93.3 KWTO Keeping Watch Over the Ozarks
With an increase in homicides and violent crimes in Springfield in recent years, SPD has unveiled a new unit to combat the issue.
The Springfield Police Department has announced a new homicide unit dedicated solely to the crime. According to a statement, the unit will consist of five full-time detectives and one supervisor on call 24 hours per day.
The unit was years in the making, according to reports, but a shortage of staff prevented its creation.
Captain Tony Vienhage says he hopes the unit will lead to a decrease in murders and violent crimes in Springfield. The city has seen an increase in homicides every year since 2018.
So far in 2022, SPD reports there have been seven homicides investigated in the city.