PRESS RELEASE:
Police are prepared for Kansas City’s 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and holiday, and they want residents to be ready, as well.
The parade begins at 11 a.m. and lasts about two hours. The actual parade is on Broadway, beginning at 33rd Street and going south to 43rd Street. Broadway will be closed from 31st Street to 47th Street. The parade staging area also will be closed prior to and during the parade. This includes Linwood from Main to Broadway and 33rd Street from Broadway to Pennsylvania. All cars parked in any of these areas must be moved before 6 a.m. Saturday.
Nearly 200 uniformed officers will be on or near the parade route. Most of these officers are on special assignment, so police service in other parts of the city will not be affected. Officers on horseback and ATVs also will patrol the outskirts of the parade route, as will canine officers. Police also have installed security cameras along the route and will be monitoring any dangerous or suspicious activity from those, as well. The police helicopter will be monitoring traffic flow in and around the parade and will assist as needed. Under-cover detectives also will be in the crowd to enforce liquor laws.
“We hope that with police taking all of these safety measures, families and revelers will be free to enjoy the parade and other activities on what promises to be a beautiful day,” said Major Rich Lockhart, commander of the Special Operations Division.
For the first time, police will be using the City’s Emergency Operations Center for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Joining them will be the City’s EOC director, and staff from the Kansas City Fire Department, FBI, and Department of Homeland Security. Lockhart said the parade will serve as a dry run for the Major League Baseball All Star Game in July.
After the parade, police will dedicate numerous officers to provide extra security in Westport.
Police also will conduct multiple sobriety checkpoints in the course of the St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Friday, March 16, 2012
Thursday, March 15, 2012
International Woman of Courage winner visits KCPD
Earlier this week, we were pleased to play host to Major Pricilla de Oliveira Azevedo of the Rio de Janeiro Military Police for a few days. Major Azevedo visited many sites to learn how Kansas City fights crime, including the City’s Emergency Operations Center, Greater Kansas City Crime Commission, our Police Academy, Narcotics and Vice Division and Gang Squads, Police Headquarters and the KCPD Crime Lab. She also got a look at our community policing efforts at the Westside CAN Center and rode along with patrol officers. She is pictured above with Deputy Chief Cheryl Rose.
Major Azevedo came to Kansas City just days after being honored as one of 10 International Women of Courage by Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama in Washington, D.C. The award is given to women around the globe who have advanced women’s rights in their countries at great personal risk. She came to KCPD to share her experiences with us and exchange ideas about how to make our respective communities safer.
Major Azevedo has done some outstanding work fighting crime and making a better community in Rio. Here’s a brief summary of what she’s accomplished, according to the U.S. State Department:
“Major Azevedo joined the Rio de Janeiro Military police in 1998 and, following her graduation in 2000, started working in police battalions and street repression operations. In 2007, Major Azevedo demonstrated extreme courage and commitment to her duties by successfully arresting a gang of criminals who had kidnapped and tortured her. As a result of her courage and success, she was invited to head the first “Police Pacification Unit” (UPP) in Rio de Janeiro, in the “favela” (slum) of Santa Marta. During her two years there, she has shut down drug dealing operations in the favela, established conflict mediation models, worked with state and local government institutions to improve garbage collection and health care, broadened education and technical training opportunities, and developed a successful community arts and crafts fair.”
We are very proud the State Department chose KCPD as a progressive law enforcement agency for Major Azevedo to come share what she’s done and to learn about how we fight crime.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Monday, March 12, 2012
Breaking down this weekend's homicides and aggravated assaults
There were multiple homicides and aggravated assaults in Kansas City this weekend, and I wanted to break them down to give a clearer picture of what happened:
• 10:22 a.m. Friday in the 800 block of Myrtle Avenue: In a domestic violence-related incident, officers were dispatched on an ambulance call of a woman bleeding from the mouth. She was pronounced dead. The victim’s boyfriend has been charged in the homicide.
