Proposed measures on KC police use of force, accountability pushed to closed session
Mayor Quinton Lucas briefly spoke about five proposed changes to the police department’s policies during Tuesday’s board of police commissioners meeting, but no public discussion took place.
The measures range from the Kansas City Police Department’s response to protests to officers’ duty to intervene when they see excessive force to how public meetings are conducted.
Other proposed changes have to do with the complaint process and whistleblower protections.
In a statement Monday, Lucas said the several measures would “help increase accountability and build community trust.”
The police board said the items will be discussed in a closed session.
As national unrest surrounding police brutality and reform rises, the Kansas City Police Department has come under fire in recent months. Last week, Sgt. Matthew Neal was indicted for felony assault for allegedly injuring a 15-year-old during an arrest last November. Neal is the fourth officer since May to be charged with crimes related to use of force.
The department also was criticized for using tear gas and pepper spray multiple times during protests in June that were sparked by the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
A small group of protesters gathered outside police headquarters Tuesday during the board’s meeting.
Sheryl Ferguson, an organizer with It’s Time 4 Justice, said she was protesting a lack of transparency and accountability.
Police Chief Rick Smith’s ability to overturn sustained decisions from the Office of Community Complaints should not be possible, Ferguson said.
“In other words, you have the right to undo justice,” she said.
During the board meeting, police officials also said they expect body cameras to be delivered in early October. After protesters over the summer called for body cameras, the department received a $1 million donation to get a program started.
On the COVID-19 front, a dozen officers are currently positive for the virus and another 24 are quarantined. Fifty have returned to work, Smith said.
The Star’s Jelani Gibson contributed to this reporting.
