Personal Safety

Money generated by the renewal of Kansas City's public safety sales tax, which voters will decide on April 8, would go toward a new city detention center, which officials have been discussing for years. Some of the revenue will also go toward supporting the Kansas City Police Department. (Carlos Moreno | KCUR 89.3)

Kansas City is voting on a sales tax to fund a new jail. Here’s what to know about Question 1

Kansas City voters will decide on April 8 whether to renew the city’s public safety sales tax, as part of its efforts to fund and build a new municipal jail. Supporters of the tax renewal say the city is long overdue for its own detention and rehabilitation center — for a decade the city has not had…

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A man in a black suit with a beard and glasses sits in a pew in a chapel.

Compassion Amid Tragedy: Funeral Services for Victims of Homicide

[Duane Harvey] “This is where we come into. The bodies are brought in here, taken into the morgue.” [Saundra McFadden-Weaver] “She passed away a few days ago. And so now they’re honoring her.” [Theresa Lewis, Family Member] “She was an innocent bystander. And she died for their crime.” [Duane Harvey] “You’d be surprised how many…

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Melesa Johnson greets a supporter.

Melesa Johnson Wins Democratic Primary for Jackson County Prosecutor: ‘It’s Time for Change’

Melesa Johnson, who promised change for communities affected by crime, won a three-way race in the Democratic primary Tuesday for Jackson County Prosecutor.

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A police woman approaching a vehicle.

Missouri Voters Again Tell Kansas City to Increase Police Funding, But By a Narrower Margin

Missouri voters again approved a ballot measure that requires Kansas City to increase its minimum police funding – but by a much narrower margin than in 2022.

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Three people seated at a table. Week in Review set.

Jackson County Prosecutor Candidates Make Their Cases

Candidates for Jackson County prosecutor are dealing with questions about how they would prioritize violent crime versus more common nonviolent property crime.

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A man, back turned, faces a panel of three people. One woman is standing, and a man and a woman are seated. A large screen behind them.

Public Safety Debate Shapes Jackson County Prosecutor Race 

Concern about public safety makes the Jackson County prosecutor race one of the most consequential on the upcoming August primary ballot. Meet the candidates.

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A security guard monitors a video feed.

Kansas and Missouri Lawmakers Tried Funding AI Weapon Detection Technology. How Does it Work?

ZeroEyes, an AI weapons detection system, is in 42 states. But some wonder about privacy issues, and whether there better ways to address gun violence.

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Officers sit at a meeting of the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners in December 2021.

Missouri Amendment 4: What to Know About the Kansas City Police Funding Ballot Question

Here’s an overview of Amendment 4, a police funding mandate targeting the Kansas City Police Department that will appear on the August primary ballot.

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crowd of people in red t-shirts with red balloons at a memorial vigil.

Kansas City Launches New Effort to Counter Gun Violence

Kansas City has launched a “focused deterrence” program, named SAVE KC, that engages potential victims or perpetrators of gun violence before it happens.

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Tom and Susan Matthews stand next to memorabilia from 1974, when Tom was abducted by Patty Hurst and other members of the Symbionese Liberation Army.

Overland Park Man Recalls Surprise Joyride with Patty Hearst

Tom Matthews was about to graduate from high school. Then Patty Hearst and the Symbionese Liberation Army abducted him. The Overland Park man recalls a joyride.

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