SJPD launches new social media series to build transparency within the community

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph Police Department recently launched a social media initiative that is gaining positive community interaction.

The planning for the series came in August, but SJPD made its official announcement, where it would begin making posts on Nov. 3

The daily series highlights SJPD officers and staff, and gives the community an inside look at the department.

Sgt. Richard McGregory, SJPD's public information officer, said the department started its social media series to be intentional and transparent.

"So we wanted to do a better job of telling our own story and letting people know that we are doing these things and showcasing them and then actually getting on video so they know exactly how we are trying to protect the community and how we are policing the community," he said.

Each day of the week, SJPD has a different theme on its social media. There is the Monday Minute, Tip Tuesday, Watch Wednesday, Transparency Thursday and Feature Friday.

McGregory said the department has seen strong engagement on its posts, especially its feature posts.

"I mean, there's just positive feedback just on, especially by people that know them (law enforcement) personally or people that may have had interactions with them on the job," he said.

McGregory said trust grows when people feel connected.

"So when they (community members) call...When you have a call for service, you're going to know maybe on a more personal level, these officers, when they respond, because you may have seen them on our social media site, you may have seen, you know, different things that they do within our department, different units that they may serve in our department," he said.

McGregory said the social media series is a learning experience, and he calls for the public's support.

"We're going to give you guys some good content, and we're not trying to take this lightly. This is something that we do want to strive and this is the start of a platform that's going to be here to stay," he said. "So we want to make sure we approach it the right way. And we're going to be very transparent. We want your feedback, that's going to affect what we put out."

In January of 2026, SJPD will fully launch its social media across multiple platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, X and more.