Kansas City Will Host Police Chief Search Hearings

The Board of Police Commissioners is gathering public input on the leadership qualities desired for the next police chief.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Law Enforcement

Kansas City Will Host Police Chief Search Hearings

Live Poll

Do you trust that public hearings effectively influence the selection of your city's police chief?

Beginning October 15, 2026, Kansas City officials will host five public hearings to solicit community feedback regarding the search for a new police chief. The initiative follows the retirement announcement of Chief Stacey Graves, who served in the role for over four years.

Why it matters

The search for a successor comes as the department navigates public safety challenges, including 104 homicides recorded between January 1 and October 12, 2026. Resident input is being collected to ensure the next chief aligns with the community's priorities for leadership and accountability.

The city recorded 104 homicides through October 12, 2026, following 185 total homicides in 2023. Officials reported an 80% homicide clearance rate in September 2026, marking a 5% increase compared to the prior year.

The players

Stacey Graves

She served as the first woman to permanently hold the police chief position in the department's 152-year history.

Board of Police Commissioners

This body is responsible for overseeing the Kansas City Police Department and selecting the new chief.

Kansas City Public Safety Coalition

This group facilitates community meetings across the city and presents public feedback to local officials.

The details

The Board of Police Commissioners is utilizing both public hearings and an online survey to compile resident feedback. The Kansas City Public Safety Coalition will present the gathered community input to the board during a commission meeting on November 17, 2026.

October 15, 2026: First public hearing occurs in the North region.
November 5, 2026: Final public hearing occurs in the South region.
November 17, 2026: Board receives feedback at commission meeting.

Legal Context

The search for a new police chief marks a transition point for the department, which has maintained its operational structure for 152 years. This process follows the retirement of the first woman to hold the role permanently, setting a new precedent for the city's leadership.

Residents can directly influence the selection process by attending one of the five public hearings or participating in the online survey. This input process aims to shape the future leadership and safety priorities of the community.

The takeaway

Engaging in public comment periods allows residents to communicate their expectations for police leadership to city officials. These hearings serve as a formal channel for community members to advocate for specific qualities in the department's next chief.

What happens next

The Board of Police Commissioners is scheduled to receive the compiled community feedback from the Kansas City Public Safety Coalition at its commission meeting on November 17, 2026.