• 12:23 p.m. Friday in the 8200 block of Wayne: While checking the welfare of a missing juvenile, officers found the body of a man. A suspect has been charged in that case. The motive was an argument.
• 2:51 p.m. Friday at 23rd and Hardesty: Officers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle, which did not stop. The vehicle proceeded to Truman Medical Center, where a man who had been shot was taken into the hospital. The victim is in grave condition. The motive was an argument. A suspect has been identified but is not yet in custody.
• 3:31 a.m. Saturday at 30th and Agnes: Officers responded to the sound of gunshots and found a man dead inside a vehicle. A motive is not yet known, but a suspect is in custody and awaiting charges.
What’s unique about these homicides and aggravated assaults is that suspects were identified within hours of the occurrence of each one. This is a result of the community’s willingness to get involved and excellent work by our men and women in the field.
Detectives also responded to several suspicious death calls over the weekend and are awaiting rulings about the causes of death from the Medical Examiner’s Office (such as an incident in the 1700 block of NE 101st Court). Possible suspects also have been identified in these cases.
The dead body located near railroad tracks at Cambridge and Blue Ridge on Friday was ruled a suicide. A body found in the woods in the 1800 block of Bristol might be that of a man who was reported missing from that area several months ago. The Medical Examiner has not yet determined the man’s identity or cause of death. However, the missing man lived a few houses up from where the body was discovered in a wooded area.
None of the incidents appear to be related to drugs or gangs. And in many of them, patrol officers were in the right place at the right time. In both the shootings at 23rd and Hardesty and 30th and Agnes, officers were right there. They apprehended the suspect almost immediately in the 30th and Agnes shooting. I sincerely appreciate the excellent work of those officers, as well as the detectives and crime scene technicians who put in tremendous efforts and hours of work this weekend.
We now stand at 18 homicides for 2012. This is more than we had at this time in 2011 or 2010, but less than in 2009 and 2008. However, this is still an unacceptable number of homicides. We must come together as a community to prevent these. The quick arrests of suspects in the violence this weekend indicates that we already are starting to do so.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
• 10:22 a.m. Friday in the 800 block of Myrtle Avenue: In a domestic violence-related incident, officers were dispatched on an ambulance call of a woman bleeding from the mouth. She was pronounced dead. The victim’s boyfriend has been charged in the homicide.
• 12:23 p.m. Friday in the 8200 block of Wayne: While checking the welfare of a missing juvenile, officers found the body of a man. A suspect has been charged in that case. The motive was an argument.
• 2:51 p.m. Friday at 23rd and Hardesty: Officers attempted to stop a speeding vehicle, which did not stop. The vehicle proceeded to Truman Medical Center, where a man who had been shot was taken into the hospital. The victim is in grave condition. The motive was an argument. A suspect has been identified but is not yet in custody.
• 3:31 a.m. Saturday at 30th and Agnes: Officers responded to the sound of gunshots and found a man dead inside a vehicle. A motive is not yet known, but a suspect is in custody and awaiting charges.
What’s unique about these homicides and aggravated assaults is that suspects were identified within hours of the occurrence of each one. This is a result of the community’s willingness to get involved and excellent work by our men and women in the field.
Detectives also responded to several suspicious death calls over the weekend and are awaiting rulings about the causes of death from the Medical Examiner’s Office (such as an incident in the 1700 block of NE 101st Court). Possible suspects also have been identified in these cases.
The dead body located near railroad tracks at Cambridge and Blue Ridge on Friday was ruled a suicide. A body found in the woods in the 1800 block of Bristol might be that of a man who was reported missing from that area several months ago. The Medical Examiner has not yet determined the man’s identity or cause of death. However, the missing man lived a few houses up from where the body was discovered in a wooded area.
None of the incidents appear to be related to drugs or gangs. And in many of them, patrol officers were in the right place at the right time. In both the shootings at 23rd and Hardesty and 30th and Agnes, officers were right there. They apprehended the suspect almost immediately in the 30th and Agnes shooting. I sincerely appreciate the excellent work of those officers, as well as the detectives and crime scene technicians who put in tremendous efforts and hours of work this weekend.
