Kansas City Struggles with Traffic Control and Police Staffing During Major Events

Kansas City Faces Challenges in Traffic Control Amid Big Events

On a warm Friday night, August 2nd, Kansas City was buzzing with excitement as Morgan Wallen took to the stage at the iconic Arrowhead Stadium. Fans decked out in their best cowboy boots and hats filled the stands, ready for an evening of country music. But lurking behind the scenes was a significant concern for city officials regarding police presence during high-profile events.

Concerns Arise Over Police Staffing

A recent investigation revealed that nearly all members of the Kansas City Police Department’s traffic division were deployed to ensure safety at the concert. This came to light when the City Manager, Brian Platt, raised an eyebrow at the situation. At 10:03 PM, he sent an email to a police captain asking, “Where’s the traffic unit tonight?”

The response from KCPD Captain Lionel Colón was straightforward: “Friday evening August 2nd, Arrowhead Stadium hosted the Morgan Wallen concert. This required thirty (30) Traffic Division members to provide support.” He noted that events at Arrowhead typically demanded the entire division’s attention, with only a 10% exception allowed for time off.

It didn’t take long for Platt’s frustrations to boil over. He later shared his concern in an email to Mayor Quinton Lucas and Chief of Staff Reid Day, stating simply, “This is enraging.” He continued by pointing out the lack of officers on patrol: “KCPD didn’t have enough officers on patrol Friday night because of an event at Arrowhead. I’m sure this happens a lot more than we know.”

Implications for Public Safety

Mayor Lucas echoed these worries, highlighting the critical implications for public safety. “If every traffic officer in Kansas City is at Arrowhead Stadium, what does that mean for a regular Sunday or Monday night when residents are calling 911?” he asked rhetorically. The city is looking into partnerships with other departments, particularly the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department, to strengthen their response capabilities during such events.

Moreover, internal emails revealed a growing tension regarding police officers moonlighting for events while the department struggles with staffing. City Manager Platt expressed disbelief at prioritizing off-duty concert details over necessary patrols, saying, “Why would we prioritize off-duty concert details over actual patrol posts?”

Staffing Shortfalls and Potential Solutions

As the police department deals with a staffing crisis, currently down 325 sworn officers—which is about 23% of their workforce—there are discussions of mandatory overtime as a short-term solution, supported by Mayor Lucas. There are currently 40 recruits in the police academy, and officials are hopeful that new hires will outpace expected retirements.

Unfortunately, the challenges don’t stop there. KCPD officers have expressed concerns about the risks associated with traffic management during events, particularly regarding disciplinary actions and civil liability if they intervene in situations like street racing or sideshows. Captain Colón pointed out that “bad actors are fully aware and exploit both the presence of constraints upon police and the absence of a reliable incarceration mechanism.”

New Strategies for Street Racing

In light of these challenges, police are also adopting new strategies to address the growing issue of street racing in Kansas City. An “intelligence analyst” has been designated specifically for this purpose, as officers are now analyzing video footage from traffic cameras and social media. This new approach aims to ensure accountability, with citations being sent through the mail to identified vehicle owners.

A draft letter being prepared to notify owners states, “This could result in a warrant being issued for your arrest and/or an impound order being placed on the vehicle. Thank you in advance for cooperating in regard to this matter.” This proactive step might just help curb the issues surrounding reckless driving while increasing public safety in Kansas City.

As the city and police department navigate these turbulent times and address public safety concerns during big events, one thing is clear: collaboration and innovative strategies will be paramount in ensuring that residents and visitors can enjoy all that Kansas City has to offer.