2020 40 Under 40: Jasmine Bailey, 29

Jasmine Bailey can turn a crisis into an opportunity.

Such is the case at the Springfield Police Department, for which she serves as public affairs officer.

Shortly after she started working for the department, CNN reported SPD employees had destroyed rape kits sooner than they should have in sexual assault investigations.

She’s since spearheaded public education efforts, including the installation of a victim resource page on the department’s website. Police Chief Paul Williams has apologized and said the department has reformed its practices.

Her work has become the basis for the department’s response efforts following the CNN report, and as a former journalist, she’s working to form close ties to the media. It’s an important role as the nation calls for police reform in the wake of protests.

What was your first job? A movie theater. I sold tickets and snacks.

What are you doing to make the Ozarks better? I want to help improve police-community relations, so people feel safe and trusting of law enforcement.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received? It’s not about what you say, but how you say it.

What app gets you through the day? Notes. It helps me remember the little details so I can keep my mind free to think about the big things.