Kansas City 911 Wait Times SLIGHTLY Improve Ahead Of World Cup

Any progress is good . . . We're not sure it'll be enough . . . Check-it: 

Average emergency hold times are now down to 20 seconds, according to city data.

Leaders say they want that number to drop even further, emphasizing that every second matters during an emergency.

Police report 911 wait times have decreased 60% over the past two years.

In 2025, the department hired 38 new call takers and nine dispatchers to help handle call volume. Even so, call takers are currently responding to an average of 17.57 calls per hour, well above the recommended standard of 10 calls per hour.

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Kansas City 911 wait times down 60%, but staffing still below national recommendations

The Kansas City Police Department is working to reduce 911 wait times as Kansas City prepares to host matches for the FIFA World Cup.

Kansas City 911 wait times drop while department pushes to increase hiring

Captain Lenz said they currently have 50 calltakers and 30 dispatchers. In 2026, they are requesting more funding to add 17 additional calltakers and 16 new dispatchers.