🎃👻 HALLOWEEN SAFETY TIPS FROM THE WASHINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT! 👻🎃
Halloween is Saturday, October 31! That means costumes, candy, spooky decorations, and kids who suddenly develop Olympic-level running skills when someone says, “They have full-size candy bars at that house!”
Before heading out for trick-or-treating and Halloween festivities, here are a few reminders to keep the night fun, safe, and full of treats instead of tricks!
BRING A BUDDY & HAVE A PLAN!
An adult should accompany children under 12. Older kids who are ready to go without an adult should stick with friends.
Parents, know where your kids are going, who they're with, and when they'll be home. Check in with them, too. Life360 is great, but a phone call or text still works!
KNOW YOUR CURFEW!
In Washington, the curfew for those under 17 is 11 PM to 6 AM Sunday through Thursday and midnight to 6 AM Friday and Saturday. Halloween is not one of the allowed exceptions! Plan ahead and get home on time. Your parents really don't want to be woken up by the police at 2 AM because you decided to make Halloween last a little longer.
Remember, the witching hour is for witches, not curfew violations!
CHECK THOSE COSTUMES!
Make sure costumes aren't so long that your little ghost trips over their own sheet. Masks can limit forward and peripheral vision, so consider face paint instead.
LIGHT YOURSELF UP!
Carry a flashlight, wear glow sticks, and add reflective tape to costumes and treat bags. Looking spooky is great. Being invisible to drivers? Not so much! No, your cell phone flashlight isn't enough!
DRIVERS, SLOW DOWN & PAY ATTENTION!
Children are more than twice as likely to be struck and killed by a vehicle on Halloween than on any other day of the year, according to Safe Kids Worldwide.
Slow down in residential neighborhoods.
Watch for children near intersections, driveways, and parked cars.
Put your phone away. That text can wait. The child crossing the street cannot.
Never drive impaired. Plan for a sober driver, taxi, or rideshare if needed. Another option is to stay home or decide to stay elsewhere.
TRICK-OR-TREATERS, THE CANDY QUEST HAS RULES!
Use sidewalks whenever possible. If there isn't one, walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic.
Cross at corners and crosswalks when available. Look left, right, and left again.
Don't dart between parked cars or run into the street without looking. Slow down, take your time, the candy isn't going anywhere.
Watch for cars backing out of driveways. Never assume a driver sees you.
Pay attention to what's going on around you.
STAY SAFE AT THE DOOR!
Visit homes welcoming trick-or-treaters. If the lights are off and nobody is participating, keep moving.
Never enter a stranger's home or vehicle, and make sure younger children have a trusted adult with them.
INSPECT THAT CANDY HAUL!
Parents, check treats before the kids dig in. Toss anything with damaged, opened, or suspicious packaging. When in doubt, throw it out. Yes, even if it's your favorite candy!
Homemade treats? Use your judgment and consider accepting them from people you know and trust.
AND FINALLY... THE PARENT TAX!
After escorting the kids, checking costumes, watching for traffic, and inspecting the candy, parents have earned a little something for their efforts. A Reese's here. A Kit Kat there. It's not stealing. It's a safety inspection!
From all of us at the Washington Police Department, have a happy and SAFE Halloween! Drive carefully, stay visible, watch out for one another, have fun. and may your candy haul be plentiful!
Curbside trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled and will not be affected by the closure.
Thank you to all who have served our country! ❤️🤍💙
The City of Washington is seeking a Police Officer to join the Washington Police Department and help keep our community safe.
We’re looking for dedicated individuals who are committed to professional service, teamwork and protecting the community.
washmo.gov/jobs
If you’ve seen Washington High School sophomores down at the Riverfront this morning, they’re hard at work making our parks and community even more beautiful! 🌱
Today, the Washington Parks Department is welcoming students for their Service-Learning Day, where they’re teaming up with our staff and Urban Forestry Council, including our Arborist, Josh, to learn proper tree-planting techniques and help plant 59 trees throughout Riverfront Park and along the trail! 🌳
These carefully selected trees have been thoughtfully spaced to give them room to grow tall, enhance our already beautiful river views, and add even more natural beauty to the trails for years to come.
👏 A special shout-out to Ron for taking the time to hand-dig holes along the back side of the parking lot! Your hard work is helping make this project possible, and we appreciate the extra effort!
We’re also grateful to the Project CommuniTree Program, which is providing 44 of the 59 trees. Based at the nursery and arboretum in Creve Coeur Park, this program supplies free saplings to public and nonprofit partners, helping communities grow greener spaces through volunteer efforts. 🌿
A huge THANK YOU to all the students, staff, volunteers, and partners who are lending a hand today! These trees are more than just new additions to our parks — they’re an investment in the beauty and future of our community. 💚
#WashingtonMO #WashingtonParks #ServiceLearning #ProjectCommuniTree #GrowingTogether 🌳
Day Shift Summary. 10/26/26:
Stealing was reported in the 4800 block of South Point Rd.
Check the well being conducted in the 1800 block of E. 9th St.
A motor vehicle crash occurred in the area of Hwy 47 and Hwy 100.
