Just a heads up I wanted to pass along - the KCPD web site (www.kcpd.org) will go down tomorrow, Oct. 30, from about 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. while the City upgrades their servers. We apologize in advance for the inconvenience. But hopefully you won't be on the computer much tomorrow because you'll be out at our final Meet Your Police Department event at Central High School!
Have a great, safe Halloween weekend.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Friday, October 29, 2010
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Police will break ground on new South Patrol & Special Operations stations on Friday
PRESS RELEASE:
Police and city officials will break ground Friday on new South Patrol and Special Operations division stations.
The ground-breaking ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. at the site, 9701 Marion Park Drive, which is behind the Home Depot on Bannister Road.
The $28 million project is being funded by the ¼-cent public safety sales tax voters passed in 2002. It will include the construction of new stations for the South Patrol and Special Operations divisions; a multipurpose building that will have office space, a gymnasium, work-out facilities and back-up 911 center; two vehicle storage buildings and a fueling site; and kennels and office space for the Canine Section. The whole project is expected to be completed in the spring of 2013.
The 25-acre site on which these will be constructed is the former location of the Hart Grove Camp Ground, which was a stop for pioneers who were headed west on the Santa Fe, Oregon and California Trails. Police believe the construction of several facilities on the site will spur development in the area, increase police presence and deter crime.
The media are invited to attend the groundbreaking ceremony.
Police seek man who left hospital with serious injuries
Police are looking for 27-year-old Ian P. Mitcham. He was last seen at Truman Medical Center at about 9 a.m. today. He was at the hospital's emergency room, and nurses saw that he had serious assault injuries. He apparently became afraid and left before being treated. He suffers from other medical problems and has been off of his medication and out of contact with his family. They are concerned about him. Mr. Mitcham is 6 feet tall and weighs about 195 pounds. He has black hair, brown eyes and may be wearing glasses. If you've seen him, please call the Missing Persons Section at 816-234-5136.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Come meet your police department, and trick or treat with us, too!
The Kansas City Missouri Police Department has a couple of safe, fun ways for you and your family to celebrate Halloween this weekend.
The first is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 30, at Central High School, 3221 Indiana Ave. This fun, family affair will give you the opportunity to meet KCPD's mounted patrol and canine officers, check out the helicopter, learn about the CSI Unit, eat free lunch, and more. Also, children are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes and trick or treat! Candy will be available at the different stations.
Speaking of trick-or-treating, KCPD's North and Shoal Creek patrol divisions are joining Northland Neighborhoods Inc. to present the Spooktacular Halloween Safe Trick-or-Treat event and haunted house from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, at Metro North Mall (400 NW Barry Road - the southwest entrance by JC Penney). The is the sixth year we've done this event, and it's always a big hit. There will be a haunted house, haunted forest, LOTS of candy, popcorn, games, and a picture-taking area. Go to Northland Neighborhood Inc.'s web site for more information. Here are some pictures from last year's Safe Trick-or-Treat.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
The first is from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. this Saturday, Oct. 30, at Central High School, 3221 Indiana Ave. This fun, family affair will give you the opportunity to meet KCPD's mounted patrol and canine officers, check out the helicopter, learn about the CSI Unit, eat free lunch, and more. Also, children are encouraged to come in their Halloween costumes and trick or treat! Candy will be available at the different stations.
Speaking of trick-or-treating, KCPD's North and Shoal Creek patrol divisions are joining Northland Neighborhoods Inc. to present the Spooktacular Halloween Safe Trick-or-Treat event and haunted house from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 31, at Metro North Mall (400 NW Barry Road - the southwest entrance by JC Penney). The is the sixth year we've done this event, and it's always a big hit. There will be a haunted house, haunted forest, LOTS of candy, popcorn, games, and a picture-taking area. Go to Northland Neighborhood Inc.'s web site for more information. Here are some pictures from last year's Safe Trick-or-Treat.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Club Oasis tavern check
Just after midnight yesterday, Oct. 25, detectives with our Vice Section and Gang Squad conducted a tavern check at Club Oasis, 2805 Southwest Boulevard. The Vice Section conducts about 30 tavern checks a month and has done 324 so far this year. During such a check, detectives enter a business that is licensed to serve alcohol and check the IDs of all patrons to ensure the establishment is conforming to the law. The IDs of all patrons also are checked to see if they have any warrants.
Police went to Club Oasis because of the high level of violent crime there. Since May 2009, there have been 68 calls for police service at the club itself, and an initial 99 calls at addresses immediately adjacent to the club. These have included multiple shootings, fights, thefts, traffic obstructions and more. The Narcotics and Vice Division is making it a point to target businesses or geographic areas like this that are generating such high levels of violent and other crimes. (Like they did with Club NV/NRG.)
Detectives estimated about 100 people were patronizing Club Oasis at the time they conducted the tavern check yesterday. They arrested four minors for underage drinking and the club owner for allowing underage drinking in his club. One man assaulted a detective and tried to take his gun from him. He continued to resist arrest until officers placed him into a police vehicle. Officers found three unlicensed security guards, one of whom was armed and had crack cocaine in his pocket. All were arrested for not being licensed.
Detectives found cocaine and meth on the floor, which patrons had dumped when police came in. Detectives also located numerous fake driver’s licenses and fake immigration papers strewn about the club and shoved in planters. Police arrested four people for possessing drugs (one was the security guard). In the course of running patrons’ IDs, they found several who were in the United States illegally. Four had outstanding federal warrants for removal from the country, 13 had previously been removed from the U.S. and came back illegally, and another three were illegally present in the U.S. and are subject to removal proceedings because of their criminal history. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are permanently assigned to our department’s Gang Squad, and they were already present at the tavern check of Club Oasis. The ICE agents are handling the immigration violations. Police forwarded the findings of the tavern check to the City’s Regulated Industries to review business licensing issues.
