For those who haven't seen it already, here's what is probably one of the most important local blog posts of the Summer.
Checkit:
KCPD Chief's Blog: Thank you for your support in wake of officers' shooting
Highlight . . .
"I think the bigger story is what happened before, outside of and after yesterday’s incident. The people of Kansas City really came together to help us solve this senseless slaying of an innocent man. After we released video of the suspect, we got more than 40 tips from community members. About ten of those all identified the same person. I think this is proof both that the people of Kansas City will not tolerate that kind of violence and that the increased $10,000 reward for information in homicides is paying off."
Another important note . . .
"Most importantly, our community has rallied around these officers and our department. We were frankly a little taken aback by all the notes of thanks and support that have come in on social media, e-mail and by phone. That support means the world not only to the officers who are recovering, but to everyone on this department. Because this job is not easy, and in recent years, it’s only gotten harder as tension has erupted between law enforcement and the people they serve across the country. Our job is to protect and serve every single person who lives, works or visits Kansas City, Mo., with professionalism and integrity, and we take that duty extremely seriously. For officers to go out there and know that their work is appreciated means more than a paycheck ever could. I just can’t say “thank you” enough to the people of our city who are partnering with us to make it safer."
Developing . . .
Thank you Chief for contradicting so much of the B.S. that persists on social media and in the comment of this blog.
ReplyDeleteFact. The hood did stand up against the killer and they turned him in.
Don't listen to this bootlicker blockhead. Provide food clothing medicine and issue automatic weapons to all women of the six county area. Give real estate brokers 24 hours to vacate the six county area. Turn over all the rapist and loan us a backhoe on a trailer.
ReplyDeleteThis is really good news and evidence that Chief Smith's efforts at reaching out might very well be paying off.
ReplyDeleteBut let's not get too rah rah about one particular incident.
The clearance rate for homicides in KCMO is still around only 50% and what passes for "leadership" in the east side community still regularly discourages residents from cooperating with the police and accuses the cops of inappropriate behavior.
Their legacy "power positions" and income depend on carrying the same tired old water regardless of the horrendous impact that doing the same old thing has on the people who actually live there.
But if this kind of cooperation is really the start of something new, maybe house by house and block by block, the destructive thugs can be rolled up and some decent level of safety, which everything else depends on, can finally be realized.
Given where the city has been for decades and the 150 victim murders of 2017, this needs to be a long-term focused effort.
Where are the tips to solve the black-on-white hate crimes of Jonathan Porter and Jeffery McDonald?
ReplyDeleteIf only we could rename the Paseo after MLK, the black community would begin living responsible and respectful lives like MLK wanted.
ReplyDelete