Two females and a male were arrested for stealing in the 1700 block of A Roy Dr.
Found property was turned in at Police HQ.
Responded to the area of J Lynn Ct. for a report of shots fired.
Fraud was reported in the area of Washington Crossing.
A male was arrested for stealing in the 1700 block of A Roy Dr.
Officers responded to an alarm sounding in the 900 block of Nora St.
Check the well being conducted in the 1900 block of High St.
ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT
https://www.washmolib.org/o/wpl/article/3176513
🎃👻 WASHINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FIRST RESPONDER TRUNK OR TREAT! 👻🎃
IT’S TRUNK OR TREAT DAY, WASHMO!
Join us this afternoon for a safe and spooky afternoon of fun for the whole family!
Saturday, October 24, 2026
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Washington Fairgrounds
Bring the kids, wear your favorite Halloween costume, and enjoy some treats while meeting your local first responders and other special guests!
The forecast is looking great, with sunny skies and a high near 76°! It’s shaping up to be a perfect afternoon for Halloween fun!
RAIN DATE:
Friday, October 30, 2026
5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
We look forward to seeing everyone this afternoon!
Questions? Contact SRO Jason Angle at jangle@washmo.gov.
After receiving calls from concerned residents, we want to take a moment to reassure our fur parents about the tree located inside South Point Bark Park!
The tree has been identified as a Catawba tree, which is not considered toxic to dogs. Catawba trees can sometimes be mistaken for Kentucky coffeetrees, which can be dangerous to dogs.
Thankfully, thanks to the skill and knowledge of our wonderful City Arborist, Josh, we can confidently confirm the tree's identity! 🌳👏
While Catawba trees are not considered toxic to dogs, their seed pods may cause an upset stomach if eaten in large quantities. As always, we encourage pet owners to keep an eye on their pups and discourage them from eating things they find in the park.
We appreciate everyone who reached out with concerns and helped us make sure our furry friends are safe! Thank you for being such caring members of our community. 💚🐶
We’re working to improve the play space at South Point Bark Park! 🌱
Unfortunately, the Bark Park has developed a crabgrass infestation. Our team has begun removing the crabgrass, and we will be sowing new grass seed to help cover the areas of exposed dirt and restore the park’s grassy areas.
We apologize for any inconvenience while this work is underway and appreciate your patience as we work to keep Bark Park a great place for your four-legged friends to play! 💚🐶
Thank you for your understanding and support!
RED RIBBON WEEK 2026
October 23–31, 2026
“Make a Difference, Be a Hero, Stay Drug Free!”
What does it mean to be a hero? Many things come to mind, but being a hero doesn't always mean wearing a cape or doing something extraordinary. Sometimes, it means making good choices, standing up for what's right, and encouraging others to make healthy decisions.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE: Be a good friend, encourage others, and make choices that keep you healthy and safe.
BE A HERO: Have the courage to say no to peer pressure and stand up for what's right, even when it's difficult or when no one is watching.
STAY DRUG FREE: Protect your health, your future, and your goals by choosing to live drug free.
Red Ribbon Week honors the memory of Enrique “Kiki” Camarena, a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Special Agent who was killed in Mexico in 1985 while fighting illegal drugs. In honor of Kiki and his fight against illegal drugs, friends and neighbors began wearing red satin badges. Parents then began forming coalitions to educate young people about the dangers of drugs. They embraced Kiki's belief that one person can make a difference.
You don't have to change the whole world to make a difference. You can start with yourself, your friends, your family, and your school!
Parents and caregivers can make a difference, too. Talk with your children about the dangers of drug use, set clear expectations, lead by example, and encourage healthy decisions.
This Red Ribbon Week, let's honor Agent Camarena's legacy by making healthy choices, encouraging others, and being brave enough to do what's right. You have the power to make a difference. You can be a hero. You can choose to stay drug free!
For more information, please visit www.redribbon.org
🎃👻 WASHINGTON POLICE DEPARTMENT FIRST RESPONDER TRUNK OR TREAT! 👻🎃
Join us tomorrow for a safe and spooky afternoon of fun for the whole family!
Saturday, October 24, 2026
2:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Washington Fairgrounds
Bring the kids, wear your favorite Halloween costume, and enjoy some treats while meeting your local first responders and other special guests!
The forecast is looking great! Sunny skies and a high near 76° are expected. It should be a perfect afternoon for Halloween fun!
RAIN DATE: Friday, October 30, 2026
5:00 PM to 7:30 PM
Questions? Contact SRO Jason Angle at jangle@washmo.gov.
Have a great Friday WASHMO and we'll see you tomorrow!
Day Shift Summary. 10/22/26:
Assisted MSHP/FCSD with a crash investigation in the area of Hwy 100 and Hwy A.
A leaving the scene motor vehicle crash was reported in the area of Hwy A and Steutermann Rd.
An open door was reported in the area of Phoenix Center Dr.
A motor vehicle crash occurred in the area of Hwy 47 and 14th St.
A female was arrested for stealing in the 1700 block of A Roy Dr.
A check the well-being was conducted in the 700 block of Horn St.
A female was arrested for stealing in the 1700 block of A Roy Dr.