Like I mentioned, police have conducted 324 tavern checks at different bars and clubs in Kansas City so far this year, and Club Oasis by far yielded the greatest amount of arrests and drugs recovered. The Narcotics and Vice Division will continue to focus on problem areas like this. It’s one of many ways we’re working to keep Kansas City safe.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Police went to Club Oasis because of the high level of violent crime there. Since May 2009, there have been 68 calls for police service at the club itself, and an initial 99 calls at addresses immediately adjacent to the club. These have included multiple shootings, fights, thefts, traffic obstructions and more. The Narcotics and Vice Division is making it a point to target businesses or geographic areas like this that are generating such high levels of violent and other crimes. (Like they did with Club NV/NRG.)
Detectives estimated about 100 people were patronizing Club Oasis at the time they conducted the tavern check yesterday. They arrested four minors for underage drinking and the club owner for allowing underage drinking in his club. One man assaulted a detective and tried to take his gun from him. He continued to resist arrest until officers placed him into a police vehicle. Officers found three unlicensed security guards, one of whom was armed and had crack cocaine in his pocket. All were arrested for not being licensed.
Detectives found cocaine and meth on the floor, which patrons had dumped when police came in. Detectives also located numerous fake driver’s licenses and fake immigration papers strewn about the club and shoved in planters. Police arrested four people for possessing drugs (one was the security guard). In the course of running patrons’ IDs, they found several who were in the United States illegally. Four had outstanding federal warrants for removal from the country, 13 had previously been removed from the U.S. and came back illegally, and another three were illegally present in the U.S. and are subject to removal proceedings because of their criminal history. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are permanently assigned to our department’s Gang Squad, and they were already present at the tavern check of Club Oasis. The ICE agents are handling the immigration violations. Police forwarded the findings of the tavern check to the City’s Regulated Industries to review business licensing issues.
Like I mentioned, police have conducted 324 tavern checks at different bars and clubs in Kansas City so far this year, and Club Oasis by far yielded the greatest amount of arrests and drugs recovered. The Narcotics and Vice Division will continue to focus on problem areas like this. It’s one of many ways we’re working to keep Kansas City safe.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Woman killed in domestic violence shooting identified
At about 2:30 a.m. today, Oct. 26, police were called to a residence in the 5000 block of George Road because of a shooting. When officers arrived, they found 42-year-old Robyn R. Hamilton of Kansas City, Mo., dead. She had been shot. Witnesses said she had been arguing with her husband when he shot her. Police have him in custody and confirmed the homicide was domestic violence-related. Investigation continues.
Ms. Hamilton's death is Kansas City's 89th homicide this year compared to 94 at this date in 2009 and 111 at this date in 2008.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Beware the "Grandson Scam"
On Saturday, Oct. 23, an 84-year-old Northland woman became another victim of what our Fraud Unit is calling “The Grandson Scam.” She is the 16th person in Kansas City so far this year to fall prey to this fraud.
The woman received a call from someone who identified himself as her grandson. He told her he was in Canada and had been in a car accident. He asked her to wire him money to pay for the damage to the vehicles. He then handed the phone to someone he said was his lawyer. The woman wired almost $3,000 to what she thought was Canada, but the money was picked up in the United Kingdom. Later that day, she got a call from her real grandson, who said he was not in Canada and hadn’t asked for money.
Fraud Sergeant Rob Rickett said this scam typically involves the elderly and a scammer claiming to be a grandson or other relative who is in trouble in another country or stuck in jail and in need of bond money. The scammers will often call in the middle of the night, making the victims hesitant to call anyone to confirm the story for fear of waking people up. Victims can think they’re wiring the money to a U.S. city, but anyone anywhere in the world can pick up the money with a confirmation number. Most of this money in the Kansas City-based cases has been picked up in Canada or the United Kingdom. These scammers are incredibly difficult to find, and some countries will not allow them to be extradited for prosecution.
Please be cautious if you ever get a phone call from a relative or others claiming to be in trouble and needing money wired to them. Verify their claims. Ask for a phone number to return the call. Warn the elderly people you know about this scam, as well, as they seem to be some of the biggest targets.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
The woman received a call from someone who identified himself as her grandson. He told her he was in Canada and had been in a car accident. He asked her to wire him money to pay for the damage to the vehicles. He then handed the phone to someone he said was his lawyer. The woman wired almost $3,000 to what she thought was Canada, but the money was picked up in the United Kingdom. Later that day, she got a call from her real grandson, who said he was not in Canada and hadn’t asked for money.
Fraud Sergeant Rob Rickett said this scam typically involves the elderly and a scammer claiming to be a grandson or other relative who is in trouble in another country or stuck in jail and in need of bond money. The scammers will often call in the middle of the night, making the victims hesitant to call anyone to confirm the story for fear of waking people up. Victims can think they’re wiring the money to a U.S. city, but anyone anywhere in the world can pick up the money with a confirmation number. Most of this money in the Kansas City-based cases has been picked up in Canada or the United Kingdom. These scammers are incredibly difficult to find, and some countries will not allow them to be extradited for prosecution.
