Clueless

Kansas City’s leaders don’t know what to do about all of the violence in this town.

This year’s spike in violence has police struggling to find answers — and suspects. Nearly half the killings remain unsolved. Patterns that could help explain the rise also are elusive: Police have not found increased drug activity or a drug war, for example, said Deputy Chief Rachel Whipple.

And naive statements like that are probably why it’s clear that the KCPD deserve much of the blame for the rise in violence. Okay, maybe a little less than the people who actually committed the violence (read: Black people) but the response to this year’s spike in murders has gone virtually unchallenged by the KCPD. Where is the taskforce? Where is the community outreach? Showing up to a vigil and letting some weeping Black lady ruin one of your good uniform shirts doesn’t cut it. The Pitch claims that the KCPD isn’t receiving the cooperation of snitches. There’s a two option answer to that dilemma: Bribe them or beat them. At least the KCPD could take a more aggressive stance toward the criminal class of this town (youngish minorities like myself). It’s time that the KCPD took at least as much of a hard line approach as they do with local grandmas who get out of line.

Additionally, Mayor Kay seems to be absent from this controversy. Sure, she’s good for a few PR gestures but there’s no way that community leaders (especially poor ones) will get much time unless they happen to be in the path of a bulldozer making way for new condos. Condo Kay isn’t wasting her time with you unless you’re holding onto a building permit. Grieving mothers aren’t good for campaign donations. Clearly, sidestepping this issue of violence is probably best for Condo Kay’s future lofty political ambitions.