A MESSAGE FROM LENEXA CHIEF OF POLICE
I hope your year is off to a great start!
As we enter into 2025, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the accomplishments of the past year and excitement for the opportunities ahead.
Our most significant milestone in 2024 was our move into the new Lenexa Justice Center — a project that represents the culmination of years of planning and hard work. This state-of-the-art facility is more than just a new headquarters for our department; it is a centralized space designed to better serve our growing community. It also provides opportunities for community engagement, and we have been thrilled to welcome so many of you already. You can learn more about the Justice Center on pages 6 and 7 of this publication.
In addition to this major achievement, our department continued to focus on strengthening relationships with the community. Events like our second annual National Night Out and the Work Out With Lenexa PD programs showcased the importance we place on fostering trust and collaboration with the community we serve.
Operationally, 2024 was a year of impactful work. From targeted efforts addressing organized retail crime and human trafficking to ensuring safer roadways and neighborhoods, our officers remained committed to proactive and professional policing. Their dedication and service resulted in numerous successful outcomes, reinforcing Lenexa as a safe and welcoming place for all.
As we look ahead, we remain focused on continuous improvement. This year, we aim to build on these successes by enhancing officer training, further integrating advanced technologies into our operations, and expanding programs that invite community involvement in our mission to maintain public safety.
This annual report highlights the efforts and progress made by your police department in 2024. I hope it provides valuable insight into how we work together to face challenges and ensure a safer future.
Thank you for your trust and support. Together, we will continue making Lenexa a great place to live, work and thrive.
This report is published annually by the Lenexa Police Department. Please send questions or comments to LenexaPDPIO@lenexa.com. Lenexa.com/Police
Some photos taken by volunteer photographer Bill Harrison.
2,660 arrests 20,299 $2.4
officer-initiated activities includes anything that doesn’t first go through dispatch, such as traffic stops, vehicle checks, pedestrian checks and motor assists
Social media
Phone/text
Personal email
Business email $1,339,089
Computer pop-up for tech support
Romance
K-9 UNIT GET TO KNOW OUR
7-year-old Dutch Shepard Born in Holland, employed 2020
4-year-old German Shepard Born in Slovakia, employed 2022
All three of our canines are classified as “dual purpose,” meaning they are trained and certified in both narcotic detection and patrol work. Bart is trained in the detection of marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl. Bruno and Lotto are trained in the detection of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin and fentanyl. Patrol work includes building searches, person tracking, area searches, vehicle extractions and handler protection. All three canines are certified by the National Police Canine Association.
What’s the average number of years of service for a canine?
On average, our dogs will work until they are between 7 to 9 years old. Their senses start to weaken after that age. We get dogs when they’re 1.5 years old.
What do the canines do off duty?
Dogs live with their handlers and become part of their family. Unlike most pets who spend most of their days lounging, police dogs spend most days awake and working. As such, it’s important that the dogs spend their “off time” resting. If the dogs get too much play or stimulation while off duty, that could affect their motivation and drive while on duty.
52 arrests
DID YOU KNOW?
2-year-old Belgian Malinois Born in
How do the dogs get their names?
When we get them from our dog vendor, they usually already have their names. On rare occasions, we will rename them.
How many hours of training do they go through?
When we acquire a dog, it goes through a 10-week in-house canine academy. The first eight weeks are narcotics and patrol training. The last two weeks are advanced scenario works. The canine team certifies through the National Police Canine Association at the end of the 10 weeks.
How many hours do the canines work per week?
The K-9 unit, much like the rest of the patrol division, work a rotation of a five-day week, then a four-day week, and so on back and forth. One nine-hour day per week is dedicated solely for ongoing training and skills maintenance for the K-9 teams.
160 deployments
The Lenexa Police Department had the first working K-9 unit in Johnson County (1972) and was one of the first in the Kansas City metro area. We’ve had 33 canines over 52 years.
