crime

Kansas City’s mayor and chief of police are calling for a review of the juvenile justice system. But court officials in Jackson County say youth referrals are down so far this year, proving that the diversion programs are working.

This week, victims of disgraced Kansas City, Kansas, Police Detective Roger Golubski and other social justice advocates marked one year since Golubski died by suicide on Dec. 2, 2024. That was the day his federal trial was to begin on charges that he violated the civil rights of several women through rape and kidnapping.

Kansas City lauded its new “collaborative public safety” model for breaking the lease of a downtown convenience store, which attracted 184 police calls over two years. But Downtown Market, at 11th Street and Grand Boulevard, is still open.

The state’s prosecutors say that if a recent ruling by the Missouri Court of Appeals is allowed to become law, “mere shoving matches could justifiably be escalated to gun battles,” and violent crime cases would be difficult to prove, hurting victims.

Missouri's governor recently authorized the state's National Guard to assist ICE with clerical duties. Black police officers fear the trust they've built with communities of color could take years to rebuild.

Kansas City’s Wellness Court is partnering with a local yoga studio to offer a program called “Healing Justice.” It combines yoga, meditation, and cognitive behavioral therapy to reduce stress and recidivism among nonviolent offenders.

Danielle Bertothy pleaded guilty to a felony in July, admitting she started a fire outside a Puerto Rico bar that she had been asked to leave. In addition to serving the prison sentence, she will have to pay restitution to the businesses that were damaged.

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit challenging a state law that allows judges to extend probation for years when an offender fails to pay restitution in their cases. The lawsuit alleges the practice punishes people for being poor.

Folly Theater staff have spent the week cleaning up after a break in left the 125-year-old venue badly damaged. After canceling last weekend's show, the Folly plans to reopen November 1.

Hundreds of Missouri residents are waiting in limbo after being found incompetent to stand trial. But until they can get a space at a state psychiatric hospital or otherwise receive mental health services, many are stuck in jail — despite not being convicted of a crime.

Catherine Hanaway recently returned to public office after nearly 20 years. As Missouri's attorney general, she’ll be handling major litigation involving abortion and congressional redistricting.

The Kansas City Police Department has struggled to recruit new officers for years, especially after protests against misconduct and racism. But Chief Stacey Graves says a record number of new recruits graduated into the department in August, and next year’s class is similarly robust.