A motor vehicle crash occurred in the 300 block of W. 5th St.
A motor vehicle crash occurred in the area of Hwy 47 and Hwy 100.
A crisis intervention report was completed in the area of Village West.
A check the well-being was conducted in the 300 block of Stafford St.
A dog bite was reported in the area of Kingsland Dr.
For both rounds, crews will begin on the east side of town and work west until collection is complete.
Residents can help crews collect leaves safely and efficiently by following these guidelines:
Keep leaves at the curb: Rake leaves to the curb, but keep them out of the street, gutters and sidewalks.
Keep leaf piles clear: Move vehicles away from leaf piles so crews can access them safely.
Thank you for helping the City keep our streets clear and making fall leaf collection go smoothly.
Day Shift Summary. 10/21/2026
Assisted MoDOT with traffic control while lights were changed at Highway 100 and Bluff Road
A CIT report was drawn in the 1900 block of Image Drive
Hazards were reported in the roadway at Highway 47 and East 5th Street. The fire department assisted with clearing the hazard
A subject was taken into custody for driving while suspended and outstanding warrants on Wishwood Drive
An assist other agency report was drawn in the 600 block of Bluejay Drive
A subject was taken into custody for possession of a controlled substance after a reported peace disturbance in Southwinds Circle
Assisted EMS in the 200 block of Grand Avenue
A leaving the scene crash was reported at Highway 100 and Aroy Drive
A check the well being was conducted on West 11th Street
A check the well being was conducted in the 500 block of Windy Hills
ARRESTS DO NOT IMPLY GUILT
Things are starting to take shape at our future Parks & Recreation office! We’ve recently added beautiful landscaping to the outside, and work continues inside as we bring this historic building back to life. 🌱✨
But this project is about more than creating a new office. It’s about preserving a piece of Washington’s history while creating a more central hub for our Parks & Recreation Department.
📜 A LITTLE HISTORY
Our original pool house opened to the public on July 4, 1936, after being constructed between 1935 and 1936. The building originally provided lockers for swimmers upstairs and a shower house on the lower level.
In 2020, the City prepared to replace the iconic pool. While COVID-19 briefly halted those plans, it ultimately allowed construction to begin six months sooner than expected. The new pool house, concession stand, and beautiful pool our residents enjoy today were built, leaving the original pool house as a reminder of our department’s history.
Several years ago, we began the process of restoring this once-beautiful building and transforming it into our new central office!
🔨 PRESERVING THE PAST, BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE
Throughout the renovation, we’ve worked to preserve as much of the original character as possible. The restored brick exterior, tall wood ceilings, open layout, and original rooflines help maintain the building’s historic charm, while additional windows and updated interior spaces will make it functional for years to come.
The upstairs will house our offices, while the lower level will provide storage and lifeguard rooms.
📍 A NEW HOME IN THE HEART OF OUR PARKS
By utilizing the original pool house, our department will be located right inside one of our many beautiful parks and just steps away from the pool! This move will allow us to maintain a more consistent presence throughout our parks, at the pool, and during community events.
We’re excited to see this project come together and can’t wait to welcome everyone into our new space! We look forward to having a more centralized home that helps us better serve our residents while honoring the history that brought us here. 💚
Stay tuned as we get closer to the finish line! 🛠️🌳
Night Shift Summary 10/21/2026
Report of a vehicle spinning its tires at the riverfront. Vehicle was gone upon our arrival.
Report of a suspicious person in the area of East 8th Street and Burnside Street. Subject was gone upon our arrival.
Assisted a motorist who had run out of gas in the area of Highway 47 and Steutermann Road. They got gas and were on their way.
Report of a traffic crash in the 1300 block of East 5th Street. The witness gave a vehicle description and said the striking vehicle drove away. We were able to locate the vehicle and driver. The driver was found to be intoxicated. Subject was arrested for leaving the scene of a motor vehicle crash and driving while intoxicated.
The City of Washington is hiring Seasonal Leaf Crew members to help with fall leaf collection.
If you enjoy working outdoors and want to be part of the City team, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply today at washmo.gov/jobs
Night Shift Summary. 10/20/26
A dog was found and brought to the police department and later returned to it's owner.
A check the wellbeing was conducted in the area of 5th and Market.
Officers responded to the area of 5th St. and Highway 47 for a road rage incident.
A subject was arrested for an outstanding warrant and traffic charges during a traffic stop in the area of E. 5th and Highway 100.
A leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident was reported in the 400 block of E. 5th St.
A check the wellbeing was requested in the 400 block of E. 3rd St.
A peace disturbance was reported in the 1000 block of E. 5th St.
A suspicious vehicle was checked on and moved along from the Lakeview Football field area.
Officers responded to an address on A Roy drive for an alarm sounding.
Officers checked the area of Phoenix Center 2 shopping center for a report of an intoxicated driver.
A subject was arrested for an outstanding warrant during a traffic stop.
All subjects arrested are innocent until proven guilty
Curbside trash and recycling collection will continue as scheduled and will not be affected by the closure.
Thank you to all who have served our country! ❤️🤍💙
