By Paul Thompson

Northeast News

Major Jim Thomas of KCPD’s East Patrol Division will be transferring to the Law Enforcement Resource Center (LERC) on June 4, 2018.

Thomas confirmed the upcoming transfer during the ‘Community Action for Northeast Youth’ summit at Northeast High School on Friday, May 25.

“The day before yesterday I was notified by the Chief that I’ll be transferring to the Law Enforcement Resource Center (LERC), which supports the investigative bureau,” Thomas said. “They also oversee the Real Time Crime Center, which encompasses the Watch KC program that we’ve been trying to support.”

Thomas added that his replacement as Major of East Patrol will be current LERC Major Gregory Volker. Thomas indicated that the switch will be a new opportunity for Volker, who hasn’t served as a Patrol Division Commander, as well as an opportunity for Thomas to get back into investigative work.

“It just helps us to be better, diverse leaders,” Thomas said.

Asked what he’ll miss most about leaving East Patrol, Thomas cited the relationships that he’s established since his arrival at the division in December of 2016. As for what he’s most looking forward to at LERC, the answer was the same: the opportunity to build relationships within his new unit.

“I think you’ve kind of figured out that I’m a relationship guy, so it will be that same thing, getting to know new people in a different position,” Thomas said.