A newly released study finds the number of Kansas City officers on the street is adequate for the community’s needs.
But the KCPD officers surveyed for the same study overwhelmingly disagree with that conclusion.
The $134,000 study done by Matrix Consulting Group concludes the number of sworn officers on the street in the patrol division should increase by only one from 965 officers to 966.
The study recommends the number of officers on the street in the investigations bureau should stay the same 247.
Overall, the study suggests the number of sworn officers in administrative roles should be reduced by 31.
And the study recommends those officers and their functions should be replaced by an additional 88 civilians.
The officers surveyed for the same study have a completely different take.
When asked if the staffing levels have kept up with the needs of the city, more than 95 percent disagreed with that statement.
Out of that number, nearly 75 percent strongly disagreed.
Photo from KCPD staffing study, page 290
In March, the 41 Action News Investigators reported the number of officers on the street was at its lowest level in a decade.
And that number has continued to decline, dipping to under 1,300 for the first time in more than ten years.
The Investigators also reported homicides were at their highest level in a decade in 2016, and 2017 is currently on pace to surpass last year’s total.
In March, FOP President Brad Lemon told the 41 Action News Investigators KCPD staffing was not adequate.
Lemon is now withholding on camera comment on the study until he can review it thoroughly.
However, in a written statement, Lemon said some of the findings have left him with serious concerns and questions.
Read a summary of the study below.
