Up To Date

Kansas City Police Commissioners Remain Steadfast In Their Support Of Chief Smith & State Control

By Steve Kraske,

Published July 24, 2020 at 3:05 PM CDT

Ways To Subscribe

The Board of Police Commissioners is made up of five members — four appointed by the Missouri governor, and the mayor of Kansas City. Board President Don Wagner, left, and Nathan Garret both voiced support for police Chief Rick Smith.

In the face of numerous calls for the resignation of police Chief Rick Smith, two members of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners defend the department veteran as "a good leader."

When it comes to the Kansas City Police Department and its chief, two commissioners of the department's governing body say neither should be judged solely on the past seven weeks of protest.

Don Wagner, member and president of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners
Nathan Garrett, member of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners

Tags

Up To Date Talk Show Kansas City Police Department police law enforcement Chief Rick Smith protests Kansas City Missouri (KCMO)Podcast

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.

See stories by Steve Kraske

Danie Alexander

As senior producer of Up To Date, I want our listeners to hear familiar and new voices that shine light on the issues and challenges facing the myriad communities KCUR serves, and to expose our audiences to the wonderful and the creative in the Kansas City area. Just as important to me is an obligation to mentor the next generation of producers to ensure that the important conversations continue. Reach me at alexanderdk@kcur.org.

See stories by Danie Alexander