Moscow Mills Police Department - Missouri

10/29/2026

🎃👻 HALLOWEEN SAFETY: LET’S KEEP THE SCARES FUN! 👻🎃

Halloween is almost here, and the Moscow Mills Police Department wants to make sure the only scares this year come from ghosts, goblins, and spooky decorations — not preventable accidents! 🍬🚔

Whether you’re trick-or-treating, handing out candy, or driving through town, here are a few reminders to keep everyone safe!

🍭 FOR OUR LITTLE GHOSTS & GOBLINS:
✅ Stay with a parent, guardian, or trusted adult.
✅ Use sidewalks when available and cross streets at intersections.
✅ Carry a flashlight or glow stick to help drivers see you.
✅ Make sure costumes fit properly to prevent trips and falls.
✅ Never enter a stranger’s home or vehicle.
✅ Have an adult check candy before digging into your Halloween haul!

🚗 FOR DRIVERS:
✅ SLOW DOWN! Excited trick-or-treaters may cross unexpectedly.
✅ Watch carefully for children between parked vehicles.
✅ Put down the phone and eliminate distractions.
✅ Use extra caution in neighborhoods and residential areas.
✅ Never drive impaired. Plan a safe ride home!

🏠 FOR THOSE HANDING OUT TREATS:
✅ Keep walkways and porches well-lit.
✅ Remove obstacles that could cause someone to trip.
✅ Keep pets secured when opening your door.
✅ Help make Halloween a fun and welcoming experience for everyone!

🚨 REMEMBER: The scariest thing on Halloween shouldn’t be a distracted driver!

Our officers will be out keeping an eye on our community, but keeping Moscow Mills safe takes all of us working together.

🎃 Let’s make this Halloween full of treats, laughter, and great memories — not tricks that end in an emergency!

👮‍♂️ From all of us at the Moscow Mills Police Department, have a SAFE and SPOOKTACULAR Halloween! 👻🍬

10/27/2026

🎃🚔 TRUNK OR TREAT — WE’LL BE THERE! 👻🍬

The Moscow Mills Police Department is excited to join the City of Moscow Mills for its 3rd Annual Trunk or Treat! 🎃

We’ve got the patrol cars, we’ve got the candy, and we’re ready to see some awesome costumes! 🚓🍫

📅 Friday, October 30, 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
📍 500 Highway MM, Moscow Mills

👻 Bring the kids, show off those Halloween costumes, grab some treats, and stop by to say hello to your Moscow Mills Police Officers!

🎃 We can’t promise we won’t eat a piece of candy or two before you get there… but we CAN promise we’ll be there! 🚔🍬

We look forward to seeing everyone for a fun, family-friendly evening!

Please share! Thank you! 🎃 👻 👹

10/23/2026

🚔 KNOW THE LAW #80: PARENTS & JUVENILE ACCOUNTABILITY! 🚔

👮 Moscow Mills Police Department | Know the Law

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 “My kid did it, NOT me! How can I be held responsible?”

Here’s something many parents might not realize!

In Missouri, parents can sometimes be held legally or financially responsible for their children’s actions!

However, that doesn’t mean parents are automatically responsible every time their child breaks the law.

📖 WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

🚨 1️⃣ PROPERTY DAMAGE & VANDALISM

Under RSMo §537.045, parents or guardians may be held financially responsible for certain intentional property damage or personal injuries caused by their minor children.

💰 How much?

Up to $2,000 under this statute when its legal requirements are met, including a judgment against the minor and the parent’s inclusion in the lawsuit.

🚨 2️⃣ CURFEW VIOLATIONS

Under Moscow Mills §78.030, parents or guardians can face consequences for knowingly allowing their children to violate the city’s juvenile curfew ordinance.

Yes, parents! Curfew violations could become YOUR problem, too!

🚨 3️⃣ FAILURE TO PROPERLY SUPERVISE

Moscow Mills §78.070 addresses parental responsibility when a failure to properly supervise or care for a minor contributes to delinquency proceedings.

Missouri law also allows juvenile courts, under RSMo §211.185, to order parents and juveniles to pay restitution in qualifying cases when a parent failed to exercise reasonable parental discipline or authority.

🚨 4️⃣ DOES THAT MEAN PARENTS ARE ALWAYS RESPONSIBLE?

❌ NO!

Parents aren’t automatically criminally responsible simply because their child commits an offense.

