KCPD sees improving staffing levels, lower homicide numbers: ‘There’s still a lot of work to do’

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - On Tuesday, the Kansas City, Missouri Board of Police Commissioners heard improvements in the department’s push to get more staff and lower violent crime. However, they still have a lot ahead of them, according to Chief Stacey Graves.

Staffing Levels

The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department continues to operate on low staffing levels. This has been an issue for KCPD since 2020.

Below are how many employees KCPD has had over the last four years:

• 2020: 1,286
• 2021: 1,159
• 2022: 1,115
• 2023: 1,091

Numbers have continued to drop as officers retired and others left the force altogether due to negativity surrounding law enforcement or other reasons.

As of October 31, 2024, KCPD has 1,105 on the force. KCPD has said for months it’s trying to fill about 300 positions from officers to dispatchers.

Since implementing higher pay for KCPD officers, Chief Stacey Graves said it is a benefit for hiring and retaining staff.

With the new pay scale, Chief Graves said it has resulted in 19 transfers and reappointments, something she said she has not seen in her nearly 27 years on the force. She said it is also important that they show the officers they are valued and create a good internal culture.

“The more that we can get staffed up to our full potential the more service that we can provide Kansas City, we can be more visible, we can have a faster response, we can make sure our 911 call center answers the phone faster and gets officers to someone who is in need faster,” said Kansas City, Missouri Police Chief Stacey Graves.

She said they are slowly building back their force and it will take time, but it is happening.

They have multiple police academy classes in the works with the hope to have more staff in the next year.

Violent Crime

2023 was the deadliest year on record for Kansas City. Now, with 2024 nearly over, KCPD shared they are seeing a reduction in homicides, but violent crime stays a priority for the department.

On November 19, 2023, 166 people had been killed in Kansas City. So far this year, 133 homicides have occurred.

While homicides are down 20%, non-fatal shootings are up.

When Chief Graves became Chief about two years ago, she discussed a city-wide approach to lowering violent crime. That is something seen with plans like SAVE KC, nonprofits, community groups, City and County leaders, and KCPD are all working together to find solutions.

“We are moving forward together and I think that is what it is going to take is for everyone to get involved to reduce violent crime in Kansas City and to sustain those reductions. I’m thankful for a reduction in homicides but there is a lot more work to be done,” said Chief Graves.

Juveniles and Crime

Another issue Kansas City has dealt with for months is juveniles getting involved in violent crime.

So far this year, 15 juveniles under the age of 17 have been killed.

That is 11% of all homicide victims in 2024.

16 juveniles are suspects in homicides from this year, which is also 11% of suspects in the 133 homicides so far in 2024.

As KCPD, the City of Kansas City, Jackson County, and many other groups collaborate to keep violent crime down, Chief Graves said focusing on juveniles is a key part of decreasing violence and trends.

“Emphasis on juveniles involved in violent crime specifically armed juveniles, so we want to keep our foot on the gas with that and work with everyone from the beginning to when they meet us to after they meet us to make sure that we are providing a healthy environment for our juveniles and making sure that we are addressing that at an age where that trajectory is changed,” said Chief Graves.

She said it is important to continue their work in schools and other community groups to help the next generation of Kansas Citians avoid involvement with violent crime.

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