CORPORAL DAN SHINEMAN
BART
MASTER POLICE OFFICER BRIAN THOMAS
BRUNO
CORPORAL HUNTER TSCHIPPERT
Holland, employed 2024
LOTTO
IN THE COMMUNITY
MEET & GREET WITH THE PUBLIC
Lenexa police officers and firefighters appeared at the Lenexa Public Market’s special themed ”Community Heroes at Family Night” in August.
VEHICLE DISPLAYS
We hosted a great crowd for National Night Out in October at the Lenexa Justice Center.
STAYING FIT TOGETHER
Each month, community members are able to Work Out With Lenexa Police during a 60-minute session at the Justice Center that combines a unique blend of fitness and fun, pairing participants and local police officers.
LOCAL CELEBRATIONS
Lenexa Police Department staff were invited to the Midwest Sikh Gurudwara’s Vaisakhi celebration in Lenexa over the summer.
CITY FESTIVALS & EVENTS
Our officers are proud to be visible and engaged at City of Lenexa events and festivals (like Art Fair pictured), ensuring safety while fostering positive relationships with residents.
CONNECTING WITH YOUTH
Our school resource officers visited a Johnson County Parks and Recreation District summer camp in June to chat with students about summer safety. The kids asked many questions about police work.
A LOOK INSIDE THE
LENEXA JUSTICE CENTER
The Lenexa Justice Center, which opened in August, reflects the community’s strong commitment to justice and public safety. This cutting-edge facility serves as the main base for both the Lenexa Police Department and Lenexa Municipal Court. Located at the southwest corner of Prairie Star Parkway and Britton Street, the center offers enhanced capabilities in areas like security, training, communications, and the storage of records and evidence. Read how the innovative design and upgraded features of the new facility are helping Police Department staff perform their duties more efficiently and effectively.
“The Community Room is an 80-seat, versatile space that has allowed us to host a variety of events for the community. In October, we held an Internet Safety Workshop for Parents, which was open to the public. Throughout the fall, we also offered a 12-week Citizens Police Academy, providing community members with an in-depth understanding of our police operations.”
-Master Police Officer Danny Chavez
The Community Room is a meeting space for Lenexa residents, government agencies and nonprofit groups for educational, cultural, intellectual, recreational or charitable activities, such as homeowners association meetings and Scout troop gatherings. Learn more at Lenexa.com/PoliceServices.
“Soft interview rooms create a comfortable, safe environment for vulnerable victims, such as children or survivors of trauma, to be interviewed by detectives. These rooms are designed to reduce stress and intimidation, allowing victims to share sensitive information more openly. The calming setting helps foster trust and supports the investigative process while prioritizing the victim’s well-being.”
-Detective Hannah Gaines
“The new Justice Center features a modern, innovative design, providing a comfortable and efficient workspace for our dispatch team. This state-of-the-art dispatch center enables us to leverage advanced communications technology to deliver exceptional service for our community as well as officers working the beat.”
-Dispatcher III Heather Hayes
“The workout facility is much larger and more versatile than our previous weight room, offering both indoor and outdoor workout options. Physical fitness is essential to the overall well-being of our personnel, and this expanded space provides the ideal environment for daily workouts.”
-Captain Greg Bogart
“The property booking room represents a major improvement in both space and the integrity of the evidence booking process. The expanded area enables officers to more efficiently sort, categorize and package crucial case evidence for future court proceedings. Enhanced technological upgrades have also further strengthened accountability, ensuring a seamless and reliable chain of custody workflow.”
-Officer Will Andruss
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
The Lenexa Police Department not only handles traffic enforcement, crime investigations, and emergency response, but also offers 20 community-focused programs that you can get involved in.
Active Shooter Response Training
Free active shooter response training is offered to Lenexa businesses, churches, civic groups and other interested organizations.
Alarm Registration
If you have a home or business alarm system, you must register it with our free online registration system.
Child Car Seat Inspections
Get peace of mind that you’ve correctly installed your child’s car seat by scheduling an inspection with our certified public service officers. We do not install the car seat for you, but instead inspect and assist with adjustments.