Legal responsibility depends on the circumstances, the parent’s own conduct, and the applicable law.

💡 THE BOTTOM LINE

Parenting comes with responsibilities, and accountability starts at home!

✅ Know where your children are.

✅ Know who they’re spending time with.

✅ Talk about respecting people and property.

✅ Set expectations and enforce reasonable boundaries.

✅ Teach them that actions have consequences.

🚔 Remember: Raising responsible kids today helps build a safer community tomorrow!

Our goal isn’t simply to hold people accountable after something goes wrong. It’s to work with families to prevent problems before they happen!

📚 KNOW THE LAW:

📖 Moscow Mills §78.030 – Responsibility of Parents

📖 Moscow Mills §78.070 – Parental Responsibility

🔗 https://ecode360.com/36192404

📖 RSMo §537.045 – Parental Liability for Damages

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=537.045

📖 RSMo §211.185 – Juvenile Restitution

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=211.185

Educating our community, supporting families, and promoting public safety.

Stay Safe Moscow Mills.

10/21/2026

🚔 WHEN YOU’RE CALM, WE’RE CALM! 🚔

👮 Moscow Mills Police Department | Community Policing

🚨 When you call 911, remember something important: We don’t always know what we’re walking into.

When officers respond to a call, we’re often entering a situation where emotions are running high, tensions are escalating, and information may be limited.

How you communicate and interact with responding officers can make a big difference!

🔹 HERE’S WHAT WE WANT YOU TO KNOW:

✅ Stay as calm as possible. We understand you may be scared, frustrated, or upset. Take your time and communicate clearly.

✅ Give us the facts. Tell dispatchers and responding officers what’s happening, who’s involved, and whether there are any immediate dangers.

✅ Follow lawful instructions. Officers may need to secure the scene before addressing your concerns.

✅ Give us a chance to listen. We want to hear your side, but sometimes we need to make sure everyone is safe first.

✅ Remember, we’re people too. Our goal isn’t to escalate a situation. It’s to help resolve it safely.

💙 HERE’S THE IMPORTANT PART:

You don’t have to be calm for us to remain calm. That’s part of our job.

We understand that people don’t usually call the police because they’re having a great day.

You may be experiencing one of the worst moments of your life, and we may be meeting you for the very first time.

Our responsibility is to bring professionalism, patience, and a level head into that situation.

🤝 THE BOTTOM LINE

When you’re calm, it helps us help you. When you’re not, we’ll do our best to be the calm you need.

A little patience, communication, and mutual respect can turn a difficult encounter into a positive outcome.

🚔 We’re not just responding to calls. We’re responding to people.

Stay Safe Moscow Mills.

Serving our community with professionalism, compassion, and respect.

10/19/2026

🥶🚗 COLD MORNINGS & HOT CARS… A THIEF’S FAVORITE COMBINATION! 🚨

Brrrr! 🥶 Those chilly mornings are making a comeback, and we know nobody enjoys climbing into a freezing vehicle!

But before you start your car, crank up the heat, and head back inside for that second cup of coffee… ☕ THINK AGAIN!

🚗💨 Your car might be warm and ready to go… just not with YOU behind the wheel!

The Moscow Mills Police Department wants to remind everyone:

❄️ Don’t leave your vehicle running unattended.

🔑 Never leave your keys in an unattended vehicle.

🔒 Use a remote start system that keeps your vehicle locked and secure, if equipped.

👀 Remember, it only takes a few seconds for someone to steal an unattended vehicle.

We understand wanting a warm car, but we’d much rather see you shivering for a minute than standing in your driveway wondering where your car went! 😂

Warm up your car, not a car thief’s getaway ride! 🚔

Stay Safe Moscow Mills!

10/17/2026

🚔 KNOW THE LAW: FOLLOWING TOO CLOSELY! 🚔

👮 Moscow Mills Police Department | Traffic Safety

🚗💨 “As long as I’m three car lengths behind someone, I’m safe… RIGHT?”

❌ WRONG!

There is NO magical “three-car-length rule” that applies to every driving situation!

📖 WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY?

Under Moscow Mills §76.130 and RSMo §304.017, drivers must maintain a safe and reasonable following distance based on:

✅ Vehicle speed.

✅ Traffic conditions.

✅ Road and weather conditions.

✅ The ability to safely react and stop.

🚨 THREE CAR LENGTHS ISN’T ALWAYS ENOUGH!