Please be cautious if you ever get a phone call from a relative or others claiming to be in trouble and needing money wired to them. Verify their claims. Ask for a phone number to return the call. Warn the elderly people you know about this scam, as well, as they seem to be some of the biggest targets.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Body left on playground identified
At about 6:53 a.m. Friday, Oct. 22, officers were called to 711 Woodland about a dead body. They found 19-year-old Carvone R.White of Kansas City, Mo., on the playground of the now-closed school. The death has been ruled a homicide, and detectives ask anyone with information to call the TIPS Hotline.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Police looking for kidnapped 7-year-old
UPDATE, 3:50 p.m. - The child was located at her mother's house in the 1700 block of E. 12th Terrace at about 3:43 p.m. The girl was fine and will be placed in protective custody. Petty was taken into custody by officers and will face charges of parental kidnapping. The case will be presented to the prosecutor for consideration of charges.
Holly Keturah
Sandra Petty
Kansas City Police are looking for a 7-year-old girl who was kidnapped this morning.
Seven-year-old Holly Keturah was taken from her mother’s custody by Children's Services Thursday, Oct. 21. The agency placed Holly with an aunt in the 2400 block of Chelsea. Today, the mother, 34-year-old Sandra Petty, came to the aunt’s house and forcibly removed the child. The mother appeared to be under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and was combative and behaving erratically. Petty took the child into a white Dodge Intrepid with Missouri License Plate KE9-N9L (this plate may not be entirely correct) . The driver was an unknown black woman in her late 20’s or early 30’s who wore her hair in braids.
Holly Keturah will turn 8 years old Nov. 9. She is black, 4 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds. She was last seen wearing a blue- and gray-striped shirt over a long-sleeved white shirt, cut-off blue jean shorts and sandals. The suspect, Sandra Petty, is a 34-year-old black female who is 5 feet 6 inches tall and weighs about 140 pounds. She was last seen wearing a gray T-shirt with blue jeans. She was barefoot and had a cast on her left forearm.
If you see Holly Keturah, Sandra Petty or the suspect vehicle, please call 911 or the TIPS Hotline.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Monkey vs. police car dashcam video
UPDATE: Here's the link to the downloadable audio between the dispatchers and officers during the incident. It's nine and a half minutes long and includes a few non-monkey-related items. Most of the monkey business is at the beginning.
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Here's the dashcam video from the escaped chimp incident yesterday. To see it from the outside, check out Channel 9's web site. We've learned the monkey was a 22-year-old chimpanzee named Sue.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
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Here's the dashcam video from the escaped chimp incident yesterday. To see it from the outside, check out Channel 9's web site. We've learned the monkey was a 22-year-old chimpanzee named Sue.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Ape escape
It was a bizarre lunch hour at 77th and Indiana today. Police were called at 11:59 a.m. to 7730 Indiana on the report of an escaped pet monkey. It was 300 pounds and escaped its owner's home and was wandering around the neighborhood. The primate was capable of opening doors, and it broke out the windshield of a police car. Animal Control officers shot it with a tranquilizer, but that was ineffective. The monkey then climbed a tree, where Animal Control officers fired another tranquililzer dart but missed. The owner had a cage in the back of his pick-up truck, and the animal eventually climbed back into it on his own and is now in custody. Police were ready with patrol rifles in case the animal became a danger to people. Animal Control officers will determine whether any citations will be issued.
The above photos were taken with an officer's cell phone camera on the scene of the monkey escape.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
$3,500 reward available in Cash America robbery
CRIME STOPPERS PRESS RELEASE:
The Kansas City Missouri Police Department and the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline are requesting information on the identity of two female suspects responsible for the October 10, 2010, robbery that occurred at the Cash America Pawn store at 11148 Blue Ridge Boulevard.
Police say the women, who were armed, approached an employee at a cash register and asked for money from the safe. While one suspect went with the worker to the safe, the other stayed at the front door, according to a KCPD detective. Once the women got the money from the safe, they ran out of the store to a silver car parked by the Thrift Store for the Blind. Police said both suspects are black females about 5 feet 5 inches tall, both with heavy builds.
An additional reward of $2,500 has been received in the case bringing the total possible reward up to $3,500.00.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Greater Kansas City TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). TIPS may also be submitted electronically at KCcrimestoppers.com, or by texting TIP452 and you information to 274637 (CRIMES). Information leading to an arrest in the case could be eligible for up to $3,500 in reward money.
The Kansas City Missouri Police Department and the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline are requesting information on the identity of two female suspects responsible for the October 10, 2010, robbery that occurred at the Cash America Pawn store at 11148 Blue Ridge Boulevard.
Police say the women, who were armed, approached an employee at a cash register and asked for money from the safe. While one suspect went with the worker to the safe, the other stayed at the front door, according to a KCPD detective. Once the women got the money from the safe, they ran out of the store to a silver car parked by the Thrift Store for the Blind. Police said both suspects are black females about 5 feet 5 inches tall, both with heavy builds.
An additional reward of $2,500 has been received in the case bringing the total possible reward up to $3,500.00.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers Greater Kansas City TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477). TIPS may also be submitted electronically at KCcrimestoppers.com, or by texting TIP452 and you information to 274637 (CRIMES). Information leading to an arrest in the case could be eligible for up to $3,500 in reward money.
Monday, October 18, 2010
KCPD to replace Crown Victoria
The most well-known vehicle of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department will soon have to change.
Ford announced last year that it would discontinue the Ford Crown Victoria in late 2011. Now the KCPD, along with many departments nation-wide, are on the search for the next primary patrol vehicle.
