In new KC police chief, some see historic choice. Others wary of career KCPD official

The appointment of Stacey Graves as the next chief of Kansas City police — and the first female permanent chief in the department’s history — was hailed by many Thursday as a historic moment.

But many members of Kansas City’s Black communities who have long been concerned about how the police department is run have been critical of the police board’s process in choosing a new chief. And many remained skeptical of Graves’ leadership as an officer who rose through the ranks under former Chief Rick Smith, whose tenure was marked by controversy after fatal police shootings of Black men and a record-breaking year for homicides.

Last week, Graves was named one of three finalists for the top job. The other candidates were DeShawn Beaufort, a commander with the Philadelphia Police Department and the only Black person among the finalists, and Scott Ebner, a retired lieutenant colonel and deputy superintendent of administration for the New Jersey State Police.

The Board of Police Commissioners voted unanimously in favor of Graves on Thursday.

Immediately following Graves’ appointment, The Star spoke with officials, activists and other local leaders who expressed a range of views on the direction of the department, which currently has 1,169 employees. Some touted Graves as a “front facing communicator” and applauded the board for appointing a woman to the helm. Two women have previously served as interim chiefs.

Others said they were deeply disappointed in both the board’s selection and the process it followed in hiring a new chief. Three officers have been convicted in assaults that took place under Smith’s leadership and despite attempts by him to block prosecution. The department is also under investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice. Throughout the hiring process, groups have called on the board to include community voices. Only one public forum took place and Thursday’s decision was made behind closed doors.

Mayor Quinton Lucas said he does not think selecting Graves perpetuated the status quo.

“I think as you see Chief Graves execute long term on her plans and her vision, I think that she is just as creative, as innovative as any of the candidates that came before us,” he said. “For us, what we were looking for is who has a plan and a vision to make this city safer.”

“I think she’s somebody who’s going to hit the ground running to try to make differences long term for the best interest of this city and this department. And I think you’ll be seeing that over the weeks, the months and the years ahead.”

Community leaders skeptical

Gwen Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, said it was disappointing that the board hired someone who was promoted under Smith.

“This is yet another indication that this State appointed board is not representative of our community and it is not committed to acting in our best interests,” Grant said in a statement. “Maybe this will be the catalyst for all sectors of our community to come together to get local control.”

The police department is controlled by a five-member board. Four commissioners are appointed by governor. The fifth seat is held by the mayor.

In a statement, the Kansas City Law Enforcement Accountability Project said the group was “incensed” by Graves’ appointment. The organization said her answers to questions about racism and crime during a community forum Saturday lacked accountability and responsiveness. The process for choosing the next chief lacked community engagement, it added.

Graves will lead an agency that is under investigation by the Department of Justice, which is looking into claims of racism and discrimination within the department.

Lora McDonald, executive director of local social justice organization MORE2, said she was concerned about the ongoing allegations, particularly from Black officers who haven’t risen the ranks.

“Therefore, we remain skeptical of the people who have risen the ranks in that environment,” she said. “We also hold the value of allowing leaders to be their best selves, and we will grant her that opportunity, too. Congratulations to her and may she do right by the people of this community, all of them.”

Organizers with Decarcerate KC, an activist group, said the board’s decision showed disregard for community input in the decision making process.

“The decision to appoint Stacey Graves, who was in the police department during the murders of Cameron Lamb, Ryan Stokes, and Malcolm Johnson and the DOJ investigation for racism and discrimination, demonstrates that there will be no real change under her leadership,” Amaia Cook said.

“It is clear to us that the Board of Police Commissioners don’t care about us and this new leadership is only a way for them to uphold their harmful, violent, and racist values. We need real change, and that means local control and a reinvestment of resources into institutions that can actually provide safety and support for our communities, such as mental health services, affordable housing, and education.”

Third District Councilwoman Melissa Robinson said Thursday was “a historical day,” while also adding that she will do everything in her power to restore faith in the police department and hold Graves accountable.

“Stacey Graves’ service will be an uphill battle,” Robinson said. “We are at a critical time in policing, especially in Kansas City. To hire a police chief absent genuine community engagement is an offense to taxpayers and places Graves in a deficient starting position. Effective public safety cannot exist without sincere community participation. The search process demonstrates that the State Police Board has zero interest in a collaborative relationship with Kansas City tax payers.”

A coalition that includes the Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce said Graves attended several listening sessions organized by the group.

“While we have been critical of the Board of Police Commissioners process of selecting a new Chief of Police, the Public Safety Coalition congratulates Stacey Graves on her selection as Kansas City, Missouri’s new Chief of Police,” the coalition said.

Officials welcome Graves

Brad Lemon, president of the Fraternal Order of Police union, said it was meaningful to witness the naming of the first permanent female chief.

“I think that’s pretty great,” he said.

He added that he thinks some of the first actions Graves needs to take includes having conversations with the community and within the department.

“The conversations around her is that she’s very open to changes and very open to looking at our department internally and trying to see what are the things that we can fix as fast as we can fix them. What I see happening probably are some major changes happen quickly. And I think for the most part, our rank and file needs to see that.”

Fifth District Councilwoman Ryana Parks-Shaw said she believes it is imperative to have women at the decision-making table.

“I’m excited about what this may mean,” Parks-Shaw said. “While I haven’t sat down and talked with her personally, I’ll you know, hopefully be able to build a relationship with her and work on behalf of the residents of the Fifth District to reduce our homicides.”

This year is the second deadliest year on record for homicides in Kansas City, with 169 killings to date.

In 2019, Donna Lake became the first woman to lead the Kansas City Fire Department.

Of Graves’ appointment, Lake said, “I think that it just shows, is a testament to the strong women in leadership that we have in our community and really excited to have a co-person in public safety at the top that is a woman.”

“I hope that it’s a symbol for younger people to be able to see that, you know, the more and more that they see representation at these levels, the more and more that they see the opportunities for themselves.”

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said the board naming the first permanent woman chief is something to be acknowledged.

“As always, we welcome any partnership that comes from law enforcement agencies in our community,” she said in a statement.

Platte County Prosecutor Eric Zahnd called Graves’ selection an excellent choice.

“She knows our city well and, because she has served in a variety of roles at KCPD, understands what the department needs and how it can improve,” he said.

Former KCPD Chief Darryl Forté said Graves will bring police and other segments of the community together.

“I am once again excited about the future of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department. The appointment of Stacey Graves reflects the board of police commissioners were seeking an excellent communicator, a person of integrity as well as someone whom has a plan to address community concerns. I worked with incoming Chief Graves and have observed firsthand her commitment to our community.”

Darron Edwards, lead pastor of the United Believers Community Church, said he thought Graves was the clear choice.

“I think she’s going to be front facing a communicator collaborator, one that can deal with the tensions within the department and within the within the city, one who I think may not understand all the dimensions of race was willing to listen to the dimensions of race and learn and implement.”