City of St. Joseph integrates code enforcement with police department
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The City of St. Joseph announced it is partnering with the St. Joseph Police Department to improve the safety and appearance of neighborhoods through property code enforcement.
The City stated that the move reflects its ongoing response to resident feedback and addressing concerns throughout the community. Bringing code enforcement and law enforcement together, the City aims to improve coordination, efficiency and overall impact.
In a news release, City officials noted that blight, vacant properties, and crime often go hand in hand. The realignment positions staff to address issues more comprehensively. Improving neighborhood appearance and safety were among the top priorities identified by residents in a community survey conducted last year.
The Property Maintenance Division, formerly part of the Planning and Community Development Department, consists of six staff members: four code enforcement officers, one clerk and one manager.
The division is responsible for identifying overgrown weeds and vegetation, trash and debris, insect or vermin breeding, dead or diseased trees, excessive exterior lighting, noxious or offensive odors, stagnant water, temporary signs and any surfacing sewage.
The division has relocated from City Hall to the Law Enforcement Center at 501 Faraon St.
The move supports closer day-to-day collaboration with police officers. Residents needing in-person assistance should visit the police department lobby to speak with an inspector or supervisor.
Services available include right-of-entry requests for yellow-tagged structures, consent-to-tow forms, filing in-person code violation complaints, tax sale assistance and coordination with contractors dropping off invoices or picking up work orders related to property abatements.
Residents with questions or wanting to speak with an inspector by phone can contact the code enforcement clerk at 816-271-4620.
As part of the transition, the City said code enforcement officers had been assigned newly branded vehicles and will soon begin wearing uniforms that increase visibility and reinforce their role in neighborhood improvement efforts.
Code enforcement statistics before and after the cleanup highlights will be shared through the St. Joseph Police Department's social media channels.
St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster said residents can expect a more consistent and structured approach to code enforcement moving forward.
"This realignment allows us to focus more holistically on quality-of-life issues," Luster said. "Code officers will be looking beyond individual properties to address broader neighborhood concerns, helping us create cleaner, safer and more welcoming areas for everyone."
Substandard housing and dangerous building concerns will continue to be addressed through the city's Planning and Community Development Department.
Buildings that are red-tagged due to fire damage, accidents involving vehicles, weather damage and other structural concerns are also handled by the Planning and Community Development Department.
City leaders said the change underscores a commitment to listening to residents and delivering responsive, effective services aimed at improving daily life throughout St. Joseph.
