Patrol

Patrol Division - Uniform Patrol

The Uniform Patrol Unit serves as the backbone of the department’s daily operations and is often the first point of contact between the community and law enforcement. Patrol officers are responsible for providing proactive police services, responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, investigating criminal activity, and maintaining public safety throughout the community 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Officers assigned to Uniform Patrol work in designated shifts to ensure continuous coverage and rapid response to emergencies. In addition to answering calls for service, patrol officers actively engage in crime prevention efforts through high-visibility patrols, community interaction, traffic enforcement, and problem-solving initiatives aimed at improving quality of life for residents, businesses, and visitors.

Uniform Patrol officers are trained to handle a wide range of incidents, including traffic crashes, disturbances, suspicious activity, medical emergencies, domestic situations, and criminal investigations in their initial stages. Officers also work closely with schools, local businesses, and community organizations to build strong partnerships and foster public trust.

The mission of the Uniform Patrol Unit is to protect life and property, preserve the peace, and provide professional, responsive, and compassionate service while upholding the highest standards of integrity and accountability. 

Services Provided by Patrol

• 24/7 Emergency Response – Responding to emergency and non-emergency calls for service throughout the community.
• Crime Prevention Patrols – Conducting proactive patrols to deter criminal activity and increase public safety.
• Traffic Enforcement – Enforcing traffic laws to improve roadway safety and reduce accidents.
• Crash Investigation – Investigating traffic crashes and assisting motorists during roadway incidents.
• Criminal Investigations – Conducting preliminary investigations into criminal offenses and suspicious activity.
• Community Policing – Building positive relationships with residents, businesses, schools, and visitors.
• Public Assistance – Assisting citizens with medical emergencies, welfare checks, stranded motorists, and other public service needs.
• School and Event Support – Providing security and traffic control during school activities, community events, and public gatherings.
• Warrant Service and Arrests – Serving warrants and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activity.
• Problem-Oriented Policing – Addressing recurring community concerns and quality-of-life issues through proactive enforcement and collaboration.
• Specialized Support Services – Providing support through Field Training Officers (FTOs), drone operations, and participation in the Jackson County SWAT Team.
• Crisis and Critical Incident Response – Responding to critical incidents, disasters, and other emergencies requiring coordinated law enforcement action.

The Patrol Division remains committed to protecting life and property while delivering professional, responsive, and community-focused police services to the citizens of Grain Valley.

SPECIALIZED UNITS UNDER PATROL:

SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics):

In 2026, the Grain Valley Police Department added three members of the Patrol Division to the Jackson County SWAT Team. These officers assist in providing specialized law enforcement response capabilities for critical incidents that exceed the scope of routine patrol operations.

SWAT personnel are specially selected and highly trained to respond to high-risk situations including armed barricaded subjects, hostage incidents, high-risk warrant service, active violence incidents, and other dangerous situations requiring advanced tactical operations. Team members train regularly in tactical movement, firearms proficiency, crisis response, de-escalation, and coordinated team operations.

The mission of SWAT is to protect life and property through professional, disciplined, and highly trained tactical response while supporting the safety of officers and the community during critical incidents. 

Drone Operations Unit

The Grain Valley Police Department maintains a Drone Operations Unit staffed by four FAA-certified drone pilots who utilize advanced unmanned aircraft systems to support patrol operations, public safety, and community needs. The unit provides officers with enhanced situational awareness while improving operational efficiency and reducing risk to both officers and citizens.

Drone pilots assist with a variety of law enforcement and public safety functions including crime scene documentation, search and rescue operations, missing person incidents, traffic crash investigation, large event monitoring, disaster assessment, and tactical support during critical incidents. The department also utilizes advanced interior drone technology capable of safely clearing and assessing structures during high-risk situations, helping reduce danger to responding personnel.

The Drone Operations Unit is committed to using technology responsibly, professionally, and in accordance with all FAA regulations, department policy, and applicable laws while enhancing the department’s ability to protect and serve the community. 

Field Training Officer (FTO) Program

The Field Training Officer (FTO) Program is designed to prepare newly hired officers for successful careers in law enforcement through structured, hands-on training and mentorship. Officers selected to serve as FTOs are experienced patrol officers who demonstrate professionalism, leadership, strong communication skills, and a commitment to developing future officers.

FTOs are responsible for guiding and evaluating new officers during their field training period by providing instruction in patrol procedures, report writing, officer safety, traffic enforcement, criminal investigations, community interaction, and department policies. They serve as role models while helping recruits develop the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills necessary to perform independently and effectively.

The goal of the FTO Program is to ensure new officers receive consistent, high-quality training that promotes professionalism, accountability, and exceptional service to the community. 

Power Squad

The Power Squad is a proactive enforcement team within the Patrol Division focused on addressing crime trends, traffic safety concerns, and quality-of-life issues throughout the community. Officers assigned to the Power Squad work to identify and target problem areas through directed patrols, traffic enforcement, warrant service, and criminal interdiction efforts.

The unit supports patrol operations by increasing officer visibility, responding to community concerns, and conducting proactive enforcement aimed at reducing criminal activity and improving public safety. Power Squad officers also assist with special events, targeted enforcement operations, and collaborative efforts with neighboring law enforcement agencies.

The mission of the Power Squad is to provide focused, proactive police services that enhance safety, deter criminal activity, and support the overall goals of the Patrol Division and the Grain Valley community.

Ride-Along Program

The Grain Valley Police Department Ride-Along Program provides citizens with the opportunity to observe patrol operations and gain a better understanding of modern law enforcement. Participants accompany a patrol officer during a scheduled shift to experience firsthand the daily responsibilities, challenges, and community interactions involved in police work.

The program is designed for individuals interested in a career in law enforcement, criminal justice students, and community members who would like to learn more about the role of the Patrol Division. Ride-along participants may observe calls for service, traffic enforcement, community engagement, and other routine patrol activities while adhering to department guidelines and safety requirements.

The Ride-Along Program helps strengthen community relationships through transparency, education, and positive interaction between officers and the public.

USEFUL LINKS:

Missouri State Highway Patrol Crash Statistics/Data

Missouri State Highway Patrol Sex Offender Registration List

Contact Information:

Title/Name: Captain Joseph Christiansen

• Office Phone Number: (816) 847-6250 
  • Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Dispatch Phone Number: (816) 795-1960 
  • Non-emergency, after business hours
• For emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

Email: jchristiansen@grainvalleypolice.org