Kansas City Residents Discuss Next Police Chief
The Kansas City Safety Coalition is holding public meetings to gather community feedback on the search for a new police chief.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Kansas City Safety Coalition is hosting listening sessions to solicit resident input regarding the selection of the citys next police chief. Participants are providing direct feedback to inform the Board of Police Commissioners as they search for a successor to outgoing Chief Stacey Graves.
Why it matters
The process aims to ensure community voices shape the future leadership of the Kansas City Police Department. These sessions provide a platform for residents to influence the qualities and priorities desired in their next top law enforcement official.
The Kansas City Safety Coalition has conducted three listening sessions, including gatherings in the Northland and at the Friendship Baptist Church. The Board of Police Commissioners is scheduled to review this compiled community feedback on November 17, 2026.
The players
Stacey Graves
She serves as the outgoing Chief of Police for the Kansas City Police Department.
Kansas City Safety Coalition
This organization is responsible for facilitating public listening sessions to gather resident feedback on police leadership.
Board of Police Commissioners
This body oversees the Kansas City Police Department and is responsible for selecting the next police chief.
The details
Residents at the sessions break into small groups to record their thoughts on notepads, which are then collected by the coalition. The board expects to name the next police chief by the end of 2026.
Timeline
October 15, 2026: First listening session held in the Northland.
October 20, 2026: Second listening session held at Friendship Baptist Church.
October 22, 2026: Third listening session at Propeller Building.
November 17, 2026: Community feedback presented to Police Commissioners.
Legal Context
The current effort follows the established Kansas City Police Department selection protocols for executive leadership. These listening sessions represent a departure from closed-door hiring practices by integrating public feedback directly into the selection framework.
Residents have the opportunity to directly impact the priorities and values of the citys top law enforcement official. This input cycle ensures that the new chief understands the specific safety concerns of neighborhoods across Kansas City.
The takeaway
Engaging in these listening sessions is a practical way for residents to voice their concerns and shape future departmental policy. Community members should monitor the Board of Police Commissioners for updates regarding the final appointment timeline.
What happens next
The Board of Police Commissioners is scheduled to receive the compiled community feedback on November 17, 2026. The board expects to announce the final selection for the new police chief by the end of 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on local public safety, visit the Kansas City Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kctv5.
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Should your local police department prioritize community accountability and transparency when selecting a new chief?
