Kansas City Mayor and Police Chief explain goals of building new prison, supporters want more solutions

KANSAS CITY, Missouri (KCTV) — We’re getting our first look at where Kansas City police plan to house up to 144 suspects after they’re arrested. The department wants to reopen a jail at police headquarters, another idea presented to the Police Commissioners’ Council today. But activists in the city want more than just a jail at the corner of 12th and Locust Streets.

They say that’s a good start, but they want to make sure Kansas City officials do more than just put people behind bars and then release them without any desire to reform. At the same time, KCPD and the mayor say they don’t always have enough space to lock up many legitimate offenders anyway.

As director of Keeping Communities On Guard (KCOG), Lamar Vickers sees firsthand the impact persistent property crime has on local businesses and neighbors.

“People commit minor crimes around here because they know they won’t go to jail for it,” Vickers said. “That keeps people from coming here to shop.”

But if Kansas City funds new jail cells, KCOG wants them to include more counseling services and help offenders avoid crime.

Read also: Tough action against crime: Metro managers want consistent measures, especially for children

“These people need a place to go, a positive environment where we can engage with them,” Vickers continued. “To help them find employment and get their lives back on track.”

Mayor Quinton Lucas and Police Chief Stacey Graves say they want to work with groups like KCOG on rehabilitation, but they say first people need to know there are consequences.

“We’re not going to be a city where people think they can do whatever they want,” Mayor Lucas said. “And get away with it. That’s not harshness, that’s just real. So we’re going to have the detention center.”

“As police chief, it is my duty to remove people from our city who are causing harm to our people,” added Police Chief Graves. “That’s where the necessary consequence comes into play.”

When you enter the 8th floor of the police headquarters, you can still see the lines in the floor where iron bars used to be. The whole room used to be filled with cells. After renovations, the mayor believes that up to 144 criminals from all walks of life could be housed here, both men and women. Among them are 55 beds where suspects can stay for up to three days before being brought before a judge. This is another way to keep those responsible for property crimes off the streets.

“Does it make our job easier if we have more space? Absolutely,” said Sergeant Phil Dimartino. “It’s another tool in our toolbox to get things done. Any minor offense will send someone to jail, there may not be enough housing, and they could sign bail and be released.”

Kansas City police say they need to hire more staff to properly manage this new 8th floor detention facility. If the City Council approves, construction could begin in early 2025.

All rights reserved.