We now stand at 18 homicides for 2012. This is more than we had at this time in 2011 or 2010, but less than in 2009 and 2008. However, this is still an unacceptable number of homicides. We must come together as a community to prevent these. The quick arrests of suspects in the violence this weekend indicates that we already are starting to do so.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Battling copper theft
Copper and metal theft are a persistent scourge on our community, causing millions of dollars of damage to individuals, companies, non-profits and local governments. The Police Department and City Council have worked together to create ordinances recently to curtail these thefts, which Officer Jason Cooley explains in this video:
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
We're ready for the Big 12 Tourney
As the Big 12 College Basketball Tournament is expected to bring tens of thousands of visitors to Downtown starting tomorrow, sports fans can rest assured your police department is making safety a top priority so you can have fun.
We successfully have managed this event for several years now, and there is a lot of behind-the-scenes planning to make sure it goes smoothly. First, you should know about street closures. The following streets closed today and yesterday and will remain so until the early morning hours of Sunday, March 11:
• Grand from 13th to 15th Street
• 14th Street from Main to Grand
• Walnut from 13th to 15th Street
Traffic officers will work to move traffic as smoothly as possible in these areas, but congestion is likely. Find an alternate route and give yourself extra time.
An additional 40 to 60 officers will be assigned Downtown during the tournament. You’ll see them on foot, horses, bicycles, and in cars.
Officers and detectives also will be patrolling parking areas all around Downtown and its outskirts to prevent thefts from vehicles. You can help prevent these thefts, as well, by not leaving anything of value in plain view in your vehicle (this includes GPS units, laptops, bags, cell phones, purses, cameras, and even loose change). Keep them at home, put them in your trunk before you leave home, or take them with you when you leave your vehicle.
Police also will be on the look-out for unlicensed ticket scalpers and underage drinking.
The Big 12 Tournament always is a fun event and great economic opportunity for Downtown Kansas City. We hope no one will need us during this time, but we’ll be more than ready if they do.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
We successfully have managed this event for several years now, and there is a lot of behind-the-scenes planning to make sure it goes smoothly. First, you should know about street closures. The following streets closed today and yesterday and will remain so until the early morning hours of Sunday, March 11:
• Grand from 13th to 15th Street
• 14th Street from Main to Grand
• Walnut from 13th to 15th Street
Traffic officers will work to move traffic as smoothly as possible in these areas, but congestion is likely. Find an alternate route and give yourself extra time.
An additional 40 to 60 officers will be assigned Downtown during the tournament. You’ll see them on foot, horses, bicycles, and in cars.
Officers and detectives also will be patrolling parking areas all around Downtown and its outskirts to prevent thefts from vehicles. You can help prevent these thefts, as well, by not leaving anything of value in plain view in your vehicle (this includes GPS units, laptops, bags, cell phones, purses, cameras, and even loose change). Keep them at home, put them in your trunk before you leave home, or take them with you when you leave your vehicle.
Police also will be on the look-out for unlicensed ticket scalpers and underage drinking.
The Big 12 Tournament always is a fun event and great economic opportunity for Downtown Kansas City. We hope no one will need us during this time, but we’ll be more than ready if they do.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Monday, February 27, 2012
What I'm hearing about "Kansas City's finest"
I know the staff of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department has not had it easy the last several years. Aside from a small 2 percent increase in August that was accomplished by not filling more than 100 vacant positions, they have not seen a raise since 2008. But I want you and them to know that they really are “Kansas City’s finest.” They go into situations no one else wants to, resolve problems no one else can and make us proud to call this city home.
Because you rarely hear about all the little, helpful things police do, I wanted to share with you just a sampling of some of the letters I’ve received from citizens in the past few months. If you’d like to let me know about an outstanding KCPD employee, e-mail thankanofficer@kcpd.org.
