Mean Jean Debuts New Plan To Save Plaza From Rising Crime

This week one of the leading law enforcement officials in the Kansas City metro promised more cooperation with police and we think the effort deserves more in-depth discussion than just a snoozy neighborhood meeting roundup. 

To wit . . . 

WILL JACKSON COUNTY PROSECUTOR JEAN PETERS BAKER PLEDGING COOPERATION WITH KCPD SAVE THE PLAZA?!?

We certainly hope so . . . And if there's success in this iconic entertainment district . . . The collaborative effort might also benefit neighborhoods throughout Kansas City. 

Still . . .

Cowtown residents have reason to be skeptical about promises from elected officials and all manner of "new crime-fighting plans" touted at the conclusion of this bloody year.

For starters . . .

We thought cooperating with police was a fundamental component of the prosecutor's job. 

To be fair . . . 

Talk of "new" crime fighting plans from KCPD have also encountered justified skepticism. Sadly, the response has been an attempt to refute perceived criticism rather than a more clear explanation of EXACTLY HOW NEW TACTICS WILL REDUCE CURRENT CRIME TRENDS.

 Either way . . . 

At the end of what will probably be the deadliest year in Kansas City history, curbing homicide &  property remains a critical conversation for locals.

Accordingly . . .

Here's an important perspective from the Jackson County Prosecutor . . .

Peters Baker announced a new program targeting retail theft, an extremely proactive approach where her office is first working with the Country Club Plaza.

The prosecutor’s office will look at surveillance video from Plaza security as quickly as they can get it.

If they see strong evidence of the crime or maybe a future crime, they’ll alert KCPD, essentially reviewing cases before there are cases.

She says they can her goal is to boost clearance and prosecution success.

“View this for what it is — one law enforcement partner, my office, supporting and working to help another partner, the KCPD," she said.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

South KCMO neighbors discuss crime concerns with Jackson County prosecutor

On Tuesday, Kansas City, Missouri, recorded its 172 murder of 2023, outpacing the murder rate from November 2020, which was the deadliest year yet for the city.