“Every department is in the same boat, and each one has a different opinion about which car will be the right choice for them,” said Captain David Bosworth, commander of the Fleet Operations Unit.
A KCPD committee composed of patrol sergeants, fleet personnel and commanders has begun researching possible vehicles to replace the Crown Victoria.
Ford has announced two possible replacements: a “Police Interceptor” SUV and a sedan based on the Ford Taurus. Other options include police versions of the Chevrolet Caprice, the Chevrolet Tahoe, the Chevrolet Impala, and the Dodge Charger.
“What we’re looking for is safety, dependability, functionality and space for all the equipment that must be installed and carried in the car,” said Major Roger Lewis, commander of the Parol Bureau.
The department also needs a vehicle that is easy to maintain because the KCPD’s Fleet Operations Unit provides maintenance and repair work for department vehicles.
They need a vehicle that can be repaired quickly and back on the streets.
“We need to keep 95 percent of the fleet available and on the street at all times,” Captain Bosworth said.
They hope to find a replacement similar to the Crown Victoria, meaning it has rear-wheel drive and a full-frame construction that will take less time to repair than vehicles with front-wheel drive or a unibody construction.
Captain Bosworth said so far there isn’t a perfect option.
A decision won’t be made until the car manufacturers release pricing information and allow departments to drive test vehicles.
Do you have an opinion on what our next vehicle should be? Let us know on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/kcpolice.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
18-year-old missing from residential care center
UPDATE, 1:22 p.m.: Rhiannon Carter has been located in Independence, Mo. She is safe and in good condition. Thanks for your assistance.
Rhiannon Carter, 18, has been missing since Saturday evening from Butterfly Haven Residential Care at 11500 Campbell. Although she is 18, Rhiannon has the mental capacity of a 12-year-old and also has a mood disorder. Her family is concerned because Rhiannon has not had her medication and is "very naive." If you know where she is, please call police.
Victims of weekend homicides identified
Two men were killed in Kansas City this past weekend, and we need your help to bring the murderers to justice.
The first homicide took place at about 2:58 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 17, at the Shell gas station at 38th and Broadway. Officers found two people suffering from gunshot wounds, one of whom died a short time later at a local hospital. He has been identified as 31-year-old Arthur L. Dawkins Jr. of Kansas City, Mo. The other victim is listed in serious condition. Police have learned that when Dawkins pulled into the parking lot, he apparently struck the suspect's vehicle, which was parked at the gas pump. Dawkins and the suspect got into an argument, and the suspect shot Dawkins. The suspect's vehicle is described as an "old school" (possibly 1990s model) royal blue Chevy Monte Carlo. It was occupied by two black males. There were several people at the scene who left prior to police arriving. Police believe there were multiple witnesses to the shooting and ask anyone with information to please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
The second homicide took place at about 5:57 p.m. Oct. 17 at 34th and Bellefontaine. Officers were called there on a shooting, and when they arrived, they found 33-year-old Earl V. Ricks of Kansas City, Mo., lying on the street suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. It appeared Ricks was riding a bicycle at the the time of the shooting. Again, if you have any information about this, call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
Dawkins
Ricks
The second homicide took place at about 5:57 p.m. Oct. 17 at 34th and Bellefontaine. Officers were called there on a shooting, and when they arrived, they found 33-year-old Earl V. Ricks of Kansas City, Mo., lying on the street suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. It appeared Ricks was riding a bicycle at the the time of the shooting. Again, if you have any information about this, call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
Friday, October 15, 2010
Busy Saturday
A lot of things are going on during what promises to be a beautiful weekend this coming Saturday and Sunday. We really hope you'll come out to Meet Your Police Department from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. tomorrow at the Metro Patrol Division Station, 7601 Prospect Ave. Attendees can enjoy a free lunch, learn crime prevention tips and check out the KCPD helicopter, Canine and Mounted Patrol sections, the mobile command post, Bomb and Arson Unit, crime scene investigators and show cars. The roll-over crash simulator will demonstrate the importance of wearing seatbelts. The Police Athletic League will have a golf cart and “beer goggles” to show how dangerous driving drunk can be. The Kansas City Police Historical Society will be on hand with interesting pictures and artifacts from the department’s 136-year history. The event also is a great chance to get to know the officers who protect and serve Kansas City, as well.
And don't forget about all the road closures associated with the Kansas City Marathon. Choose your route carefully Saturday and try to avoid the race area if at all possible.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
And don't forget about all the road closures associated with the Kansas City Marathon. Choose your route carefully Saturday and try to avoid the race area if at all possible.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Homicide victim from 34th and Park identified
At about 9:10 p.m. Oct. 13, officers were dispatched to the 3400 block of Park on a shooting. Upon arrival, officers located three victims suffering from apparent gunshot wounds. All victims, two males and one female, were transported to local hospitals. There were numerous people in the area at the time of the shooting and when officers arrived on scene. One of the male victims died a short time later. He has been identified as 36-year-old Gary King of Kansas City, Mo. The other two shooting victims are expected to live. There are no suspects in custody, and anyone with information is asked to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Police warn motorists of road closures associated with marathon Saturday
PRESS RELEASE:
The Kansas City Police Department wants to make area motorists aware of extensive road closures that will be associated with the Kansas City Marathon on Saturday, Oct. 16.
The race will start at 7:25 a.m. with a wheelchair race, and the marathon will start at 7:30 a.m. The start and finish point of the race will be at Crown Center at Pershing and Grand Boulevard. Multiple races will be taking place, including a marathon, a half marathon, 5K and kids’ race. The marathon route runs as far as 11th Street to the north to 75th Street to the south, and Ward Parkway to the West and Paseo Boulevard to the east.
