Minutes after Maj. Rick Smith became Chief of Kansas City Police, he let us in on his first priority.
"If I have one goal, it's to get Kansas City off the 10 Most Violent Crime list. That would be the goal. I know it's a lofty goal, I know it's a big goal," Smith said.
The 29-year-veteran was sworn in Tuesday morning at police headquarters in front of a packed room.
Smith previously served as the commander of the Central Patrol Division and said he wants to find more ways to strengthen partnerships with the community.
Smith wouldn't say if he'll bring back community policing, a program former Chief Darryl Forte scaled back due to staffing shortages, an issue Smith says still exists.
"I agree with Chief Forte when he said every officer should be a community officer. We're all engaged in the community," Smith said.
The community is hopeful Smith will be successful in turning the crime around.
"We've had him as a major and so we kind of know what to expect out of him," Vice President of the Indian Mound Neighborhood Association Manny Abarca said.
Abarca says Indian Mound residents are enjoying a turnaround at the popular Budd Park, thanks to Smith's previous work in East Patrol.
"When he says that he's going to be with the community, we believe him because I've seen it done here in this area," Abarca said.
Smith said he'll sit down with staff and neighborhood leaders to get some direction.
The city is sitting at 89 murders, a spike in recent years.
The city is looking to hire someone to coordinate anti-violence efforts, a position they've received over 100 applications for. Smith said he's bringing in a community initiative officer to help on his end.
Smith sat through his first Board of Police meeting as Chief after his swearing-in that detailed the department's current needs, which include hiring more officers and better pay.
Current KCPD staffing numbers as of July 31 total to 78, which is one of the lowest numbers in the department's history. KCPD lost 15 personnel in 2017.