🚗 At 25 MPH, three car lengths provides more reaction time than at highway speeds.

🚙 At 60 MPH, that same distance disappears much faster!

🌧️ Rain, snow, and ice require even MORE stopping distance!

⏱️ TRY THE THREE-SECOND RULE!

When the vehicle ahead passes a fixed object, count three seconds. If you reach it before finishing, increase your distance!

⚠️ Three seconds is a general safety guideline, not a legal guarantee. Allow extra time when conditions are poor.

🚔 DID YOU KNOW?

Moscow Mills §76.130 also prohibits following an emergency vehicle responding to an emergency call within 500 feet!

💡 THE BOTTOM LINE

Safe following distance isn’t measured by a fixed number of car lengths!

It depends on your speed, road conditions, and ability to stop safely.

🚔 Remember: Don’t tailgate! Give yourself room to react!

📚 KNOW THE LAW:

📖 Moscow Mills §76.130 – Following Too Close

📖 RSMo §304.017 – Following Distance

👮 Moscow Mills Police Department

10/15/2026

🚔 MYTH vs. FACT: MIRANDA RIGHTS 🚔

❌ MYTH: “Police have to read Miranda rights every time someone is arrested.”

✅ FACT: Police are NOT automatically required to read Miranda rights simply because someone is arrested!

📖 SO WHEN ARE MIRANDA WARNINGS REQUIRED?

Under the U.S. Supreme Court’s 1966 decision in Miranda v. Arizona, Miranda warnings are generally required before CUSTODIAL INTERROGATION.

That means TWO conditions must be present:

🔹 1️⃣ CUSTODY: The person is under arrest or otherwise subjected to restraints comparable to a formal arrest.

🔹 2️⃣ INTERROGATION: Officers question the person, or engage in conduct reasonably likely to elicit an incriminating response.

🚨 HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

✅ Police can legally arrest someone without immediately reading Miranda rights.

✅ Routine traffic stops generally do NOT require Miranda warnings.

✅ Officers generally do NOT need to read Miranda rights simply to ask routine booking questions.

✅ Miranda warnings are generally required before questioning someone about a crime while they’re in custody.

⚠️ “BUT THE OFFICER NEVER READ ME MY RIGHTS!”

Here’s another common misconception!

Failing to read Miranda rights does NOT automatically invalidate an arrest or mean criminal charges will be dismissed!

However, statements obtained through custodial interrogation without the required warnings may be excluded from evidence in court.

⚖️ WHAT ARE YOUR MIRANDA RIGHTS?

When Miranda warnings are required, they inform you that:

✅ You have the right to remain silent.

✅ Anything you say can be used against you in court.

✅ You have the right to an attorney.

✅ If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed for you.

💡 THE BOTTOM LINE

Miranda warnings are about custodial questioning, NOT simply being placed under arrest!

Just because an officer doesn’t immediately read someone their rights doesn’t mean the arrest is unlawful or the case will be thrown out.

🚔 Remember: What you see on TV isn’t always how the law actually works!

📚 KNOW THE LAW:

⚖️ Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966)

⚖️ Berkemer v. McCarty, 468 U.S. 420 (1984)

⚖️ Rhode Island v. Innis, 446 U.S. 291 (1980)

Educating our community, protecting our citizens, and promoting public safety.

Stay Safe Moscow Mills

10/13/2026

🚔 MYTH vs. FACT: RECORDING POLICE & INTERFERING WITH AN ARREST 🚔

👮 Moscow Mills Police Department | Know the Law

❌ MYTH: “I can interfere with an arrest because I’m recording it.”

✅ FACT: You generally have the right to record police officers performing their duties in public, but recording does NOT give you the right to physically interfere with an arrest!

📱 “BUT I’M JUST RECORDING!”

Imagine witnessing someone being arrested. You pull out your phone and begin recording.

Can you record? ✅ Generally, YES!

Can you step between the officer and the person being arrested? ❌ NO!

Can you physically prevent officers from making the arrest? ❌ NO!

📖 WHAT DOES MISSOURI LAW SAY?

Under RSMo §575.150, knowingly interfering with another person’s arrest, stop, or detention through physical interference, force, or threats of force, for the purpose of preventing the officer from carrying it out, can constitute a criminal offense.

🚨 HERE’S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

✅ You generally have the right to record police activities from a public place where you’re lawfully present.

