interact with this population in a more effective and successful manner.
Project Lifesaver program applications program are currently being accepted. Applications are available on the City of Branson website or applications may be picked up at the Police Department.
Project Lifesaver and Visitors to Branson
The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded a $5,000 grant to the Branson Police Department to expand its Project Lifesaver program to include visitors and tourists.
Whether you are visiting for a weekend or several weeks, you participate in this program by contacting the police department to set up an appointment. You stop by the police department upon your arrival in town, fill out a form, and get your loved one outfitted with a bracelet. Upon the end of your vacation, you return to the police department to turn the bracelet in.
Our hope is this gives those caring for those who wander the piece of mind to enjoy their vacations to our area.
To set up an appointment please call 417-334-3300 extension 1.
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back
The National Prescription Drug Take-Back Program aims to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the potential for abuse of medications.
The Branson Police Department actively participates in the National Prescription Drug Take-Back and has positioned a Drug Take Back Receptacle in the Police Department. The receptacle is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week in the Police Department first floor lobby at 110 W Maddux.
Questions:
Q: May I drop off the containers that the drugs come in as well as the drugs?
Yes, you may. No need to separate the drugs from the vials. Plastic and glass are acceptable; however, NO NEEDLES.
Q: May I drop pre-loaded syringes?
Yes, only if the needle has been removed by the patient. Epi Pens are accepted since the needles are sheathed.
Q: What alternatives are available for bringing syringes with needles?
Refer to the FDA website
Q: May I drop-off inhalers?
No. Inhalers and aerosol medications are not accepted as they “pop” or explode at the incineration facility.
Q: May I drop-off veterinary drugs?
Yes. drugs are available by prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) are accepted.
Q: Must I remove the Rx label from the bottles before I drop-off the prescriptions? Can we accept them per HIPPA privacy rules?
No, all prescription materials are strictly controlled by Law Enforcement Personnel and incinerated. You are under no obligation to remove the label; however, you may remove the label if they are concerned about your privacy.
Q: May I drop-off medications from a nursing home?
Yes. Medications dispensed to clients in a nursing home are prescribed to the patient and are not the property of the nursing home, so they may be accepted.
Q. May local doctor/veterinarian/pharmacy or hospital drop-off outdated prescriptions?
No. Doctors, pharmacies and hospitals purchase drugs directly from wholesalers and MUST keep records of all drugs they receive, dispense, or administer. These entities utilize a specific system that allows the return drugs to the supplier or they must dispose of them by using a DEA registered company. Please contact the local DEA office for clarification.
Q: Should I count the drugs or keep a log?
No. prescription drop-offs are intended to be anonymous. Do NOT count or inventory the drugs. In fact, we advise you not to touch them at all just toss the container in the receptacle and walk away. It is that simple.
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.
The city of Branson will be joining thousands of other communities across the country and celebrating National Night Out on the first Tuesday in October. Neighborhoods throughout Branson will host block parties, cookouts and various other community events, visits from emergency personnel and much, much more.
If you would like more information about National Night Out and to find out how you can get involved, contact Officer Darold Donathan at 417-337-8503 or ddonathan@bransonmo.gov
If you're interested in hosting a NNO party, please fill out this form.
Chaplain Services
The Police Chaplain Program is a partnership with various community faith-based leaders who respond and assist police and other first responders providing an overall better quality to the citizens of cities and communities.
Our goal is that our police/clergy partnership working together during times of crisis or incidents provides a more comprehensive response to those in crisis/need.
Our Police Chaplains perform tasks of a more emotional, social or spiritual nature while the officers handle tasks specific to the law enforcement role.
The role of the Chaplain is to be the ‘balancer.’ Our Police Chaplain provide support for Police Officer and civilians in their needs. Chaplains provide appropriate assistance, advice, comfort, counsel, and referrals to those in need who may request support.
For additional information please contact EJ Jones at (417) 337-8507 ejones@bransonmo.gov
Citizens Police Academy
The Citizen Police Academy offers a behind-the-scenes look at the Branson Police Department and will give participants hands-on experiences and insights into the department’s patrol procedures, narcotics investigations, crime scene processing, traffic enforcement, accident investigation and SWAT. Participants will also get to meet our K-9 team and take a tour of the department. At the conclusion of the program, graduates will have the opportunity to ride with a police officer and to experience policing from an Officer’s perspective. Participation in the Ride-along program is not required but is available to those who are interested
The Citizen Police Academy is a 12-week program that is offered each fall. Interested candidates must be at least 21 years old and have no felony convictions. Priority will be given to people who live or work in the City of Branson.
The 2023 Citizens Police Academy class is full and we are no longer receiving applications for the class.
For additional information please contact Officer Darold Donathan at (417) 337-8503
Crime Prevention
The City of Branson desires to assist you in resolving issues, in effort to provide you with the best possible quality of life within your neighborhood.
Did you know the Branson Police Department can assist Branson residents and businesses with information and presentations on residential, neighborhood, and business crime prevention? If you are interested in steps you can take to help minimize criminal activity where you live, or would like to know about the crime reduction programs Branson Police Department already have in place, contact Officer Darold Donathan at (417) 337-8503 or ddonathan@bransonmo.gov.
Police Coloring Page
We have a coloring page for your kiddos (or you!).
This is a great opportunity to teach them about police, what police do, how we can help, and how to call 9-1-1 for emergencies or police services! Click here to download a printable Branson Police PDF coloring page.