Kansas City Council thanks police for work on Super Bowl parade, ‘curfews and marches’
Kansas City Council members expressed their appreciation to Kansas City police officers in a letter, citing their work during the Chiefs’ championship parade, “curfews and marches,” and through the ongoing coronavirus pandemic that shut down the city.
“We know it has been a challenging time for Kansas City Police Department,” read the letter, dated June 11 with official letterhead. “You are serving on the front lines, whether it’s responding to a COVID-19 emergency, helping us regulate the quarantine, or working extra hours as we navigate curfews and marches.”
On Wednesday, Mayor Quinton Lucas sent his own letter thanking the police department for its work during the police brutality protests that drew thousands to the Country Club Plaza. In his letter, Lucas said members of the public laid at the officers’ feet centuries-old race problems, and said it was “unreasonable” to assign blame to rank-and-file officers. He also mentioned the long hours, “harsh insults” and injuries experienced by police.
Some community leaders sharply criticized Lucas for failing to note that Kansas City officers had used pepper spray and tear gas on protesters.
During the demonstrations, protesters assailed against police brutality, excessive use of force by officers and police shootings of unarmed black men.
They called for local control of the Kansas City Police Department, the immediate need to equip police with body-worn cameras, and demanded an independent board to review police shootings and use of force.
The protests in Kansas City were mostly peaceful, but at times grew tense as demonstrators clashed with police, resulting in injuries. Some Plaza businesses and some police vehicles were damaged.
The demonstrations in Kansas City and others across the country were in response to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis. A video shows former police officer Derek Chauvin pressing his knee into Floyd’s neck for nearly nine minutes while other officers stood by.
Chauvin was fired days later and charged with second-degree murder and second-degree manslaughter. Three other officers were also fired and face criminal charges.
Floyd’s death sparked outrage, sending thousands of protesters into streets across the United States as they called for racial justice and police reform.
However, the council’s letter five-paragraph letter steered clear on the recent civil and social unrest.
Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said that she signed the letter to signal her “support of those who have the heart to serve and protect our community with respect and value of every resident.”
“I fully expect those same officers to display courage and advocate for policies that create a zero tolerance approach for police misconduct, greater transparency and law enforcement accountability,” Robinson said.
“I can only speak for myself, I understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, mostly African Americans who have been victimized by police brutality,” Robinson said. “As elected officials we don’t have the luxury to turn a deaf ear to any of our constituencies. I strongly believe now is the time to listen to the hurt that African Americans are facing in our community.”
Katheryn Shields was the only council member who did not sign the letter.
“Now it’s time for us to express our appreciation, and to recognize the sacrifices you and your families are making on our behalf,” the letter said. “With the many highs and lows this year has given; you can take pride in your service to Kansas City.
“Thank you for swearing an oath to protect and serve our citizens. Together, we will keep out city safe and strong.”
On Friday, Lucas said he and the City Council were united in their appreciation and support of the police department.
“I think it shows that council, like me, understands that you can know the need for change, but also respect the women and men of our department,” Lucas said. “A diverse array of council members (all but one) signed the letter even though there are a plethora of views on policing. All our community — including our police — will be part of addressing our long-term challenges.”
This story was originally published June 12, 2020 at 5:20 PM.
