Northeast News
April 13, 2016

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Because of large crowds, the Citizens Task Force on Violence is moving its meetings to accommodate more people.

Jolie Justus, Fourth District Councilwoman and Task Force Chair, said the Citizens Task Force on Violence appointed by Mayor Sly James last November will hold its next monthly meeting in Biery Auditorium, on the lower level of the Health Department (2400 Troost, KCMO). The meeting will run from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday, April 12, and following meetings will continue to be held on the second Tuesday of each month. Meetings were previously held at the Gregg-Klice Community Center.

“We’re very pleased by the turnout and by the interest the public has taken in the work of the Task Force,” Justus said. “This clearly is an issue important to Kansas Citians, and the larger room will help us accommodate the growing interest in this important community issue.”

Experts from Violence Free KC, the Kansas City No Violence Alliance [KCNoVA] and Aim4Peace will meet with the Task Force on Tuesday, April 12, in Biery Auditorium. The next listening session at which the public is invited to share personal stories or offer comment is scheduled for 10 a.m – noon on Saturday, April 16, at Hillcrest Community Center, 10401 Hillcrest Road.

The mission of the Task Force is to gather facts and data and recommend pragmatic policies and best practices about how Kansas City can prevent, address and respond to violence in all its forms, including but not limited to active shooter situations, violence-driven street crime, illegal use of weapons, domestic violence, child abuse and other violent situations. The Task Force plans to complete its work and issue recommendations by November 2016.