crime

The Kansas City Police Department created an independent missing persons unit in 2023. Two years later, the department reports progress in its effort to solve missing persons cases. But many in the Black community say the numbers mask impatience and frustration over a lack of attention to cases that drag on for decades.

Kansas Citians are fed up with dangerous and reckless street racing and stunt driving, which led to the injury of one officer earlier this month. KCPD Police Chief Stacey Graves said the department has operations planned to curb it, and are working with elected officials to increase penalties for participants and spectators.

A Boone County judge on Monday will hear a motion by Deandra Buchanan to reopen his 2002 triple murder case, with the ultimate goal of showing he should be given a new trial. Buchanan says his original case violated his due process rights.

On April 8, Kansas City voters will be asked whether to renew a sales tax that would fund the construction of a new city jail. Proponents call it a necessary public safety measure, while opponents argue it would fail to address the root causes of crime.

The Barton County, Kansas, Sheriff's Office says that a babysitter went to refute a kid's claims of a monster under their bed, but "came face-to-face with a male suspect who was hiding there." They later arrested a 27-year-old man.

Kansas City voters will decide on April 8 whether to renew the public safety sales tax for 20 more years. Officials plan to use the bulk of the money to build a new municipal detention center. Despite concerns about property crime and gun violence, some residents don’t want a new jail built.

Late Friday, Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson released a statement saying that under Missouri law, the officer who shot and killed Maria Pike and her infant, Destinii, was justified in using deadly force.

After being sworn into office last month, new Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson has already changed the county's role in domestic violence cases.

Seven Chilean men face federal charges related to a string of burglaries at the homes of six high-profile athletes. Kansas City Chiefs stars Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce were among the targets.

Kehoe highlighted a number of new budget items that seek to reduce the state’s crime rate, including a new state crime lab and more money for local departments. He also reiterated his support for a state board overseeing St. Louis Police, taking away local control from the city.

While Kansas City, Missouri, considers aid to small businesses plagued by thefts, break-ins and vandalism, the River Market will increase the presence of security officers during the "witching hours" between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Soon after being sworn in as governor, Kehoe signed executive orders requiring law enforcement to include the immigration status of individuals in arrest reports, and authorized the creation of a program called "Operation Relentless Pursuit.”