Citizens’ Police Academy
Learn the ins and outs of the Lenexa Police Department through this free 12-week program beginning each January and September.
Community Video Partnership Program
Help us solve crimes faster by registering your home or business video cameras that record public areas.
Crime-Resistant
Community Partnership
We partner with apartments, hotels and storage units to reduce crime and create safe neighborhoods.
Internet Safety Workshops
Learn how to stay safe from online dangers and keep your personal data protected.
Fingerprinting
We provide fingerprinting services to Lenexa residents for a small fee.
Gun Locks
You can pick up a free gun lock at the Lenexa Justice Center.
Hire an Off-Duty Officer
Off-duty Lenexa police officers may be hired by a private entity to provide security-related services.
Neighborhood Block Party Visits
When available, our officers will visit neighborhood block parties. These requests are considered on a case-bycase basis and are attended by onduty officers who may need to leave to respond to a call.
Police Officer
Educational Visits
We value the opportunity for community engagement and are available to make educational visits to community groups.
Police Ride-Alongs
See what our officers do first-hand through our ride-along program
Station Tours
We offer tours of our police station to individuals and groups.
Understanding Police Use of Force: Citizen Workshop
We host workshops twice a year to educate civilians about the various aspects of police use of force.
NEW: Work Out With Lenexa Police
Break a sweat and build strength alongside Lenexa police officers the first Saturday of each month.
Vacation House Watch
When you are out of town, we’ll keep an eye on your home.
Vehicle Lockouts
We will assist if someone is locked in the vehicle and cannot unlock it themselves. If it is not an emergency, we will call a locksmith for you. Call 911 to speak with our dispatchers and explain your situation.
Year-Round Drug Disposal
Clean out your medicine cabinet and safely dispose of unused and expired prescription medications in our lobby 24/7.
Youth Police Academy
A one-week summer program offered twice a year for teens ages 13 to 17. This fun, interactive learning experience is designed to teach students about law enforcement, its challenges and the philosophy of teamwork. 2025 session dates: June 2–6 and June 9–13.
Learn more about these programs and get involved at Lenexa.com/Police.
A GAME-CHANGER IN PURSUIT SAFETY THE GRAPPLER POLICE BUMPER
The Grappler Police Bumper is an innovative tool designed to safely end high-speed vehicle pursuits, protecting both officers and the community. This system, mounted on the front of a police vehicle, deploys a durable strap that captures the rear wheel of a fleeing car, bringing it to a controlled stop.
Unlike traditional pursuit methods, the Grappler minimizes risks by reducing the potential for crashes and injuries during high-speed chases. It provides officers with a safer, more effective way to apprehend suspects while prioritizing public safety.
By incorporating advanced technology like the Grappler, our department continues to work toward safer roads and communities for everyone.
The Lenexa Police Department first began using the Grappler in May 2022 and was the first police agency in Kansas to employ this technology. Since that time, we have used the Grappler 47 times, including 19 in 2024. Those deployments have led to the recovery of stolen cars, arrests of wanted persons, the seizure of narcotics and illegal firearms, and removing impaired drivers from the roadway.
SUPPORT THE POLICE PUBLIC SAFETY FUND
Community support makes Lenexa a great place to live, work and play. Founded in 2017, the Lenexa Foundation accepts donations to support the Lenexa Police Department in areas like community engagement, crime prevention, employee wellness and local charities. Contributions are tax deductible (consult your tax advisor) and can be made as unrestricted gifts to fund the most urgent needs.
Due to the possible apperance of a conflict of interest, contributions will not be accepted from any person or entity that has unresolved, pending application, permit, request or matter with the City of Lenexa.
Two ways to donate:
Donations can be made digitally by scanning the QR code or by mailing a check* payable to:
The Lenexa Foundation 17101 W. 87th St. Pkwy. Lenexa, KS, 66219
*In the memo line of the check, please write “Police Public Safety Fund”.