From a concerned father:
“I want to express my thanks to Officer David Lantz of the KCPD for his outstanding professionalism and public service last night in dealing with my son, who was pulled over for speeding. Officer Lantz surely demonstrates the finest example of law enforcement that anyone, and particularly any parent, can possibly expect in their community. I am hoping that Officer Lantz’s excellent discussion with my son has hit a ‘home run’ and that his advice will be something by son takes to heart.”
From a 79-year-old man who hurt his back trying to change a flat tire near Headquarters:
“I walked to the police station and asked for help. Ms. Doris Williams of the Records Unit immediately helped me by calling a tow service and my wife. She let me sit down because I was very disoriented and in pain. After getting in touch with the towing service, Ms. Williams contacted Officer Dave Denney. He took me back to my car, waited until the towing service arrived; made sure I was taken care of and was physically settled. … Both Ms. Williams and Officer Denney really cared about helping me. They went out of their way at a time when I needed assistance. They are two very special people.”
From a neighborhood leader who invited Officers Joe Trombino and Curtis Penyweit and the KCPD roll-over simulator to their festival:
“The presentation was interesting and eye-opening; the officers knew their material and made the information easy to understand, even for children. In fact, the following week, an 11-year-old girl (who had seen the demonstration) was riding in the car with her mother. The mother had placed a barrel in the back seat of the car. The little girl remarked, ‘Mom, get that out of the car! If we had an accident, it would roll over and kill me.’ Her mother mentioned that her daughter was recalling the information that the officers shared about the impact (and crushing weight) that a loose, flying object could have on a person in a roll-over vehicle. We want you to know that we appreciate them sharing such useful information with the children, youth and parents.”
From a worried mother:
“My 15-year-old daughter … ran away today. I am sick with worry. I reported it this afternoon but decided to call North Patrol to see if they had any advice or action I could take. Karen Smith just spent 15 minutes on the phone with me. She made me feel hopeful and not so awful (if that is possible.) I really appreciate the advice and time she spent with me. She is a great person and a wonderful member of your police department. … She was the voice of reason and hope.”
From leaders of a non-profit organization that was victimized by embezzlement:
“We would like to commend Detective Dana Mauzy for her hard work, perseverance, and success in bringing justice to a man who preyed upon a non-profit that serves the most vulnerable citizens in our community – low income, inner-city youth and elderly, as well as the disabled. Her persistence and meticulous preparation of a complex fraud case resulted in an 82-count indictment in federal court.”
From a citizen who rode along with two officers:
“I wanted to let you know about the wonderful experience I had riding along with two of KCPD’s finest, Officer Pegg and Officer Magers. … From the moment the ride-along began, both officers created a professional, safe, informative and friendly atmosphere for this experience. … Throughout this experience, I witnessed both Officer Pegg and Officer Magers diligently serving the citizens of Kansas City, Missouri. Because of these officers and this ride-along experience, I offer my explicit support of your police force. As a KCMO resident, parent and educator, I will seek opportunities to share this wonderful experience within and beyond my community."
From a woman who lost her husband in a car crash:
“How does one find the correct phrase-ology to thank someone who displayed such kindness, professionalism and compassion during the most difficult time? My mere words cannot possibly express the gratitude our family has for Sergeant Jim Fuller. … Sergeant Fuller made the difficult call to notify me of the death of my beloved husband due to a fatal automobile accident. His gentle tone and voice on the long-distance call was one of reason and comfort. … This week, we finally met face to face. Sgt. Fuller and Officer Kevin Gooch came to our home and visited with the family, answering all of our questions. This final act of compassion resulted in a sense of closure for us about the events of that horrible night. … Sgt. Fuller is the consummate professional, and our family is stronger for his diligence to this case.”
