Northeast News
September 2, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Because of possible excessive force at the Jackson County Detention Center, county legislators are forming a task force.

At a press conference last week, Jackson County Executive Mike Sanders announced the formation of a Department of Corrections Task Force to look into policies and procedures at the Jackson County Detention Center. Along with Joe Piccinini, Acting Director of Corrections, Sanders said he briefed the County Legislature on several incidents involving the possible use of excessive force by corrections officers. Sanders added he and Piccinini laid out a two-step plan to both invite a federal investigation, and to launch a pro-active independent review of jail policies and procedures.

The independent task force will be comprised of several community and law enforcement leaders led by Kansas City Police Commissioner Alvin Brooks, and including former Commissioner Lisa Pelofsky; UMKC Law Professor Bill Eckhardt; and Mattie Rhodes Center President and CEO John Fierro.

The task force will review and make recommendations related to detainee housing; access to mental health and other services; employee retention and training; and other issues related to detainee and staff welfare, including conditions at the facility. The task force is charged with presenting its findings and recommendations to the County Executive and County Legislature on or before November 2, 2015.

In a statement, Brooks noted that the Jackson County’s Detention Center is a critical regional asset.

“I welcome the County Executive’s commitment to make sure the county is doing all they can to make their operations as sound as possible,” Brooks said.

Sanders added he has asked corrections staff to alert both state and federal investigators when learning of possible excessive use of force incidents at the jail. Piccinini said they know of four incidents from May to July, involving four employees, that were found after an internal investigation.

“All employees involved no longer work for the county,” Piccinini said.

Sanders closed his remarks saying they’re fortunate to have the FBI assist with the investigation at the Detention Center.

“At the same time we want to be sure we do everything we can internally, and through the task force, make sure our focus is where it should be,” Sanders said.