Jackson County Prosecutor & KCPD Top Cop Address Gang Members

Here at www.TonysKansasCity.com we've never addressed gang members but if we ever did, we hope we wouldn't just cower in fear and it would go something like the climactic finale of the 1979 classic:

The Warriors. 

Fun fact . . . 

As campy and silly as it was . . . The movie was one of the first major motion pictures to depict urban gang warfare in a portrayal that featured somewhat diverse casting. 

The movie doesn't hold up at all but features an iconic supporting role from Lynne Thigpen who plays an underground DJ helping to disseminate news amongst the gangs . . . The archetype was so expertly performed that, to this day, it might be the only part of the movie that still plays well.

But I digress . . .

Here's the less interesting word from the Jackson County Prosecutor's office about their latest meetup and a plan that should seem familiar to anybody who watches this kind of stuff . . .

Community, law enforcement, others address group members assembled by SAVE KC

About 15 group or gang members from Kansas City listened attentively Thursday evening to speakers who offered advice and services in an effort to move them away from any future connected to violence.

The gathering was held at Morning Star Youth and Family Life Center, 2525 E. 27th Street. This was the second so-called “call-in” held this year by the Kansas City violence reduction program SAVE KC. Another call-in will be planned for late Fall.

“We’re here tonight because all of us are concerned about the violence in this city,” said Curtis Wright of Urban Summit, who moderated the call-in. “I’m sure many of you are hurt by it. We want to reduce that violence. It left a great impact.”

Wright encouraged the attendees not to waste an opportunity to improve their future and move away from violence.

Attendees also heard an enforcement message from a KCPD commander, who warned that the next group involved in a homicide would be become the focus of enforcement. Last night’s attendees did not have pending state-level cases.

The SAVE KC collaboration began in 2024 to implement a program attempted elsewhere in the nation to reduce gun violence, especially among gang or group members. Several Kansas City Police Department commanders, including Chief of Police Stacey Graves, and Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, attended the session last night.

Speakers included former gang members, the family members of homicide victims and police commanders who clearly promised enforcement if the individuals are connected to violent crime. In addition, selected service providers, community leaders and criminal justice system officials spoke to attendees.

SAVE KC held its first “call-in” on May 30. The collaboration is also beginning to conduct individual meetings, called custom notifications, with group or gang members.

Numerous service providers were also represented at the call-in. Attendees were offered assessment and help with a variety of issues, from anger management to substance abuse help and conflict-resolution skills.

The news media was not alerted to the meeting to assure the privacy of the individuals invited to the call-in.

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