From a mom who got lost downtown and found a police officer:
“Officer Dearing was so sweet and helpful. As he was explaining to me how to get to the on-ramp, I think he could tell I might get lost again. He offered to drive us to the ramp in his car, as we followed. It was only two blocks, but great to get a police escort! I’m sure your officers do these helpful things all the time, but people only want to talk about the negative. So I wanted to tell you about the positive. Please thank him for me!”
From another citizen who went on a police ride-along:
“I was so impressed with Officers Glidewell’s and Martin’s ability to handle difficult situations. It was obvious they had been well trained. I was most impressed with their human relations skills in dealing with the public, especially those that were intoxicated. I saw Officer Martin handle an intoxicated man in a skillful manner. As Officer Martin was putting this angry man in the wagon (the man was handcuffed and wearing a padded helmet), he thanked Officer Martin for treating him with respect. Wow! He got the job done and won this man’s respect at the same time.”
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Because you rarely hear about all the little, helpful things police do, I wanted to share with you just a sampling of some of the letters I’ve received from citizens in the past few months. If you’d like to let me know about an outstanding KCPD employee, e-mail thankanofficer@kcpd.org.
From a concerned father:
“I want to express my thanks to Officer David Lantz of the KCPD for his outstanding professionalism and public service last night in dealing with my son, who was pulled over for speeding. Officer Lantz surely demonstrates the finest example of law enforcement that anyone, and particularly any parent, can possibly expect in their community. I am hoping that Officer Lantz’s excellent discussion with my son has hit a ‘home run’ and that his advice will be something by son takes to heart.”
From a 79-year-old man who hurt his back trying to change a flat tire near Headquarters:
“I walked to the police station and asked for help. Ms. Doris Williams of the Records Unit immediately helped me by calling a tow service and my wife. She let me sit down because I was very disoriented and in pain. After getting in touch with the towing service, Ms. Williams contacted Officer Dave Denney. He took me back to my car, waited until the towing service arrived; made sure I was taken care of and was physically settled. … Both Ms. Williams and Officer Denney really cared about helping me. They went out of their way at a time when I needed assistance. They are two very special people.”
From a neighborhood leader who invited Officers Joe Trombino and Curtis Penyweit and the KCPD roll-over simulator to their festival:
“The presentation was interesting and eye-opening; the officers knew their material and made the information easy to understand, even for children. In fact, the following week, an 11-year-old girl (who had seen the demonstration) was riding in the car with her mother. The mother had placed a barrel in the back seat of the car. The little girl remarked, ‘Mom, get that out of the car! If we had an accident, it would roll over and kill me.’ Her mother mentioned that her daughter was recalling the information that the officers shared about the impact (and crushing weight) that a loose, flying object could have on a person in a roll-over vehicle. We want you to know that we appreciate them sharing such useful information with the children, youth and parents.”
From a worried mother:
“My 15-year-old daughter … ran away today. I am sick with worry. I reported it this afternoon but decided to call North Patrol to see if they had any advice or action I could take. Karen Smith just spent 15 minutes on the phone with me. She made me feel hopeful and not so awful (if that is possible.) I really appreciate the advice and time she spent with me. She is a great person and a wonderful member of your police department. … She was the voice of reason and hope.”
From leaders of a non-profit organization that was victimized by embezzlement:
“We would like to commend Detective Dana Mauzy for her hard work, perseverance, and success in bringing justice to a man who preyed upon a non-profit that serves the most vulnerable citizens in our community – low income, inner-city youth and elderly, as well as the disabled. Her persistence and meticulous preparation of a complex fraud case resulted in an 82-count indictment in federal court.”
From a citizen who rode along with two officers:
“I wanted to let you know about the wonderful experience I had riding along with two of KCPD’s finest, Officer Pegg and Officer Magers. … From the moment the ride-along began, both officers created a professional, safe, informative and friendly atmosphere for this experience. … Throughout this experience, I witnessed both Officer Pegg and Officer Magers diligently serving the citizens of Kansas City, Missouri. Because of these officers and this ride-along experience, I offer my explicit support of your police force. As a KCMO resident, parent and educator, I will seek opportunities to share this wonderful experience within and beyond my community."
