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Prosecutor's office investigates KCPD officer's unlawful search of mayor's information

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Posted at 2:03 PM, Oct 08, 2021
and last updated 2021-10-08 21:10:43-04

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A KCPD officer illegally searched for Kansas City, Missouri, Mayor Quinton Lucas' and his family’s personal information through a criminal justice database, according to the Kansas City, Missouri, Police Department, a letter from the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office and a response to the incident from the mayor.

Lucas issued a statement on the matter Friday, writing he was “disappointed” to learn of the unlawful search from the prosecutor’s office.

In a letter dated Sept. 8, the prosecutor notified Lucas an officer had “conducted an unauthorized search” of Lucas in the database.

A representative for the prosecutor’s office wrote that Lucas was a potential victim.

The office is investigating what the mayor said is “inappropriate” conduct.

Lucas said the illegal access is especially concerning in light of the threats he’s received throughout his term as mayor, including a recent event in which he recounted standing outside his home with his wife and child while the Kansas City, Missouri, Fire Department investigated an explosion threat.

Even so, Lucas said he knows the misconduct is not representative of KCPD.

“I trust the Department with my family’s security, and I know the vast majority of our officers go out and do good work each day. I hope the Department makes clear this misconduct falls well below the standards of anyone affiliated with the Kansas City Police Department,” Lucas said in the statement.

KCPD told KSHB 41 News it was made aware of the incident in May.

An officer assigned to the patrol bureau conducted the unauthorized search.

Another officer reported the search and KCPD conducted its own investigation, which is concluded.

The officer who performed the search remains employed in the patrol bureau.