KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City, Missouri, Chief of Police Stacey Graves announced her intention on Wednesday to retire from her position.
In a news release Wednesday afternoon, the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners announced Graves’ retirement.
"It is with mixed emotions that we share Kansas City Police Department Chief Stacey Graves has announced her intention to retire," the board said in a statement. "While this decision was not anticipated by the Board, we respect Chief Graves' decision and are deeply grateful for her distinguished service, steady leadership, and unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of Kansas City."
The board said Graves will remain chief until her successor is hired. That process will begin immediately, per the board.
“After careful consideration and prayer, I have made the decision to retire,” Graves said Wednesday. “This is a bittersweet decision for me, because I love this department, the men and women of KCPD, and the community in which we serve.”
Mayor Quinton Lucas, who serves on the BOPC, released a statement Wednesday afternoon thanking Graves for her service to the city.
"From her first days at the Kansas City Police Department in 1997 to becoming the first woman to lead it, Chief Graves has led our community through challenges and triumphs, highlighted most recently by our city and the police department's strong work keeping our community and visitors safe during the 2026 World Cup," Lucas said.
Lucas credited Graves with rebuilding officer ranks, instituting crime strategies to drive down homicides and non-fatal shootings and for working with community and neighborhood stakeholders.
"I was proud to support her hire in 2022 and am proud of what she has accomplished as chief," Lucas said.
Graves said she was thankful for the support of community partners and stakeholders.
“It has been the honor of my life serving in the capacity of Chief of Police,” Graves said. “I am committed to serving our city as Chief of Police until the Board of Police Commissioners names a successor.”
Missouri Gov. Mike Kehoe provided a statement on Graves' career and the retirement announcement.
“Chief Stacey Graves has dedicated her entire career to serving the people of Kansas City, first as a civilian records clerk before rising through the ranks to become chief of police. That achievement, along with the legacy she leaves behind at KCPD, stands as a true testament to her extraordinary career.
"Those who choose to serve in law enforcement make a commitment to serve others before themselves, and Chief Graves honored that calling with steady leadership, sound judgment and quiet resolve through some of the city’s most challenging moments. Claudia and I wish Chief Graves and her family every blessing in retirement.”
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