Public input sought in search for new police chief

For more information, contact:
KCPD Media Unit
816-234-5170

The Kansas City Missouri Board of Police Commissioners announced today the process for the selection of a new police chief.

Three public forums will take place throughout the city in coming weeks to gather community input about what residents think Board members should consider in their search for a new chief to replace Darryl Forté, who will retire May 20.

The forums all will be from 6:30 to 8 p.m.:

May 8 – Metropolitan Community College – Maple Woods, Arbor Room, Campus Center (CC10), 2601 N.E. Barry Rd.

May 15 – Avila University, Whitfield Conference Room, 11901 Wornall Rd.

May 16 – Mohart Multipurpose Center, Room 121, 3200 Wayne Ave.

Residents who cannot make it to one of the forums are invited to submit their thoughts on ideal Kansas City Police Chief qualifications online. 

The Board has retained the firm Ralph Andersen and Associates to assist in a national search for a new police chief. The deadline for applicants will be May 31. At a press conference today, Board President Leland Shurin said members hope to select a new chief by the end of August or early September.

The Board will appoint an interim police chief to oversee the department until a new chief takes office. The interim chief will be a current member of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department who is not in the running for the permanent chief position.