Robert Spinks serves as Chief of Police for the Parsons, Kansas Police Department, a 39-member agency serving a population of approximately 10,000 in southeast Kansas. With more than four decades of experience in the criminal justice profession, he has held leadership roles across municipal, collegiate, and specialized law enforcement agencies, complemented by extensive work as a trainer, consultant, and educator.
Chief Spinks holds a Master of Science in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and a Master of Arts in Organizational Management. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts and an Associate of Arts in Political Science. He is a Master Field Training Officer through the National Association of Field Training Officers and maintains multiple law enforcement instructor certifications.
He currently serves on the Executive Board of the Kansas Association of Chiefs of Police, representing southeast Kansas, and is a founding Commissioner for the Kansas Law Enforcement Accreditation Program (KLEAP). Parsons recently became the 2nd agency in Kansas to receive accreditation through KLEAP on March 31, 2026. A long-time advocate for professional development, he has taught criminal justice courses since the late 1980s and has instructed more than 6,500 students through institutions including Labette Community College, McNeese State University, and other community colleges.
Chief Spinks has led multiple agencies as Chief of Police, including Parsons, Kansas; McNeese State University in Louisiana; Sequim, Washington; Milton-Freewater, Oregon; and Sedro-Woolley, Washington. His executive leadership experience also includes service as Interim City Manager in Sequim. Earlier in his career, he served as a Senior Special Agent with the Union Pacific Railroad Police. His law enforcement career began with the Eugene, Oregon and later with the Port of Seattle police departments, where he earned multiple commendations and awards.
A recognized leader in community engagement and crime prevention, Chief Spinks has consulted with more than 45 law enforcement agencies and is a frequent contributor to American Police Beat magazine
Chief Spinks’ career reflects a sustained commitment to advancing professional policing through leadership, education, and community partnership, aligning closely with the mission and values of Police2Peace. Parsons Police Department became the first agency in Kansas to become a Peace Officer Accredited agency through Police2Peace in 2024.