Carthage Police Department

Update 4/11/26 7:15 AM: Fir Rd is open to normal traffic.

🚨 Traffic Alert 🚨

4/11/26 6:00 AM: Fir Rd (HH) is currently closed between Chapel Rd and County Lane 156 due to a crash.

Please avoid the area and seek an alternate route while emergency crews are on scene. We will provide updates as they become available.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

We’d like to congratulate Sgt. Hayden Swinehart on graduating from the Missouri Police Chief’s Command College. This is a rigorous, six-week leadership program completed over the course of six months, designed to challenge experienced officers and prepare them for the next level of leadership within the profession.

Command College is not an easy course. It’s writing-intensive, demands critical thinking, and pushes participants to evaluate real-world issues facing modern law enforcement. Completing it requires discipline, commitment, and a strong willingness to grow.

Sgt. Swinehart put in the work and represented our department well throughout the program. We’re proud of his accomplishment and look forward to the continued leadership he brings to our team and community.

Please be aware of this scam going around.

URGENT MESSAGE! 03/31/2026
Scammers are actively making phone calls in Jasper County right now!
Please be aware: Neither the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office nor any legitimate law enforcement agency will EVER call you demanding money. We will NEVER ask you to pay fines using Bitcoin or any other type of cryptocurrency.
If you receive a call like this, it is a scam. Hang up immediately.
Please share this message and warn your friends and family—especially those who may be more vulnerable to these types of scams. Stay alert and help protect our community!

The Carthage Police Department extends our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the Christian County Sheriff’s Deputy Gabriel Ramirez and Deputy Michael Hislope, who tragically lost their lives this week in the line of duty.

Today, as these brave deputies are laid to rest, we join law enforcement agencies and communities across Missouri in mourning, honoring their loss and their sacrifice. Their commitment to protecting and serving their community represents the very best of our profession.

We stand in solidarity with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during this incredibly difficult time and remain grateful for the courage and dedication these deputies demonstrated every day while wearing the badge.

Please keep their families, fellow deputies, and the entire Christian County community in your thoughts and prayers.

PRESS RELEASE

Carthage Police Department
Case #: 26-0402
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: February 19, 2026

On February 19, 2026, at approximately 2:48 a.m., an officer was conducting directed patrols in the 200 block of West Fir Road, due to a rash of commercial burglaries in the area over the last few months. The officer observed a suspicious vehicle parked in front of a business in that same block.

Upon further investigation, the officer discovered the front of the business had been forcibly damaged and observed a masked individual inside actively burglarizing the business.

When the officer attempted to make contact, the suspect fled on foot. The officer pursued the suspect on foot for approximately one-half mile before the officer successfully took the suspect into custody without further incident.

The suspect was identified as a juvenile and was transported to the Jasper County Juvenile Office for holding.

Further investigation revealed the suspect had stolen a vehicle from a private residence earlier that same night and used the vehicle to force entry into the business.

The juvenile is the primary suspect in six additional recent commercial burglaries that have occurred within the city. The juvenile will be referred on multiple felony allegations, including burglary, property damage, stealing, tampering with a motor vehicle, and resisting arrest. These charges will be sent through the Jasper County Juvenile Office for consideration of charges.

Officer Hettinger’s alertness, initiative, and persistence were instrumental in bringing this incident to a safe and swift resolution.

This remains an active investigation, and no additional information is being released at this time.

Media Contact:
Lt. Aaron Kmick
Carthage Police Department
Phone: 417-237-7200

There will be a free First Impact Program in Joplin on February 28th from 1:30-3:00 PM. This will be held at the Joplin Public Library. This is an excellent program geared toward educating parents and kids on the complexities of the Graduated Drivers License.

🚕 City Taxi Service – Temporary January Schedule 🚕
Please note that the City Taxi Service will operate on a temporary schedule for the month of January:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Fridays: • One driver available all day • One additional driver available 12:30–5:00 p.m.
This schedule will be re-evaluated in February to determine whether it will continue or return to the regular Monday–Friday schedule.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to best serve our community.

🚧 TRAFFIC ALERT / ROAD CLOSURE NOTICE 🏃‍♀️🏃‍♂️

Please be advised that the 300 block of E. Fairview will be temporarily closed due to a running event.

🗓 Date: 12/16/2025
⏰ Time: 6 PM to 8:30 PM
📍 Location: Fairview from Grand to Wynwood near the Christmas Light Display at the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer

Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes and plan for possible delays. Access will be restored as soon as the event concludes.

Thank you for your patience and support as we help keep participants and spectators safe!

LaVerne Williams Children’s Christmas Party – 50 Years of Tradition

On December 13, 2025, the Carthage Police Department proudly hosted the 50th Annual LaVerne Williams Children’s Christmas Party at Carthage Memorial Hall.

This year’s event was a huge success, with more than 100 Carthage third graders in attendance to enjoy a fun-filled morning, celebrating the holiday season together.

Reaching the 50-year milestone makes this event even more special, as it represents decades of commitment to our youth and our community.

We truly enjoy hosting this party each year and are grateful for the opportunity to continue a tradition that brings smiles, laughter, and holiday cheer to so many children. A special thank you to all of the individuals, businesses, and organizations who generously donated to help make this party possible. If you would like to donate to next year's children's Christmas party, you may drop off gifts (3rd grade level) or monetary donations at the Carthage Police Department. Checks should be made out to "Laverne Williams Children's Christmas Party". Your support plays a vital role in the success of this event.

We look forward to many more years of celebrating together!

🚨 We’re Hiring: Assistant Police Chief 🚨

City of Carthage Police Department

Starting Salary: $81,742.76 per year

The City of Carthage is seeking a highly qualified and experienced law enforcement professional to serve as Assistant Police Chief. This position plays a key role in managing departmental operations and ensuring the highest standards of public safety.

✅ Requirements:

Missouri POST Certification (Required)
Minimum 5 years of law enforcement experience, including 3 years in a supervisory or command role
Strong leadership and communication skills

💼 Benefits Include:

City-funded pension plan
Health, dental, vision, life, and long-term disability insurance
457(b) deferred compensation plan & flexible spending account
Paid vacation, sick leave, 12 holidays + 1 personal day

📅 Apply by January 5, 2026

Submit:
Resume
Cover Letter
Police Department Employment Application (available here: https://aptg.co/yXlbLZ)

📧 Send to: HR Coordinator Michael Miller
Email: [email protected]

The City of Carthage is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Employment contingent upon successful background check.

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