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Why Prominent Groups In Kansas City Are Calling For The Police Chief's Resignation

By Steve Kraske,

Published July 23, 2020 at 2:53 PM CDT

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Rev. Vernon Howard, president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, calls for the dismissal of Police Chief Rick Smith on the steps of Kansas City Police headquarters downtown on July 10. — Rev. Dr. Vernon Howard Jr., president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City, is among many local leaders calling for the resignation of Police Chief Rick Smith.

The Southern Christian Leadership Conference of Greater Kansas City is joining the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association, the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, the editorial board of the Kansas City Star, and others in calling for Chief Rick Smith's resignation.

Among his concerns about the conduct of police under Chief Rick Smith is "a lack of accountability and a lack of transparency," said the Rev. Dr. Vernon Howard Jr.

Rev. Dr. Vernon Howard Jr., president of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference of greater Kansas City

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Steve Kraske

When I host Up To Date each morning at 9, my aim is to engage the community in conversations about the Kansas City area’s challenges, hopes and opportunities. I try to ask the questions that listeners want answered about the day’s most pressing issues and provide a place for residents to engage directly with newsmakers. Reach me at steve@kcur.org or on Twitter @stevekraske.

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Danie Alexander

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Chris Young

Chris Young is an Assistant Producer for KCUR’s Up To Date. Contact him at chrisy@kcur.org.

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