✅ Recording or verbally questioning an officer does not automatically constitute interference.

❌ You cannot physically block officers from making an arrest.

❌ You cannot push past officers or physically intervene in an arrest.

❌ Holding a phone does not exempt you from laws prohibiting physical interference.

⚖️ WHAT ARE THE PENALTIES?

Violations of RSMo §575.150 may result in:

🔹 Class A Misdemeanor — For qualifying violations.

🔹 Class E Felony — For interference involving certain felony-related arrests or warrants.

💡 THE BOTTOM LINE

YOUR RIGHT TO RECORD DOES NOT INCLUDE THE RIGHT TO INTERFERE!

You can document police activity while respecting lawful safety boundaries and allowing officers to perform their duties.

🚔 Remember: Record responsibly, maintain a safe distance, and never physically interfere with an arrest.

📚 KNOW THE LAW:

📖 RSMo §575.150 – Resisting or Interfering with Arrest

https://revisor.mo.gov/main/OneSection.aspx?section=575.150

📖 Moscow Mills Municipal Code §75.582 – Disorderly Conduct

https://ecode360.com/36191979

Educating our community, protecting our citizens, and promoting public safety.

Stay Safe Moscow Mills

10/11/2026

🚔 MYTH vs. FACT: ORDERS OF PROTECTION

❌ MYTH: “I can ignore an order of protection if the protected person contacts me first.”

✅ FACT: An order of protection remains legally enforceable even if the protected person initiates contact!

📱 “BUT THEY TEXTED ME FIRST!”

Imagine having an order of protection prohibiting contact, but the protected person sends you a message asking to meet.

Does that mean you can respond or visit them?

🚨 NO!

Under Missouri law, an order of protection remains in effect until it expires or is legally modified or terminated by the court.

⚠️ HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

✅ The protected person cannot cancel the order simply by contacting you.

✅ An invitation to meet does NOT override the court’s restrictions.

✅ Getting back together does NOT automatically terminate the order.

✅ Both parties agreeing to communicate does NOT make prohibited contact legal.

✅ Only the court can legally modify or terminate an active order before its expiration.

⚖️ WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU VIOLATE THE ORDER?

Under RSMo §455.085, qualifying violations may result in:

🔹 Class A Misdemeanor — Initial qualifying violation.

🔹 Class E Felony — With a qualifying prior violation conviction within five years.

💡 THE BOTTOM LINE

An order of protection is a COURT ORDER, not a personal agreement!

Even if the protected person contacts you first, you must continue following the order’s restrictions.

🚔 Remember: Permission from the protected person is NOT permission from the judge!

📚 KNOW THE LAW:

📖 RSMo §455.060 – Modification or Termination

📖 RSMo §455.085 – Violations and Penalties

🔗 https://revisor.mo.gov/

Stay Safe Moscow Mills

10/09/2026

🚔 DO YOU NEED A FRONT LICENSE PLATE IN MISSOURI? 🚘

It’s a question we hear from time to time: “Do I really have to have a license plate on the front of my car?”

For most Missouri drivers, the answer is YES.

Under RSMo § 301.130, Missouri generally requires license plates to be securely fastened to the front AND rear of motor vehicles. Plates must also be properly displayed, plainly visible, and reasonably clean.

✅ GENERALLY REQUIRES FRONT & REAR PLATES

Your typical Missouri-registered passenger vehicle—such as a car, SUV, or light-duty pickup—is generally required to display both plates.

⚠️ BUT THERE ARE EXCEPTIONS

Missouri law provides for only one plate on certain vehicles, including:

🏍️ Motorcycles, motortricycles, autocycles & motorscooters — rear plate
🚛 Trailers & semitrailers — rear plate
🚌 Certain buses and commercial vehicles — generally issued/displayed differently
🚚 Trucks, tractors and truck-tractors licensed over 12,000 pounds — generally display a front plate, although qualifying property-carrying commercial vehicles may request two plates.

💡 “But my vehicle doesn’t have a front plate bracket!”

That by itself doesn’t create an exception. If your Missouri registration requires two plates, both need to be properly displayed, even if the manufacturer didn’t install a front bracket.

And remember: your plate must be securely fastened and positioned so that all parts are plainly visible.

📖 Know the law: RSMo § 301.130
Read Missouri Revised Statute § 301.130⁠

Moscow Mills Police Department 🚔
Helping keep our community informed.