Chief Stacey Graves Discusses 11-Hour Plan, Promotes Community Partnerships

Addressing crime challenges in 2024 for Kansas City, Chief Stacey Graves held a news conference at police headquarters on Jan. 3 to outline plans moving forward.

Graves promised to deliver a police department that would provide top notch service, reaffirming KCPD’s commitment to the safety and betterment of Kansas City. She said one way to accomplish this is to change from a 10-hour to an 11-hour shift for all patrol division officers. Currently down roughly 300 officers, the 11-hour shift will ease a critical staffing shortage and deploy more officers on the street during peak times. It will reduce response times and provide officers the opportunity to proactively address crime issues. The 11-hour shift begins on January 21.

Graves stated that an evidence-based focused deterrence strategy, alongside the city’s Partners for Peace program and multi-disciplinary task force, is bringing resources to violent crime victims and their families. Graves, with Mayor Quinton Lucas, vowed to continue to work together, and to strengthen bonds with the community.

Of note, 37% of all Kansas City homicides in 2023 stemmed from arguments. Graves asked that people practice conflict resolution by walking away from arguments rather than resorting to guns. All but 20 homicides in 2023 involved a firearm. Despite a staffing shortage, detectives cleared 73% of homicides in 2023, well above the national average of 52%.

In closing, Graves stated that it will take all Kansas Citians to interrupt a decades-long culture of violence in Kansas City and promised that KCPD would continue to show up, serving the community.