From a woman who lost her husband in a car crash:
“How does one find the correct phrase-ology to thank someone who displayed such kindness, professionalism and compassion during the most difficult time? My mere words cannot possibly express the gratitude our family has for Sergeant Jim Fuller. … Sergeant Fuller made the difficult call to notify me of the death of my beloved husband due to a fatal automobile accident. His gentle tone and voice on the long-distance call was one of reason and comfort. … This week, we finally met face to face. Sgt. Fuller and Officer Kevin Gooch came to our home and visited with the family, answering all of our questions. This final act of compassion resulted in a sense of closure for us about the events of that horrible night. … Sgt. Fuller is the consummate professional, and our family is stronger for his diligence to this case.”
From a mom who got lost downtown and found a police officer:
“Officer Dearing was so sweet and helpful. As he was explaining to me how to get to the on-ramp, I think he could tell I might get lost again. He offered to drive us to the ramp in his car, as we followed. It was only two blocks, but great to get a police escort! I’m sure your officers do these helpful things all the time, but people only want to talk about the negative. So I wanted to tell you about the positive. Please thank him for me!”
From another citizen who went on a police ride-along:
“I was so impressed with Officers Glidewell’s and Martin’s ability to handle difficult situations. It was obvious they had been well trained. I was most impressed with their human relations skills in dealing with the public, especially those that were intoxicated. I saw Officer Martin handle an intoxicated man in a skillful manner. As Officer Martin was putting this angry man in the wagon (the man was handcuffed and wearing a padded helmet), he thanked Officer Martin for treating him with respect. Wow! He got the job done and won this man’s respect at the same time.”
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
A police department that reflects the community
Kansas City, Mo, is a diverse place. Data from the 2010 census show 10 percent of our population are Hispanic, 30 percent are black, 2.5 percent are Asian and more than 3 percent are two or more races. As an organization charged with serving such a diverse city, the Kansas City Missouri Police Department should reflect the community it serves. But it doesn’t, and I’m not satisfied with that! It’s imperative that we improve recruitment, retention and promotion of a diverse workforce. We care about diversity on our staff, and that means diversity of education, background, culture, military experience, life experiences and more. I will make public a detailed plan in the future to increase our diversity.
You can see the full report of the racial make-up of our law enforcement staff at the link at the bottom of this post. In some areas, we’re doing well. Five of 19 majors are black, as are nearly a third of our civilian staff members. In other areas, however, we do not reflect the community adequately. KCPD has just two black captains and no Hispanic commanders (captains, majors and deputy chiefs). We also fall short in several other ranks.
We have fantastic officers who come from all types of different backgrounds. But having more police who look like the residents of Kansas City shows we desire a police department that actually reflects the community we serve and that we respect all cultures.
As I have said about many other issues in this city, the resolution to this issue won’t come from the police department alone. Although our recruiters work hard, we can’t just snap our fingers and come up with a room full of qualified police recruits. We need you to send us potential candidates who you think would reflect our community and are of good character and high integrity. Regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, we encourage everyone who has a desire to serve the residents of Kansas City to apply. You can read all about our hiring process on our Careers web site. Again, please encourage members of the community who you think would contribute to the police department’s vision to apply.
Law Enforcement by Rank/Title/Ethnic Group table
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
You can see the full report of the racial make-up of our law enforcement staff at the link at the bottom of this post. In some areas, we’re doing well. Five of 19 majors are black, as are nearly a third of our civilian staff members. In other areas, however, we do not reflect the community adequately. KCPD has just two black captains and no Hispanic commanders (captains, majors and deputy chiefs). We also fall short in several other ranks.
We have fantastic officers who come from all types of different backgrounds. But having more police who look like the residents of Kansas City shows we desire a police department that actually reflects the community we serve and that we respect all cultures.