The first half of the route will be closed at the start of the race. As officers have the last runner pass by their location, they will move to the second half of the route. Officers will allow cross traffic through the route at intersections if there is a safe distance between runners. No other traffic will be allowed on the route.
Runners in the race have a six-hour time limit, so with the exception of the staging area at Crown Center, the race route should reopen by 1:30 p.m. Police advise drivers to avoid the race area if at all possible on Saturday.
For more information, check out http://www.kcmarathon.org/.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Have weekend plans?
If you're looking for a fun event to take the family to this weekend, check out our Meet Your Police Department event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 16, at the new Metro Patrol Division, 7601 Prospect Ave. This video describes some of fun things you can expect to see.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Parts of city parking garage, Oak Street closed
UPDATE: 6 p.m.: The garage has reopened. Police determined the device was a GPS unit and not explosive.
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UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Oak has reopened. The garage remains closed.
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At about 2:30 p.m. today, police were called to the city parking garage at 12th and Oak downtown. A man and woman had just left court to get an order of protection against another man. The couple saw that man standing next to their vehicle in the garage, and he then walked away. When the couple approached their car, they saw a small black box attached to it. They thought the device looked suspicious and called police.
KCPD's Bomb and Arson Unit is on the scene investigating. Oak from 11th to 12th streets is closed. The parking garage is closed completely from the sixth to ninth levels. Those parked on the fifth level or below will be able to access their vehicles to leave, but no new traffic will be allowed in.
These closures are expected to be at least an hour while police investigate. We'll keep you updated.
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UPDATE 4:20 p.m.: Oak has reopened. The garage remains closed.
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At about 2:30 p.m. today, police were called to the city parking garage at 12th and Oak downtown. A man and woman had just left court to get an order of protection against another man. The couple saw that man standing next to their vehicle in the garage, and he then walked away. When the couple approached their car, they saw a small black box attached to it. They thought the device looked suspicious and called police.
KCPD's Bomb and Arson Unit is on the scene investigating. Oak from 11th to 12th streets is closed. The parking garage is closed completely from the sixth to ninth levels. Those parked on the fifth level or below will be able to access their vehicles to leave, but no new traffic will be allowed in.
These closures are expected to be at least an hour while police investigate. We'll keep you updated.
Kansas City Missouri Police Department launches Facebook fan page
PRESS RELEASE:
To better communicate with the community, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department has launched a fan page on Facebook.
The department’s fan page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/kcpolice.
The page will include daily posts on educational public safety tips, photo galleries of the police department, videos, interactive features, and invitations to upcoming events. The page also will allow “fans” to comment on posts and interact with the department’s Public Information Officers.
The page will differ from the department’s Twitter account, which includes breaking crime and traffic news, missing person alerts, press releases and more.
To better communicate with the community, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department has launched a fan page on Facebook.
The department’s fan page can be found at http://www.facebook.com/kcpolice.
The page will include daily posts on educational public safety tips, photo galleries of the police department, videos, interactive features, and invitations to upcoming events. The page also will allow “fans” to comment on posts and interact with the department’s Public Information Officers.
The page will differ from the department’s Twitter account, which includes breaking crime and traffic news, missing person alerts, press releases and more.
Monday, October 11, 2010
Woman killed outside bar identified
At about 1:30 a.m. Sunday, Oct. 10, police were called to Jay's Bigger Jigger bar in the 3000 block of E. 12th Street because of a shooting. They found 21-year-old Stephanie N. Roberts, an Hispanic female from Kansas City, Mo., dead in the parking lot. A second shooting victim, a black male, was taken in someone else's car to a local hospital and was listed in serious condition. Witnesses said there was a fight inside the bar before the shooting in the parking lot. Detectives are following up on leads and ask anyone with information to call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
School zone enforcement
As summer drew to a close and schools started up again for the year, Deputy Chief Cy Ritter told you about all the things our department was doing to keep kids safe. I wanted to share with you the results of just one of those efforts - school zone traffic enforcement. Our Special Operations Division has committed to concentrated enforcement in these areas at least one day a month. In September, officers cited 280 people in school zones in one day - Sept. 1. About 90 percent of those were for speeding. These tickets were issued throughout the city in various school districts.
Are you concerned about people speeding or driving dangerously near your child's school? If you live in Kansas City, call our traffic complaint coordinator at 816-482-8174. He sets officers up for extra enforcement in problem areas.
Remember, when approaching a school zone, always slow down, even if you don't see any children. Nothing is so important that it's worth injuring a child.
For more information on school zone safety, other traffic enforcement initiatives and even an updated list of the 10 highest-accident intersections in Kansas City, check out the Traffic Enforcement Unit's web page.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Are you concerned about people speeding or driving dangerously near your child's school? If you live in Kansas City, call our traffic complaint coordinator at 816-482-8174. He sets officers up for extra enforcement in problem areas.
Remember, when approaching a school zone, always slow down, even if you don't see any children. Nothing is so important that it's worth injuring a child.
For more information on school zone safety, other traffic enforcement initiatives and even an updated list of the 10 highest-accident intersections in Kansas City, check out the Traffic Enforcement Unit's web page.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Friday, October 8, 2010
Driver’s training for officers significantly reduces police crashes
Requiring officers to undergo a driver’s training course has significantly reduced the number of preventable car crashes in which Kansas City Police are involved, according to audit reports released today.
