Dec

19

St. Louis pushing for local control of police, where’s KC?

December 19, 2009 | 2 Comments

Kansas City and St. Louis are unique among American cities in that their police departments are controlled by the state, and not the local city government. The two departments are controlled police boards appointed by the governor. This often leads to concerns about the departments’ responsiveness to local needs like community policing, gang prevention, traffic enforcement, etc. Just this year, the KCPD has clashed with the City Council over budgets, consolidation of back office services, and participation in the regional jail project.

While community members and leaders in both cities often talk about the desire for local control, the difference is that St. Louis actually does something about. For the third year in a row, St. Louis’ state legislators are introducing bills to transfer the police department to the City of St. Louis. It sounds like this year they might have a chance.

So where are Kansas City leaders in this discussion? It would be so much easier for the two cities to join forces (and votes) to address a common concern.  Is Kansas City missing its best opportunity to take control of the police department?

Categories: City Council, Crime, Missouri, Politics, .


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