Former KCK police chief will lead the KC crime commission

Rick Armstrong, a former police chief in Kansas City, Kan., is the new president of the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission, the group announced Friday.

Armstrong is currently the police chief for Kansas City Kansas Public Schools. He replaces Richard Easley, who is to retire at the end of the year.

“He has the respect of law enforcement and is known as a leader of integrity in our community,” crime commission chairman W. Terrence Kilroy said in a statement. “We look forward to his leadership as we continue to strengthen the future of this organization.”

Organized in 1949 to investigate public and police corruption, the commission assists law enforcement by educating the area on public safety issues. It also operates a crime tips hotline.

Armstrong was a member of the Kansas City, Kan. Police Department for 31 years before he was appointed police chief in 2010. During his tenure, Armstrong developed a number of initiatives, including the department’s community policing program.

He had previously served as president of the Metropolitan Chiefs and Sheriffs Association.

This story was originally published October 2, 2015 at 12:19 PM with the headline "Former KCK police chief will lead the KC crime commission."