Kansas City Mayor Q Lashes Out Against Outgoing Chief Smith Over Cold Case Squad

Here's the context that local news probably won't acknowledge . . .

When the mayor openly criticizes the chief of police in public it's pretty much a political slap in the face, a way to undermine his authority and a rebuke of his administration. 

In other words . . . Mayor Q is kicking the top cop as he walks out of the door.

Here's the word . . .

Like all things with Mayor Q, it's starts nicely and then gets increasingly more insulting . . .

His side of the story . . .

"With a $12m budget increase for next year, I cannot fathom why command staff at the eleventh hour would eliminate this vital area of crime fighting and send a signal to hundreds of Kansas Citians that we are giving up on justice for their loved ones.

"This decision, which I will seek to reverse at the Police Board level and should have been done with their prior knowledge, is a disservice to victims' families, to a Council that voted to fund KCPD better than any city department, and to our community.

"This decision also gives foundation to all those weeks ago who challenged our budget increase based on the fact that the department could take our funding and do whatever they want. I hope the Board hides its usual rubber stamp and regains some modicum of institutional control."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

Outgoing KCPD chief disbands Missing Persons Cold Case Squad

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith announced Monday night he has disbanded the Missing Persons Cold Case Squad because of an ongoing shortage of police officers. Smith explained at a South Kansas City Alliance meeting the move came on the heels of the latest budget negotiations.

Kansas City Police Chief Smith disbands missing persons unit after city increases police funding

Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith has disbanded the Missing Persons Cold Case Squad days before he officially retires from the department and weeks after the Kansas City Council approved a $269 million budget for the KCPD. Smith made the announcement Monday night at a South Kansas City Alliance meeting.

Developing . . .