A surprise announcement via blog post from the KCPD Chief today . . .
Department's current form of governance is best
"We already are under local control, we’re shielded from political corruption, we use taxpayer dollars in the most efficient way possible, and we are responsive to the community."
"I’ve tried to keep an open mind on one topic in particular: city control of the police department. On the surface, it sounds like a good idea. But the more I learn, the more I come to the realization that the current system of police department governance is the best one. The Mayor has established a commission whose stated mission is to determine what form of governance would be best for the police department. I have remained neutral about the topic as I gathered and analyzed facts, but given what I’ve learned and my extensive experience, I now think it’s time I voice my opinion. The best way to govern the department is our current system: a Board of Police Commissioners operating under state statute. This model best meets the needs of our community."
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Basically, this most locals have said since the discussion started by the division between The Chief and Mayor Sly is not only surprising but also a major shift in Kansas City political alliances.
Developing . . .
With local accountability, the consequences of being a crummy leader and ineffective chief are much greater than the current system where control is diluted and subject to friend of a friend government appointees. No wonder he is against it.
ReplyDeleteThe less control City Hall has over it, the less damage. 'Nuff said.
ReplyDeleteWhy the fuck would anyone argue for the Chief of Police answering to the CM who enabled the Brooks $15K?
ReplyDeleteBecause the Mayor wants control of everybody.
ReplyDeleteKCPD would have to do some work and maybe if Kansas City is lucky they will work enough to lower the crime rate.
ReplyDeleteYea, like the water dept employees. The city will make them work.....whatever dude, what are you smoking?
DeleteIt's like the school board situation - HOPELESS!
ReplyDeleteHave to thank the Chief for this, the pressure from Sly's people was amazing and he finally put them in their place. One of the best things he has done so far.
ReplyDeleteChief Forte is indeed a goodman. God Bless Chief Forte.
ReplyDeleteI didn't think he had an intelligent bone in his body. My mind has been altered. Thanks Forte for having the guts to stand against local control. The police system doesn't need to be a political tool to be manipulated by this already disappointing City Council; especially the inept Mayor.
ReplyDeleteMaybe now he can figure out how to use a razor.
ReplyDeleteBout time someone stands up to Sly James.
ReplyDeleteFunny how Local control works for every other Police Department in the Nation, but for some reason won't work in Kansas City.
ReplyDeletePS Have you seen the murder rate in Kansas City? Poor performance and a resistance to change is what is really at work here. The Current system has only produced poor results for the citizens of Kansas City.
Because police can stop muders before they happen....said no one ever. Put the ble on high crane rate where it belongs...on criminals, or those who have the no snitch policy. Next argument...
Delete*put the blame on high crime where it belongs*
DeleteState control is the best option. Every officer I know that works under a city council form of government across the US complains about politics and Chiefs being installed upon the exiting of previous mayors... Regarding crime.. That's a different story .. Its a community issue...Not just a police one. Contrary to public and media perceptions.. Crime effects the entire city...Not just the west..south or east side..
DeleteTwo things. One, I applaud Forte for FINALLY getting a backbone and standing up to the so called mayor. Two, did having a state law recently enacted that gives the Chief a means of recourse should he be fired/dismissed by the BOPC have anything to do with it, or as he mentions, a new mayor could dump his ass? Which would YOU take...Maybe his eyes were opened as to his fate by the commission.
ReplyDeleteIf a strong mayor means getting rid of the low down, good for nothing city manager, I'm all for it.
ReplyDeleteThing is a billionaire put STL local control on a ballot. He is going to do the same thing here in about two years. Its coming regardless.
ReplyDeleteForte is a fucking idiot. But you can't blame him for writing this blog piece, because he didn't. Anyone who has seen him speak on TV knows he's ignorant as hell and can't piece together two coherent sentences. His PR person wrote this using tired logic that's been repeated time and again over the years. You heard it here first, Forte will self destruct by the end of the year.
ReplyDelete9:02, why do you think the police can fix the murder problem? The cops are not a murder preventative. Look to the people committing the murders, their culture, their lifestyle. No cop in the world can fix that unless you lock up the killers in advance.
ReplyDeleteWow...someone with logic on here. Rare.
DeleteLet's thank God for Forte's opinion! But, don't forget Buddha, Higher Power, Allah, and all the rest.
ReplyDeleteBlame Jackson County legal system for giving out weak sentences on everything from stealings to homicides. The county prosecutors have been given a free pass for decades. The police can arrest people, but if they don't get prospected then what is the point? They have raised the limits on Driving while suspended, possession of dope, etc so high you can't make a felony case anymore!
ReplyDeleteAnother person with logic on here. Holy shit.
DeleteThis is just two niggers, fighting over the last vestiges of meat on the bones of Kansas City. If it wasn't so sad, it would be fun to watch.
ReplyDeleteDude get help
DeleteI am pleasantly surprised that the Chief took a stance on this issue. I am glad he took a stand against our corrupt mayor and city council. Those lying crook cock suckers don't need to take over the department and fubar it like they do everything else.
ReplyDelete