KCPD’s Internal Audit Unit found that from 2005 to 2008, the number of crashes climbed steadily to a peak of 149 in 2008. The crashes in 2008 alone cost the department more than $362,000 in damages to officers’ and citizens’ vehicles. In 2009, the Police Academy developed driver’s training courses for current officers and police recruits to address the problem. As of August 2010, 580 department members have completed the first course.
The number of preventable crashes plummeted to 97 in 2009 – a 35 percent reduction from 2008. The trend is continuing. Police were involved in just 19 preventable crashes in the first six months of this year compared to 50 in the same time period of 2009. Internal auditors conducted statistical analysis to determine whether the reduction was the result of driver’s training courses or some other reason. Their research concluded the training courses were the primary reason for the reduction.
“This is a good return on investment of taxpayer dollars,” said Thomas Gee, manager of the Internal Audit Unit.
The full audit reports are available at the KCPD's audit web page.
KCPD’s Internal Audit Unit found that from 2005 to 2008, the number of crashes climbed steadily to a peak of 149 in 2008. The crashes in 2008 alone cost the department more than $362,000 in damages to officers’ and citizens’ vehicles. In 2009, the Police Academy developed driver’s training courses for current officers and police recruits to address the problem. As of August 2010, 580 department members have completed the first course.
The number of preventable crashes plummeted to 97 in 2009 – a 35 percent reduction from 2008. The trend is continuing. Police were involved in just 19 preventable crashes in the first six months of this year compared to 50 in the same time period of 2009. Internal auditors conducted statistical analysis to determine whether the reduction was the result of driver’s training courses or some other reason. Their research concluded the training courses were the primary reason for the reduction.
“This is a good return on investment of taxpayer dollars,” said Thomas Gee, manager of the Internal Audit Unit.
The full audit reports are available at the KCPD's audit web page.
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Thank you, Firehouse Subs, for bite suit donation
Yesterday, we presented formal Certificates of Appreciation to the owners of the Firehouse Subs restaurant at 4167 Sterling. We did this as a small way of saying thanks for their donation of a $1,550 bite suit to our Canine Unit. The officers use the suits extensively in training, and they endure a lot of wear and tear. One Channel 9 reporter got the full bite suit experience, as did Firehouse Subs' general manager (pictured above). Firehouse Subs recycles left-over five-gallon pickle buckets by selling them to customers for $2. The proceeds go to the Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation. The restaurant also collected spare change from customers to purchase the bite suit. Thanks again to all of the customers who donated and and to Firehouse Subs for creating better-trained police dogs who are more able to catch bad guys in our community.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Pictures from Meet Your Police Department day at Academy
This past Saturday, we hosted a day to Meet Your Police Department at the Police Academy. It was a great day for the community to come out and get to see all the different types of work we do. Two more of these events are coming up:
* Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Metro Patrol Division, 7601 Prospect
* Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central High School, 3221 Indiana
These pictures do a pretty good job of explaining what all you can see at Meet Your Police Department days and why it's a great day of fun for the family:
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
* Oct. 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Metro Patrol Division, 7601 Prospect
* Oct. 30, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Central High School, 3221 Indiana
These pictures do a pretty good job of explaining what all you can see at Meet Your Police Department days and why it's a great day of fun for the family:
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Open garage doors are an invitation to thieves
Thefts through open garage doors are not uncommon, but we see spikes occasionally. The Northland is experiencing one of those increases right now. Most of these thefts have happened when home-owners leave their garage doors open overnight or while they're away, but just the shortest amount of time is enough of an opportunity for a thief. Just this morning, one victim left his garage door open for 15 minutes between taking out the trash and leaving for work. During that time, someone stole a cell phone and paperwork from both his and his wife's vehicles.
Protect your property and your personal safety by keeping your garage door closed at all times when you're not entering or exiting it. If you see your neighbor's garage door open, give them a call and remind them to close it.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Protect your property and your personal safety by keeping your garage door closed at all times when you're not entering or exiting it. If you see your neighbor's garage door open, give them a call and remind them to close it.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Tactical teams give Trail of Heroes a facelift
Because of the demanding nature of their work, our tactical team officers must stay in peak physical condition. They spend many hours a week undergoing physical training, but they engaged in a pretty novel way of working out last Thursday: spreading mulch.
I hope you’ve had the chance to visit the Trail of Heroes on the campus of the Kansas City Regional Police Academy. It’s a 1.5-mile mulch trail that runs through woods, by a pond and other beautiful scenery near 6885 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road. Benches along the trail commemorate fallen officers, and it’s open for everyone to come use. Unfortunately, significant rains in the last few months had caused bad erosion on the trail, and more mulch was needed to keep the walking path accessible. That’s where our tactical teams came in. They used their normal physical training time to help spread 300 cubic yards of mulch – enough to fill three 18-wheelers’ trailers. Working with Capital Improvements officers who designed the trail, the tac teams spread all this mulch in eight hours. They even added another leg to the trail that runs by a second pond. Everyone agreed it was a pretty good workout.
The tac teams weren’t the only ones working on the trail in the past few days. Two Boy Scouts are doing their Eagle Scout projects there – one is setting up a picnic area, and another is building a memorial to officers who died in the 1933 Union Station Massacre. Another group of Scouts will be camping along the trail soon.
The Trail of Heroes is now in tip-top shape and ready for you and your family to stop by and take advantage of.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Kansas City Police cite 66 for child restraint violations in campaign
PRESS RELEASE:
Officers of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department cited 66 people for failing to properly buckle up their children during the Child Passenger Safety Week Law Enforcement Campaign conducted September 19-25.