As I have said about many other issues in this city, the resolution to this issue won’t come from the police department alone. Although our recruiters work hard, we can’t just snap our fingers and come up with a room full of qualified police recruits. We need you to send us potential candidates who you think would reflect our community and are of good character and high integrity. Regardless of race, gender or ethnicity, we encourage everyone who has a desire to serve the residents of Kansas City to apply. You can read all about our hiring process on our Careers web site. Again, please encourage members of the community who you think would contribute to the police department’s vision to apply.
Law Enforcement by Rank/Title/Ethnic Group table
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Officers struck downtown Friday are doing well
I just wanted to update you on two of our officers who were hit by a car Friday night while directing traffic outside the Sprint Center following a concert. Police had closed Grand Boulevard from Truman Road to 13th Street. At about 11:30 p.m., officers saw a vehicle traveling north on Grand at Truman Road, which then attempted to go eastbound on Truman in the westbound lanes of traffic (the wrong way). Officers approached the driver in an attempt to direct him westbound. But as they approached, the driver accelerated, striking one officer with the front of the vehicle and throwing him up onto the hood. The officer rolled off the hood onto the street. The suspect continued northbound on Grand striking the second officer at 13th and Grand in the wrist. Other officers took the suspect into custody near 11th and Main.
Fortunately, the two officers who were hit are going to be all right. They were banged up and are pretty sore, but both are back at work today on full duty. This situation could have been much, much worse, and we are very grateful it wasn't.
The suspected driver has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, one count of resisting arrest and one count of leaving the scene of an accident. He is being held on $250,000 bond.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Fortunately, the two officers who were hit are going to be all right. They were banged up and are pretty sore, but both are back at work today on full duty. This situation could have been much, much worse, and we are very grateful it wasn't.
The suspected driver has been charged with two counts of second-degree assault of a law enforcement officer, one count of resisting arrest and one count of leaving the scene of an accident. He is being held on $250,000 bond.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Police to release fatal crash information weekly
PRESS RELEASE:
Seven people have died in six traffic crashes so far in Kansas City this year, and police want to make the public more aware of the causes of these deaths by providing a new, weekly, fatality crash analysis.
The analysis will be posted on KCPD’s web site every Monday on the Traffic Enforcement page.
Similar to the daily homicide analysis posted on the “Crime Stats” page on the department web site, the traffic fatality analysis breaks down the victims of crashes demographically, but it also cites the factors contributing to the crashes and deaths. For example, from Jan. 1 through Feb. 6, 2012, three of the seven victims were not wearing seat belts. Alcohol was a factor in two crashes, and two drivers were driving with revoked or suspended licenses. Excessive speed factored in two crashes, and one was due to a driver violating a traffic signal.
“We’re trying to raise awareness of the causes for fatality accidents,” said Major Rich Lockhart, commander of the Special Operations Division. “We’ve never done this before. We hope that by letting people know on a weekly basis how many fatal crashes we have and what causes them, it will make people think twice. … Most of our fatal crashes are preventable.”
Major Lockhart said the dangerous driving behavior that often leads to fatal crashes can affect anyone, even law-abiding drivers who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s why he urged everyone to wear seat belts, saying it could significantly reduce Kansas City’s traffic fatalities.
Seven people have died in six traffic crashes so far in Kansas City this year, and police want to make the public more aware of the causes of these deaths by providing a new, weekly, fatality crash analysis.
The analysis will be posted on KCPD’s web site every Monday on the Traffic Enforcement page.
Similar to the daily homicide analysis posted on the “Crime Stats” page on the department web site, the traffic fatality analysis breaks down the victims of crashes demographically, but it also cites the factors contributing to the crashes and deaths. For example, from Jan. 1 through Feb. 6, 2012, three of the seven victims were not wearing seat belts. Alcohol was a factor in two crashes, and two drivers were driving with revoked or suspended licenses. Excessive speed factored in two crashes, and one was due to a driver violating a traffic signal.
