New Jackson County campagin looks to change conversation about 'snitching'

KANSAS CITY, MO - COMBAT, a community-backed anti-drug tax, created a campaign: Don’t Look the Other Way. Step Up. Speak Up.

The goal of the campaign is to encourage people to report drugs or violent activity in their neighborhood. By creating a new anonymous hotline, law enforcement officials hope to prevent and reduce violent crimes in Jackson County.

COMBAT held a news conference Friday. Jackson County Executive Mike Sander, Jackson County Sherriff Mike Sharp and Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker have teamed up to stand behind the effort. Sanders said it’s important for people to come forward if they have information about violent crimes.

"When you fail to report a crime, criminals are allowed to commit crimes in our community. That doesn’t just impact the victims, law enforcement -- it impacts the entire community at large," he said.

Sanders and other officials went door-to-door Friday to talk to neighbors about the new campaign and encourage residents to use the new hotline. The new hotline number is 816-881-3662.  For more information, visit combatjack.org .