During the campaign, Traffic Enforcement Unit officers stopped 1,760 vehicles and issued a total of 2,314 citations. Of those citations, 66 were for child restraint violations, 536 were for safety belt violations, and 1,129 were for speeding violations.
“It’s extremely important for those responsible for the care of children to make sure they are properly restrained when riding in motor vehicles,” said Sgt. Grant Ruark of the Traffic Enforcement Unit. “It’s not just about following the law; it’s about preventing unnecessary injuries and saving lives.”
A portion of this enforcement effort was funded by grants from the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Missouri Safety Center.
For more information, visit http://www.savemolives.com/.
Officers of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department cited 66 people for failing to properly buckle up their children during the Child Passenger Safety Week Law Enforcement Campaign conducted September 19-25.
During the campaign, Traffic Enforcement Unit officers stopped 1,760 vehicles and issued a total of 2,314 citations. Of those citations, 66 were for child restraint violations, 536 were for safety belt violations, and 1,129 were for speeding violations.
“It’s extremely important for those responsible for the care of children to make sure they are properly restrained when riding in motor vehicles,” said Sgt. Grant Ruark of the Traffic Enforcement Unit. “It’s not just about following the law; it’s about preventing unnecessary injuries and saving lives.”
A portion of this enforcement effort was funded by grants from the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division in cooperation with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the Missouri Safety Center.
For more information, visit http://www.savemolives.com/.
Man killed after bar fight identified
Officers were called at about 2:30 a.m. Oct. 2 to a disturbance outside a bar in the 1800 block of Grand. When the officers arrived, they found 20-year-old Jeremy A. Mott of Kansas City, Mo., dead in the passenger seat of a green Dodge Charger. The car was parked on the street. Detectives interviewed several witnesses and determined a fight inside the bar, Balanca's, spilled out into the street where the shooting happened. There is not any suspect information at this time. If you have any information, please call the TIPS Hotline at 816-474-TIPS (8477).
This is Kansas City's 83rd homicide of 2010, compared to 89 at this date in 2009 and 102 at this date in 2008.
Friday, October 1, 2010
Police work to shut down dangerous downtown night club
You may have heard news reports about a persistently disruptive club, Club NRG, in downtown Kansas City. On Wednesday, the owner told the City’s Regulated Industries division that he is shutting the club down before he is forced to sell his liquor license Nov. 30.
Let me assure you this didn’t happen by accident. Shutting down this club at 220 Admiral took a concerted effort from the Police Department, Regulated Industries, the Fire Marshall and the community. I wanted to share with you a bit of the history of this club and all the work that went into shutting it down for the safety of those who live around it.
About four years ago, the club changed hands and went from being a relatively quiet establishment to Club NV. NV initially was run by a man who was arrested and convicted of selling a large amount ecstasy. Management changed hands again when that man went to prison. Under this regime, police started receiving calls about large disturbances and fights taking place at the club. Police started conducting surveillance on Club NV and video-taped these events.
Club NV was open four nights a week, five hours per night. From Jan. 1, 2008, to Feb. 28, 2009, police were called to the club 111 times. The club was only open 220 days in this time frame, and police responded there half the nights it was open. (This only includes calls involving the actual operation of Club NV and not auto thefts, stealing and other crimes reported in the area). Patrons were disrupting the quality of life for area residents by urinating in the street, sidewalk and parking lots. Traffic associated with the club often completely blocked off Admiral for extended periods of time. People drank outside the club and littered cans and bottles. Loud music from cars disturbed nearby residents and kept them awake. But what made Club NV especially dangerous was the violence associated with it. Large fights broke out repeatedly, including some involving deadly weapons.
Police took their case to Regulated Industries in spring 2009, and the club was shut down for 45 days. The owner did some renovations, re-opened the club in September of last year, and renamed it Club NRG. The same problems arose again. From September to December 2009, police responded to another 24 calls at the location. So far this year, we’ve responded to 58 calls at Club NRG. Remember, they’re only open for about 20 hours a week. This was a huge drain on police resources. At least four officers responded all calls there, and if a fight broke out, nearly every officer in the downtown area responded. Club NRG staff provided no assistance to police and did nothing to stop the fights. Lately, police had been stationing multiple officers at the club every night. They set up around 2:30 a.m. to keep traffic moving when the club closed and worked to deter violence. Again – a big drain on police resources. A few weeks ago, a shooting took place before police had arrived.
Thankfully, we were not alone in our endeavor to stop this community nuisance. In addition to Regulated Industries leaders Gary Majors and Gerald Countz, Fire Marshall Bob Richardson assisted us greatly. The Fire Marshall shut down the club multiple nights for dangerous over-crowding and has pointed out the building had fire related hazards, which the club owner eventually rectified. Our Vice Unit also went under-cover in the club multiple times and saw the kind of violence going on inside. They also saw how profitable the business was. The owner was charging $25 to $65 per person for cover.
But now the club is shutting down for good, and what has made the difference this time is the community. They have stepped up to reclaim their neighborhood. Many people live in condos in the area, and had grown frustrated with the violence, noise, traffic, thefts, trash, urine smells and quality-of-life issues. Area residents have been monitoring the club, and if a problem arises before police get there, residents call us and tell us everything that’s happening until we arrive. They’ve documented the crowds and disturbances on video and have shared a lot of information with us.
