Frequently Asked Questions

If you need an officer for police services call the Jackson County Dispatch center 816-795- 1960. For all emergencies call 911. Grain Valley Police are dispatched through the Sheriff’s Department dispatch center 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. For administrative inquires, call the Grain Valley Police at 816-847-6250. If no administrative personnel are available, a message can be left. Do not leave messages requesting police response, instead call dispatch at 816-795-1960. Emails may be sent to gvmopd@cityofgrainvalley.org, but not for emergency situations. 

Generally police reports are available 5 – 7 business days after the initial report has been completed by the officer, unless the incident is still under investigation. Contact the department at 816-847- 6250 to see if the report is available. There is a fee of $5.00 for copies of police reports, and you need to fill out the report reproduction request form. It can be downloaded here.

Qualification to become a police officer are as follows: 

Knowledge, Abilities and Skills
Knowledge of:

• Federal, State and local laws and ordinances and any changes to said laws throughout tenure
• City and department policies and procedures
• Methods, objectives and procedures of law enforcement practices
• Methods, objectives and procedures of court proceedings
• Standard first-aid administration
• Personal computers and job-related software
• Police equipment, including vehicles, speed radar units, communications units, body armor, handcuffs, firearms, batons, and other related equipment
• Crime prevention and education techniques

Ability to:

• Work independently as well as in teams
• Understand and apply departmental, state, and local law enforcement procedures, policies, rules, and regulations
• Analyze situations quickly and objectively, to recognize actual and potential dangers, and to determine proper course of action
• Cope with stressful situations calmly, fairly, tactfully, and with respect for individual rights
• Establish and maintain effective relations with fellow employees and with citizens with varied racial, ethnic or economic backgrounds
• Demonstrate proficiency in the use and care of firearms
• Prepare accurate and grammatically correct written reports
• Keep immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions
• Uphold the Law Enforcement Code of Ethics at all times
• Respond to citizen requests in a courteous and effective manner
• Make sound and reasonable decisions in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, and established procedures
• Perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Demonstrate integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks
• Learn new aspects of police work depending on specialty assignment areas

Skills in:

• Communicating clearly and concisely, orally and in writing

Supervision Received

• The work is performed under the supervision of the Patrol Sergeant

Supervision Exercised

• None

Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently works and/or is exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat.
• Usually maintains a moderate noise level.
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally works in highly precarious places with explosives.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively, interrogate and interview people, discern noises that may require investigation, and perform telephone and radio communication
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, perform surveillance, sight and shoot a firearm, gather evidence at crime scenes, and coordinate and conduct detailed investigations
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to use a firearm safely and effectively, direct traffic, write reports, utilize equipment required for the performance of duties, and operate a vehicle
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, stamina, strength, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to direct traffic, bend or stoop repeatedly, maneuver through and over rough, uneven, slippery or rocky terrain, climb over fences and walls as necessary, perform search activities for extended periods of time, and perform all duties required in a law enforcement environment. 

Selection Requirements
Requirements are not limited to those listed below.  The City has the right to change, add, or eliminate pre-employment requirements at any time.

• Completion of job application and all supplemental information
• Oral interview
• Background check
• Fingerprinting
• Polygraph or voice analysis test
• Psychological test
• Drug and alcohol screen
• Physical fit-for-duty examination

Essential Knowledge, Experience, and Ability

Minimum Qualifications

• At least twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of employment
• High school diploma or GED or equivalent
• Missouri Class A POST Certification; or be able to obtain at time of appointment
• A valid Missouri driver's license or be able to obtain before appointment

Desirable Qualifications

• One (1) to three (3) years law enforcement experience
• Associates Degree in Criminal Justice or related field

Essential Education, Certification, and/or Licenses

Work EnvironmentThe work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Frequently works and/or is exposed to outside weather conditions, including wet and/or humid conditions, extreme cold, and extreme heat.
• Usually maintains a moderate noise level.
• Occasionally works near moving mechanical parts.
• Occasionally works in highly precarious places with explosives.
• Occasionally exposed to fumes or airborne particles, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration.

Essential Physical Abilities

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to discern verbal instructions, communicate effectively, interrogate and interview people, discern noises that may require investigation, and perform telephone and radio communication
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to comprehend written work instructions, perform surveillance, sight and shoot a firearm, gather evidence at crime scenes, and coordinate and conduct detailed investigations
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to use a firearm safely and effectively, direct traffic, write reports, utilize equipment required for the performance of duties, and operate a vehicle
• Sufficient personal mobility, flexibility, stamina, strength, and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to direct traffic, bend or stoop repeatedly, maneuver through and over rough, uneven, slippery or rocky terrain, climb over fences and walls as necessary, perform search activities for extended periods of time, and perform all duties required in a law enforcement environment. 

Selection RequirementsRequirements are not limited to those listed below.  The City has the right to change, add, or eliminate pre-employment requirements at any time.

• Completion of job application and all supplemental information
• Oral interview
• Background check
• Fingerprinting
• Polygraph or voice analysis test
• Psychological test
• Drug and alcohol screen
• Physical fit-for-duty examination
• Pre-Employment Exam

Early Warning Sirens will be tested on the first Wednesday of each month at 11:00 AM. Sirens will not be tested during threatening weather. When weather conditions warrant the activation of the Early Warning Siren system, an “all clear” will not be given. Residents need to tune into a local radio or TV channel for information. Reminder: the Early Warning Sirens are designed to alert individuals who are outdoors. 

Yes, a Special Event application needs to be completed and approved by Police Administration. Once received the officers are notified. If cones and/or barricades are needed Public Works will also be notified. Please be respectful of surrounding houses or streets. If the Police Department receives complaints of noise or any other disturbance you may be asked to end your event.

Contact the Crime Prevention Unit of Grain Valley Police Department at 816-847-6250 or via e-mail at gvmopd@cityofgrainvalley.org.

Officers are not authorized to make entries into vehicles except in emergency situations (i.e. child locked in car). You should call a locksmith, a tow company, or your auto club.

The vehicle will only be released to the registered owner. The vehicle will not be released to an intoxicated person, nor will they be released on an open title. If you are the registered owner, you need to bring your driver’s license and proof of ownership (i.e. title) to the police station. Staff will review the paperwork and either sign the release form, or instruct you on the additional needed information you need to pick up your vehicle. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for all towing and storage fees, which must be paid to the tow company prior to release of the vehicle.

A driver shall stop upon meeting or overtaking from either direction any school bus which has stopped for the purpose of receiving or discharging students or other passengers, signaled by the flashing red lights and stop arm. A driver shall not proceed until the bus resumes motion or until signaled by its driver to proceed.

Persons 16 years and younger, unless accompanied by parent or guardian or going to or from employment, shall not be in or upon any public place within the city between the hours of:
11:00 pm – 5:00 AM Sunday through Thursday
Midnight – 5:00 AM Friday and Saturday
There is also a daytime curfew during the school year, if not in school for any reason; they cannot be out in a public place, unless authorized by the school or home schooled.