KC Police Chief Supports State Control for KCPD, No Change Needed

Kansas City Police Chief Darryl Forte says the Kansas City Police Department should remain as it is, under state control.
Forte broke his silence on the issue of local control with along piece he posted late Tuesday on his blog on the KCPD website.
“Our form of governance has served the people of Kansas City well for generations'” Forte wrote in the blog statement.
“It shields their police from corruption, fosters accountability and provides the most professional service possible. Our department’s model of governance should be perpetuated for generations to come,” he said.
The Kansas City department is the only one in the nation now governed by State control. The city of St. Louis took over its department this month, after a statewide vote approved the change. Kansas City Mayor Sly James appointed a citizens panel to look at the issue of state versus local control earlier this year.
Forte maintains that distinction, of being the only state controlled department, can be good.
“Being unique isn’t a negative thing,” according to the chief.
Forte says the present system works. He noted that the Governor appoints members of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners. that Board automatically includes the Mayor.
He says many local state officials routinely recommend nominees to the board and the State Senate votes to confirm them.
“Everyone who is in control of the police department lives in Kansas City, Mo.,” Forte maintains.
The Chief says the present system has been largely scandal free.
-The Chief says the state controlled police department has a layer of protection from politician influence from City Hall.
-Forte says the city does controL the Police Dept. budget, even under state control.he notes the Police submit a budget to the City Council like every other department. The Council, not the state, allocates city money.
-Forte also maintains the claim local control could save taxpayer dollars is not true. He claims some state money the department now receives could be lost.
“Our form of governance has served the people of Kansas City well for generations. It shields their police from corruption, fosters accountability and provides the most professional service possible,” wrote the Chief.