After more than two years of hard police work and efforts from the community, Regulated Industries and the Fire Marshall, it finally appears this nuisance business is ceasing. Although it took a while, it’s a great example of the kind of neighborhood stability and security that can be achieved when we all work together. If you have a similar concern about a business where you live, please let us know.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Let me assure you this didn’t happen by accident. Shutting down this club at 220 Admiral took a concerted effort from the Police Department, Regulated Industries, the Fire Marshall and the community. I wanted to share with you a bit of the history of this club and all the work that went into shutting it down for the safety of those who live around it.
About four years ago, the club changed hands and went from being a relatively quiet establishment to Club NV. NV initially was run by a man who was arrested and convicted of selling a large amount ecstasy. Management changed hands again when that man went to prison. Under this regime, police started receiving calls about large disturbances and fights taking place at the club. Police started conducting surveillance on Club NV and video-taped these events.
Club NV was open four nights a week, five hours per night. From Jan. 1, 2008, to Feb. 28, 2009, police were called to the club 111 times. The club was only open 220 days in this time frame, and police responded there half the nights it was open. (This only includes calls involving the actual operation of Club NV and not auto thefts, stealing and other crimes reported in the area). Patrons were disrupting the quality of life for area residents by urinating in the street, sidewalk and parking lots. Traffic associated with the club often completely blocked off Admiral for extended periods of time. People drank outside the club and littered cans and bottles. Loud music from cars disturbed nearby residents and kept them awake. But what made Club NV especially dangerous was the violence associated with it. Large fights broke out repeatedly, including some involving deadly weapons.
Police took their case to Regulated Industries in spring 2009, and the club was shut down for 45 days. The owner did some renovations, re-opened the club in September of last year, and renamed it Club NRG. The same problems arose again. From September to December 2009, police responded to another 24 calls at the location. So far this year, we’ve responded to 58 calls at Club NRG. Remember, they’re only open for about 20 hours a week. This was a huge drain on police resources. At least four officers responded all calls there, and if a fight broke out, nearly every officer in the downtown area responded. Club NRG staff provided no assistance to police and did nothing to stop the fights. Lately, police had been stationing multiple officers at the club every night. They set up around 2:30 a.m. to keep traffic moving when the club closed and worked to deter violence. Again – a big drain on police resources. A few weeks ago, a shooting took place before police had arrived.
Thankfully, we were not alone in our endeavor to stop this community nuisance. In addition to Regulated Industries leaders Gary Majors and Gerald Countz, Fire Marshall Bob Richardson assisted us greatly. The Fire Marshall shut down the club multiple nights for dangerous over-crowding and has pointed out the building had fire related hazards, which the club owner eventually rectified. Our Vice Unit also went under-cover in the club multiple times and saw the kind of violence going on inside. They also saw how profitable the business was. The owner was charging $25 to $65 per person for cover.
But now the club is shutting down for good, and what has made the difference this time is the community. They have stepped up to reclaim their neighborhood. Many people live in condos in the area, and had grown frustrated with the violence, noise, traffic, thefts, trash, urine smells and quality-of-life issues. Area residents have been monitoring the club, and if a problem arises before police get there, residents call us and tell us everything that’s happening until we arrive. They’ve documented the crowds and disturbances on video and have shared a lot of information with us.
After more than two years of hard police work and efforts from the community, Regulated Industries and the Fire Marshall, it finally appears this nuisance business is ceasing. Although it took a while, it’s a great example of the kind of neighborhood stability and security that can be achieved when we all work together. If you have a similar concern about a business where you live, please let us know.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Come "Meet Your Police Department" tomorrow at the Police Academy
PRESS RELEASE:
The public is invited to get to know their police department at a free, fun, family event this Saturday.
The Meet Your Police Department day will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Kansas City Regional Police Academy, 6885 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road.
Attendees can enjoy a free lunch, learn crime prevention tips and check out the KCPD helicopter, Canine and Mounted Patrol sections, the mobile command post, Bomb and Arson Unit, crime scene investigators and show cars. The roll-over crash simulator will demonstrate the importance of wearing seatbelts. The Police Athletic League will have a golf cart and “beer goggles” to show how dangerous driving drunk can be. The Kansas City Police Historical Society will be on hand with interesting pictures and artifacts from the department’s 136-year history. Tours of the Police Academy also will be conducted. The event is a great chance to get to know the officers who protect and serve Kansas City, as well.
For anyone who can’t make it to this event, future Meet Your Police Department events also will take place south of the River from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following dates and locations:
* Oct. 16 at the new Metro Patrol Division station, 7601 Prospect Ave.
* Oct. 30 at Central High School, Linwood and Indiana.
The public is invited to get to know their police department at a free, fun, family event this Saturday.
The Meet Your Police Department day will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Kansas City Regional Police Academy, 6885 N.E. Pleasant Valley Road.
Attendees can enjoy a free lunch, learn crime prevention tips and check out the KCPD helicopter, Canine and Mounted Patrol sections, the mobile command post, Bomb and Arson Unit, crime scene investigators and show cars. The roll-over crash simulator will demonstrate the importance of wearing seatbelts. The Police Athletic League will have a golf cart and “beer goggles” to show how dangerous driving drunk can be. The Kansas City Police Historical Society will be on hand with interesting pictures and artifacts from the department’s 136-year history. Tours of the Police Academy also will be conducted. The event is a great chance to get to know the officers who protect and serve Kansas City, as well.
For anyone who can’t make it to this event, future Meet Your Police Department events also will take place south of the River from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the following dates and locations:
* Oct. 16 at the new Metro Patrol Division station, 7601 Prospect Ave.
* Oct. 30 at Central High School, Linwood and Indiana.
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