KCPD CREATES NEW COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIVISION

This note just hit our feeds and it's worth sharing as the department transitions to new leadership. 

Here's the word . . .

Interim Chief Mabin: KCPD Creates New Community Engagement Division

I am proud of this department.

Still, we can be better. We can serve better. And that is why I have authorized the creation of a new Community Engagement Division effective Dec. 11.

This division will better utilize the people and resources that already exist to contribute to Kansas City’s well-being while still working out of individual patrol divisions. It will unify services we provide that once functioned within their own silos. Now, they will be intertwined, helping us communicate better and streamline resources. This will ultimately provide better service to our residents and businesses.

I have selected Major Kari Thompson to lead the new Community Engagement Division. Thompson, who was most recently the major at East Patrol Division, will oversee the following:

KCPD’s Social Workers

KCPD’s Community Interaction Officers (CIOs)

KCPD’s Crisis Intervention Team (CITs)

KCPD’s Crime-Free Multi-Housing Officers (CFMH)

KCPD’s Chaplains

KCPD’s newest LGTBQ+ Liaison Officer

Our officers already engage with our community each day. Yet this new division is here to show and remind residents that we’re making the effort to strengthen our community bonds and improve all our relationships.

Our CIT officers are experts at serving people with mental illnesses, working hand-in-hand with mental health liaisons at treatment centers. Our social workers connect those in need with resources when law enforcement is not necessary. Our CFMH officers work with landlords and tenants at rental properties to reduce crime and create safer neighborhoods. In countless ways, the Community Engagement Division will meet people where they are with care and concern. Moving forward, they’ll do all of this united with a deliberate focus and guidance.

I look forward to watching this new division serve Kansas City. It will improve our efficiency to ultimately better serve the needs of our great city.

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You decide . . .