“We’re trying to raise awareness of the causes for fatality accidents,” said Major Rich Lockhart, commander of the Special Operations Division. “We’ve never done this before. We hope that by letting people know on a weekly basis how many fatal crashes we have and what causes them, it will make people think twice. … Most of our fatal crashes are preventable.”
Major Lockhart said the dangerous driving behavior that often leads to fatal crashes can affect anyone, even law-abiding drivers who are in the wrong place at the wrong time. That’s why he urged everyone to wear seat belts, saying it could significantly reduce Kansas City’s traffic fatalities.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Homicide analysis: January
To keep the community informed about the homicides that take place in Kansas City, I want to provide you with a monthly analysis of these killings on my blog, and today we’re going to talk about January 2012. The community has been integral to solving these cases by giving police information and calling and texting in tips. The last homicide of the month on Jan. 26 at 61st and College had a suspect apprehended within minutes because a witness came forward with great information. Many more people are coming forward with what they know and are helping us build a case against, find, and prosecute those who are a danger to our community.
The first homicide of the New Year happened on January 11, and charges have been filed in that case. Dmarko Nicodemus, 22, has been charged with killing 54-year-old Cornell Maxwell inside a residence in the 7100 block of Monroe. The motive was an argument.
The other seven cases in January have not yet been cleared, but the investigations are progressing, and we have solid leads in most of them. There was one double homicide (Jan. 23 in a home in the 5000 block of Chestnut) and one triple homicide (Jan. 16 in the 3900 block of Paseo) in January.
Five of the eight homicides happened inside a residence, and two were just outside – on the porch or in the yard. One victim was shot in a car. Six of the victims were black males with an average age of 36. There was one 57-year-old white female victim and one 41-year-old white male victim. They were killed in the triple homicide and were mother and son.
None of January’s killings appeared to be related to domestic violence. Until the cases are charged, we cannot definitively say what the motives were. Seven of the eight victims were killed by gunshots. Cornell Maxwell was stabbed.
Half of the homicides occurred in the Metro Patrol Division. The triple homicide occurred in Central Patrol Division, and the remaining killing was in East Patrol.
We will continue working diligently to prevent violent crime and solve these homicides. As always, we cannot do these things alone. We need the community’s help. If you have any information about these, join those who already have worked toward a safer city by calling 816-474-TIPS, sending a web tip at www.kccrimestoppers.com or texting “TIP452” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). You’ll remain anonymous and could get a cash reward.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
The first homicide of the New Year happened on January 11, and charges have been filed in that case. Dmarko Nicodemus, 22, has been charged with killing 54-year-old Cornell Maxwell inside a residence in the 7100 block of Monroe. The motive was an argument.
The other seven cases in January have not yet been cleared, but the investigations are progressing, and we have solid leads in most of them. There was one double homicide (Jan. 23 in a home in the 5000 block of Chestnut) and one triple homicide (Jan. 16 in the 3900 block of Paseo) in January.
Five of the eight homicides happened inside a residence, and two were just outside – on the porch or in the yard. One victim was shot in a car. Six of the victims were black males with an average age of 36. There was one 57-year-old white female victim and one 41-year-old white male victim. They were killed in the triple homicide and were mother and son.
None of January’s killings appeared to be related to domestic violence. Until the cases are charged, we cannot definitively say what the motives were. Seven of the eight victims were killed by gunshots. Cornell Maxwell was stabbed.
Half of the homicides occurred in the Metro Patrol Division. The triple homicide occurred in Central Patrol Division, and the remaining killing was in East Patrol.
We will continue working diligently to prevent violent crime and solve these homicides. As always, we cannot do these things alone. We need the community’s help. If you have any information about these, join those who already have worked toward a safer city by calling 816-474-TIPS, sending a web tip at www.kccrimestoppers.com or texting “TIP452” plus your message to CRIMES (274637). You’ll remain anonymous and could get a cash reward.
Send comments to kcpdchiefblog@kcpd.org
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