TKC BREAKING NEWS!!! FIRST IMPRESSIONS FROM TONIGHT'S KCPD TOP COP FORUM!!!

As always KICK-ASS TKC TIPSTERS, commenters and friends are the first to break down Kansas City's most important news . . .

CHECK THIS FIRST IMPRESSION OF KANSAS CITY'S TOP COP FORUM!!!



It was nice to see that all of the local candidates brought their own cheering sections. Nearly every answer was greeted with applause by a local candidate.



Still . . . For the most important job in Kansas City . . . It was sort of disappointing to see that the auditorium was just about half full . . .

For the most part, all of the candidates pretty much said the same thing with only a few differences between their remarks . . .

So let's cover topics . . .



The conversation started out with answers regarding The Homicide Rate and Community policing . . . All of the candidates noted their priorities in this regard.

On the topic of DIVERSITY in the department . . . All of the the candidates agree that a police force that looks like the community it serves is the goal.

Deputy Chief Masters & Forté had some specific ideas about how to achieve that goal.

The most interesting question of the night . . . The candidates were asked if they spoke Spanish and their position on the KCPD enforcing immigration law.

NEARLY ALL OF THE CANDIDATES AGREED THAT THE KCPD DOESN'T HAVE A PLACE IN ENFORCING FEDERAL IMMIGRATION LAW!!!

Only Deputy Chief Forté modified his answer and noted that he didn't have a problem with cooperating with Federal authorities AFTER a suspect had been charged and convicted. However, he said that he did not want to start profiling people in order to enforce Federal Immigration law.

ON THE TOPIC OF TAKE HOME CARS AND COMP TIME . . .

All of the candidates agreed that a review of the KCPD car take home policy is in order . . . They all said that comp time was an important priority but doing so within budgetary constraints was their goal.

A WEIRD QUESTION ABOUT THE KCPD AS A PARAMILITARY FORCE VS. A CORPORATE ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE EARNED SIMILAR REPLIES REGARDING BALANCING THE TWO MANAGEMENT STYLES . . .

I thought it was a dumb question but the candidates handled it nicely . . . They all noted that different situations call for different approaches.

ON THE SUBJECT OF MAKING CHANGES TO THE DEPARTMENT NOBODY OFFERED ANYTHING VERY SUBSTANTIAL.

On this subject, it was comforting to hear KCPD Deputy Chief Darryl Forté and Masters talk about improving the hiring of minorities and all protected classes i.e. women too!!!

KCPD Deputy Chief Darryl Forté was the only candidate during the evening to note the disparity among the Latino population in Kansas City and their representation on the police force.

EVERYONE WAS ALSO IN AGREEMENT ABOUT LOCAL CONTROL . . .

KCPD Deputy Chief Darryl Forté said that developing a transition team for the inevitable switch was a priority.

KCPD Deputy Chief Kevin Masters noted that he was more focused on running the day to day operations of the KCPD rather than focusing on politics or governance that was mostly done by elected officials.

ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING MOMENTS DURING THE MEETING CAME ON THE TOPIC OF PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT AND CURRENT KCPD FOOT PATROLS . . .



On this topic, pictured at the center of this photo, Fayetteville, N.C., Chief of Police Thomas Bergamine really stood out . .

Chief Bergamine advised that any problems within the department regarding race or team building would be reflected on the street. His comments earned the only applause for an out of town candidate this evening. 

NOW CHECK A BRIEF RUN DOWN OF THE FINAL STATEMENT OF EACH CANDIDATE ABOUT WHY HE SHOULD BE SELECTED FOR THE JOB . . .

KCPD Deputy Chief Darryl Forté noted his strong knowledge of the department and his specific experience in homicide and narcotics units. I didn't know this but Deputy Chief Forté revealed that he has received an endorsement from The Fraternal Order Of Police.

KCPD Deputy Chief Kevin Masters clearly stated that, with respect to the other candidates, he has the most experience and qualifications to lead the KCPD. He has worked IN EVERY BUREAU OF THE KCPD and he mentioned his knowledge of subjects ranging from tech issues to budget concerns. Deputy Chief Masters emphasized his vast array of contacts in the community and his focus on creating collaborations.

Rochester, N.Y., Executive Deputy Chief George E. Markert talked about his ability to bring a new perspective to the KCPD. He also noted his specific experience in helping to bring a violent crime rate and homicide rate down in his previous gig.

Fayetteville, N.C., Chief of Police Thomas Bergamine spoke of his heart, experience, intestinal fortitude and passion to do police work which is his life long vocation.

Retired KCPD Deputy Chief Vincent Ortega touted his leadership ability and his experience with real, on the street practical police work. He also mentioned that he now has garnered experience from within and outside of the department. Mr. Ortega also mentioned his desire to be a Police Chief for all of the diverse communities that comprise Kansas City.

HOWEVER THIS WAS REALLY A MEETING FOR THE COMMUNITY . . . CLEARLY THE CROWD WAS SUPPORTIVE OF A LOCAL CANDIDATE!!!

A few comments from members of the audience and some background info reveals that this is really a contest between Deputy Chief Masters & Forté.



Mr. Forté is the favorite.

But it would be unwise to forget about the broad base of support garnered by Mr. Masters.



It was interesting to hear Mr. Ortega focus on his desire to serve ALL of Kansas City's communities. It was a theme he repeated throughout the night. His answers were all well spoken and professional. His support from the crowd and from the number of people he named throughout his remarks was impressive.



3rd District Committeeman Pat Clarke spoke of the importance of the decision but has yet to officially support any candidate.



Mayor Sly was in the crowd and I noticed that he congratulated both Deputy Chief Masters & Forté on their remarks.



3rd District Council Dude Jermaine Reed and Community Activist Ron Hunt are seen here paying very close attention to the comments.

And at the conclusion of the night . . . THE CROWD AT PASEO PERFORMING ARTS ACADEMY GAVE A STANDING OVATION FOR ALL THE CANDIDATES LED BY PAT MCINERNEY, PRESIDENT OF THE BOARD OF POLICE!!!

DEVELOPING. . .