To the Men and Women of the Clay County Sheriff's Office:

September 22nd, 2016


I watched you all last night in Smithville, and could not be more proud, and honored. You operated with restraint but also purpose, never hesitating and committed to protecting those who rely on us to keep them safe. You accomplished that with calm and resolve, and I as your sheriff commend you for it. I sometimes wonder if the world will never see your like again. I pray they will because we need you. Thank you the men and women of the Clay County Missouri Sheriff's Office.


Sheriff Paul Vescovo


http://www.kctv5.com/story/33154527/man-taken-into-custody-after-five-hour-standoff-in-smithville#.V-PkjgulTm8.facebook

Behind the Scenes

On February 25^th while trying to serve a felony arrest warrant, several neighboring homes were evacuated after a fugitive initially refused to surrender. A score of personnel worked swiftly and professionally to bring a peaceful end to the incident.

 

While it’s great that we “got the bad guy” it’s equally as important that we kept the citizens of Clay County safe from the potential danger. Deputies used a specialized rescue vehicle to get people away from the scene and a transport van to take them to a safe location. During their short stay, residents were given complimentary beverages and children were made honorary Junior Clay County Deputies. We were also able to help parents successfully coordinate transportation for their other children who had been in school. At the conclusion of the incident, when the fugitive was in custody, and the scene was safe, everyone was taken home.

 

Bad guys on the run and stand-offs are what make the six o’clock news but I wanted to share with you that there is also so much good being done behind the scenes. This is one of the many things that make the Clay County Sheriff’s Office great.

Clay County Students Thank Deputies

In December of 2015, I received an unexpected letter and group photo from the students and staff of the Outreach Christian Education School in southwest Clay County. Earlier that month deputies from the Road Patrol Unit responded swiftly to a report of shots fired near their school. Although it was later determined that the shots originated from a nearby firing range we as law enforcement must respond consistently to each call for help.

In the aftermath of the San Bernardino terrorist attack (on the day before this incident) it was natural to have a heightened sense of alert. We appreciate the community’s continued vigilance. Reporting suspicious and alarming activity to authorities immediately gives first responders the best chance to protect citizens from possible danger and conduct a thorough investigation. In any emergency situation please dial 911. To report a non-emergency situation contact the Clay County Sheriff’s Office at (816) 407-3700 or your local police department.

I take great pride in the hard work of the men and women of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office. Their commitment to the community, dedication to duty, professionalism in difficult situations, and compassion to those in need are second to none. On behalf of those who protect and serve, thank you for your support.

Paul C. Vescovo III
Sheriff, Clay County

Winter 2016 Sheriff's Citizen Academy

Did you know the Clay County Sheriff’s Office employs over two hundred dedicated men and women? Were you aware that we’ve increased our K9 Unit by seventy-five percent over the previous three years? Have you ever wondered what it’s like behind the scenes of the law enforcement profession? For a unique opportunity to see what we do and answer questions you may have, I encourage you to enroll for the Winter 2016 Sheriff’s Citizen Academy. 

I began my law enforcement career in 1978 as a Smithville Police Officer. I knew then that the success of this profession depended upon our relationships with the community. The Citizen Academy is only one of the programs we offer to support you, your family, and friends. Among other successful community programs I have instituted are the Women’s Self Defense Classes which are taught by our deputies and the Clay County’s Sheriff’s “Online Exchange Zone” where in‐person transactions can be conducted safely when buying or selling items from internet sites like Craigslist and local swap shops.

The Winter 2016 Citizen Academy begins Wednesday, January 20^th from 6:00 to 9:00pm at the Sheriff’s Office Training Center in Liberty. An experienced group of civilian staff, deputies, and commanders will spend each Wednesday for ten weeks sharing information and personal experiences from their assigned positions. To name just a few of the functions you’ll learn about are 9-1-1 Communications, Investigations, Fugitive Apprehension, Detention Operations, Patrol, and our popular K-9 Unit. For this academy course we’ll also be offering hands-on activities including a basic self-defense class and introductions to some of the tools that our deputies are trained to use.

We built valuable relationships with those who attended our 2015 Citizen Academy, and give them credit for expanding our 2016 class. I hope you’ll take the time to consider joining us to learn, ask questions, have fun, and forge lasting relationships with us. Don’t hesitate to call (816) 407-3750 if you have any questions about this or any other program we offer.

Paul C. Vescovo III
Sheriff, Clay County

 

Citizen's Academy Application

 

 

Welcoming the 2015 Citizen Academy

K9 Ocho and Deputy Edwards

 

 

Home Protection Tips for the Holidays

The holiday season is once again upon us. Families and loved ones will celebrate the holidays, make merry new memories, and spend the traditional countless hours of standing in shopping lines and/or browsing the latest online deals. Unfortunately, this joyous time of year also brings out crooks and shysters who will cause headaches, heartaches, and discontent for the honest and hardworking folks. In 2013, the Missouri Highway Patrol Crime Statistics showed that a burglary occurred approximately every thirteen minutes and similarly there was a theft every three minutes. We as a community cannot allow this to happen in our neighborhoods. Let’s work together to reduce the odds of becoming victimized.

 

Posting your holiday get-away to a sunny and 85 degree beach on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram should wait until you’ve returned home safely. When you publicize your travel plans, you increase the chances of becoming a target and your online privacy settings alone won’t protect you.

 

Many of us in the upcoming weeks will be decorating inside and outside of our homes to show off our festive spirit. Outside, some of those hard to reach peaks can require the use of a ladder to hang lights or garland. Be sure to put that ladder in the garage or back into storage right away. Burglars and thieves look for easy invitations to take what rightfully belongs to you. Open garage doors, unlocked car doors, and ladders resting against homes may attract their attention.

 

Criminals today don’t mind strolling onto your porch and swiping the package sitting in plain sight meant to be your loved one’s Christmas surprise. When ordering online or from catalogs, try to schedule your package delivery when you’re at home. If possible, try to have your package delivered to your workplace, a nearby relative, or a trusted neighbor even. This simple step can increase the likelihood that you’ll see the smile you’d hoped to see on your loved one's face.

 

By working together and taking the necessary steps, we can make the festivities of this season unequal to years past. Remember to report suspicious activity to your local law enforcement agency as quickly as possible.

As always, please don’t hesitate to contact the Sheriff’s Office to talk more about how you can protect yourself during this season.

 

Happy Holidays,

 

Paul C. Vescovo III
Sheriff, Clay County