Kansas City Police Department Chief Rick Smith addressed the media Friday afternoon regarding the condition of the officer who was critically injured yesterday in an officer involved shooting near 31st and Van Brunt.

The officer was shot in the head by a suspect during a disturbance call KCPD wad responding to in the area.

The first officer that was shot at Independence Avenue and Hardesty is taking some time off with family and is healing according to Chief Smith.

“Our second officer that was shot at stadium yesterday, obviously still very critical,” Chief Smith said. “I was with the family this morning at the hospital, he’s moved some of his limbs, which is a very promising sign and the neurosurgeon seems to be very optimistic. As the processes and goes forward, we continue the prayers for that officer.”

In addressing the record number of homicides that have taken place in 2020 Chief Smith indicated, when asked about switching up strategies that the department is constantly evaluating itself.

“You know we constantly evaluate that and do we have some approaches we have that we think are working well?” Smith noted. “Yes, you know, one of the messages we got out since I’ve tenure chief violent crime has gone down every year in the city. It’s our aggravated assaults and shootings are going up, but violent crime as a whole has gone down that message doesn’t get out either, so obviously some of our initiatives and what we are doing is working or that violent crime, in my opinion wouldn’t be trending in that direction.”

Chief Smith also praised the dedication of the KCPD Officers that put the uniform on daily and continue to serve the community.

“As I said, we’re out there, 24 seven 365 days a year. And it’s not easy. You know, every day, and the people behind us, they chose to get up and put on police uniforms today, and many of them. I’m sure are under pressure from their family, not to do it.”

When asked what the community can do to support the injured officer and the on duty officers, Smith said continued prayers are a good start.

“We’ve had food donations and other things come to the station and it’s much appreciated the officers really appreciate the sentiments of people coming up here with trays and, and, and, you know, boxes full of food for the officers at the station so that’s been much appreciated.”