Protect your vehicle and valuables: Tips to prevent car break-ins
Car break-ins are crimes of opportunity and one of the most common crimes in Lenexa. Thieves target anything of value such as tools and electronics, but they especially look for purses left inside vehicles. Unfortunately, it only takes seconds for a criminal to smash a window, grab your belongings and disappear.
TOP TWO TARGETED LOCATIONS IN LENEXA:
PARKS FITNESS CENTERS
Here’s how you can make your car less appealing to would-be thieves:
• Take your valuables with you – Never leave purses, wallets, or other valuable items inside your car, even for a short time. Thieves often watch parking lots for opportunities.
• Hide it before you park – If you must leave items behind, lock them in your trunk or place them out of sight before arriving at your destination.
• Lock your doors – Always lock your vehicle, even in your driveway. An unlocked car is an easy target.
• Park smart – Choose well-lit, high-traffic areas when parking. Thieves prefer isolated spots where they’re less likely to be seen.
• Stay alert – Report suspicious activity, like individuals lingering around vehicles, to the police.
By taking these simple precautions, you can help deter thieves and protect your belongings. Let’s work together to make our community a place where criminals think twice.
FOUR WAYS TO STAY SAFE DURING MARKETPLACE MEETUPS
Buying or selling items on Facebook Marketplace?
Prioritize your safety by choosing a secure location for your meetups. Public transactions can sometimes attract unwanted attention, but a little planning can go a long way in keeping you safe.
We encourage community members to meet at a police station to conduct these types of transactions, whenever possible. Most police departments, including ours, provide these designated spaces — often located in police station parking lots or lobbies. These areas are well lit, monitored and offer a safe environment to complete your exchanges.
Meet in a public place – If you can’t use a Safe Exchange Zone, choose a busy, well-lit location with lots of people around.
Bring a friend – Having someone with you provides added security and peace of mind.
Avoid nighttime meetups –Whenever possible, meet during daylight hours.
Trust your instincts – If something feels off, don’t hesitate to cancel the meetup. Your safety is more important than a sale or purchase.
Actual photo of car break-in damage at Sar-Ko-Par Trails Park in Lenexa
Know when to call 911 versus non-emergency line
It’s important to understand when to call 911 versus the nonemergency line, as police may not be aware of a situation unless it’s reported. Many people assume that someone else has already contacted authorities or worry about being seen as overly concerned. However, notifying the police is essential for them to assess and investigate the situation, helping to determine if any criminal activity is occurring. Knowing the difference between these lines ensures that the right response is sent for urgent and non-urgent matters.
CALL 911 for immediate, life-threatening emergencies, someone’s health, safety or property is in jeopardy, or crimes in progress
• Medical emergencies
• Accidents with injuries
• Fire or smoke
• Criminal activity
• Missing persons
• Violent or threatening behavior
• Weapons or firearms threats
• Traffic incidents (e.g.: driver under the influence)
• Injuries or emergencies at schools or workplace
• Child or animal in immediate danger (left in hot car)
If you’re unable to make a phone call safely, you can text 911 for help. However, this should only be used when a phone call is not possible.
CALL NON-EMERGENCY LINE AT 913.477.7301 for situations that require police attention but don’t pose an immediate threat to safety or property, such as noise complaints, minor accidents or reporting non-urgent incidents (license plate theft, fraud, etc.)
CONTACT US
Emergency: 911
Suicide and crisis lifeline: 988
Dispatch non-emergency: 913.477.7301
Administrative office: 913.477.7300
Animal control: 913.477.7385
School resource unit: 913.825.8098
Crime stoppers anonymous tip line: 816.474.8477
STAY CONNECTED WITH US
Learn more about our department, career opportunities, programs and services at Lenexa.com/Police.
Get additional crime prevention tips emailed to you through My Lenexa News, the City’s general newsletter. Subscribe at Lenexa.com/ENews.
