Posted on Sep 19, 2022
Justice Department opens civil rights investigation into Kansas City Police hiring practices
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The investigation comes after The Kansas City Star reported earlier this year on allegations of racism and harassment of Black officers in the department.
The Kansas City Police Department said on Monday that the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is investigating its hiring practices.
A statement by interim Police Chief Joseph Mabin confirmed the investigation, and said the police department would fully cooperate.
“It is the policy and practice of the Board of Police Commissioners and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department to provide a work atmosphere free of actual or perceived discrimination and harassment,” the statement said. “I am committed to ensuring every member experiences a safe and fair work environment and every applicant receives fair treatment throughout the hiring process.”
The investigation comes after The Kansas City Star published a series of stories earlier this year looking into allegations of racism and harassment in the department. The Star spoke with Black officers who said they were called racial slurs and disproportionately disciplined by their white supervisors.
The Kansas City Police Department said on Monday that the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is investigating its hiring practices.
A statement by interim Police Chief Joseph Mabin confirmed the investigation, and said the police department would fully cooperate.
“It is the policy and practice of the Board of Police Commissioners and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department to provide a work atmosphere free of actual or perceived discrimination and harassment,” the statement said. “I am committed to ensuring every member experiences a safe and fair work environment and every applicant receives fair treatment throughout the hiring process.”
The investigation comes after The Kansas City Star published a series of stories earlier this year looking into allegations of racism and harassment in the department. The Star spoke with Black officers who said they were called racial slurs and disproportionately disciplined by their white supervisors.
Justice Department opens civil rights investigation into Kansas City Police hiring practices
Posted from kcur.org
Racism
Kansas City
Police
Law Enforcement
DOJ
Posted >1 y ago
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."The Urban League of Greater Kansas City was one of several local civil rights groups that called for a DOJ investigation last summer.
“While it is a narrow investigation in terms of looking at patterns and practices with employment, our hope is that this is just the beginning of a deeper dive that will also expand this investigation into patterns and practices of excessive and deadly force,” Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League, said.
Part of the reason federal intervention was needed, she added, is because Kansas City does not have local control over its police department.
“Therefore we do not have local redress for the challenges that we've been facing. And so we made that case with the Department of Justice saying that, but for a federal investigation, but for federal oversight, we will not be able to improve our situation,’” Grant said. “We need them to come in and shine a light on the problems and hold KCPD accountable to address them."
..."The Urban League of Greater Kansas City was one of several local civil rights groups that called for a DOJ investigation last summer.
“While it is a narrow investigation in terms of looking at patterns and practices with employment, our hope is that this is just the beginning of a deeper dive that will also expand this investigation into patterns and practices of excessive and deadly force,” Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League, said.
Part of the reason federal intervention was needed, she added, is because Kansas City does not have local control over its police department.
“Therefore we do not have local redress for the challenges that we've been facing. And so we made that case with the Department of Justice saying that, but for a federal investigation, but for federal oversight, we will not be able to improve our situation,’” Grant said. “We need them to come in and shine a light on the problems and hold KCPD accountable to address them."
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PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."The Urban League of Greater Kansas City was one of several local civil rights groups that called for a DOJ investigation last summer.
“While it is a narrow investigation in terms of looking at patterns and practices with employment, our hope is that this is just the beginning of a deeper dive that will also expand this investigation into patterns and practices of excessive and deadly force,” Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League, said.
Part of the reason federal intervention was needed, she added, is because Kansas City does not have local control over its police department.
“Therefore we do not have local redress for the challenges that we've been facing. And so we made that case with the Department of Justice saying that, but for a federal investigation, but for federal oversight, we will not be able to improve our situation,’” Grant said. “We need them to come in and shine a light on the problems and hold KCPD accountable to address them."
..."The Urban League of Greater Kansas City was one of several local civil rights groups that called for a DOJ investigation last summer.
“While it is a narrow investigation in terms of looking at patterns and practices with employment, our hope is that this is just the beginning of a deeper dive that will also expand this investigation into patterns and practices of excessive and deadly force,” Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League, said.
Part of the reason federal intervention was needed, she added, is because Kansas City does not have local control over its police department.
“Therefore we do not have local redress for the challenges that we've been facing. And so we made that case with the Department of Justice saying that, but for a federal investigation, but for federal oversight, we will not be able to improve our situation,’” Grant said. “We need them to come in and shine a light on the problems and hold KCPD accountable to address them."
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