The Reporter newspaper, Camdenton Missouri

The Reporter covers Miller, Morgan and Camden County in Central Missouri's Lake of the Ozarks and is published once per week on Wednesdays.

Published January 28, 2015

New Linn Creek police chief is a familiar face

LINN CREEK – The city’s “acting” police chief is now holding the official title of Police Chief.

Officer Matt Burns took over the new position and according to him, he has some big shoes to fill.

“I certainly have some large shoes to fill as my predecessor Trevor Dowdney fostered community outreach and created a lasting impression not only in this town but in the entire lake area,” Burns said. “I will do my very best to bring honor to the office of Chief of Police.”

Burns came to the city from nearby Camdenton some years back and served under former Police Chief Les Harsh and the recently departed Dowdney.

Dowdney took over the position of police chief in May of 2009.

Burns had been the acting police chief for the city for close to a year since Dowdney’s dive business had grown to the point where he needed to dedicate full-time to it.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to serve the residents and visitors of Linn Creek,” said Burns. “I appreciate the support of the Mayor and Board of Alderman in my abilities to lead the Linn Creek Police Department.”

Though Burns has ideas of his own for the city, he will continue many of the ideas implemented by Dowdney and has nothing but praise for his former boss.

“Trevor did a lot for the city and I think the city is better now than before he came here as Chief,” Burns said. “The relationship of the police with the community is better than before.”

Burns also said that one of the accomplishments of Dowdney, besides new vehicles, and uniforms, were body cameras for the officers. They have been used by the Linn Creek Police for about two or three years.

The Police Chief also listed goals and objectives for him and the department.

• Honor and uphold the oath of office through the protection of all people’s constitutional rights
• Increase participation in community involvement and charitable events.
• Continue to facilitate the Second Chance Bikes program.
• Increase patrol, business checks, resident checks and citizen assistance
• Upgrade current body worn cameras
• Pursue needed equipment
• Strive for professional and exceptional law enforcement
• Increase communication and cooperation with lake area law enforcement, emergency services and community leaders
• Update the police department policy and procedure manual
• Seek out exceptional training to assist the officers in staying safe while remaining highly efficient in all areas of law enforcement.

“There’s more to law enforcement than making an arrest, though that is important,” said Burns. “We have neighborhood kids who stop by here all the time to talk to us so being involved in the community is also important.”