By Joe Jarosz
Northeast News
May 27, 2015

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — Strides have been met, but there are still roads to travel.

At last week’s Public Safety Committee meeting, East Patrol Major Rick Smith gave an update to council members on what’s been happening at East Patrol. Smith was proud to announce that crime numbers were done in almost every category from this time last year. A few notable examples included homicides down 15 percent, automobile thefts are down almost 10 percent and residential burglaries are down 33 percent.

Smith also noted the success of such programs as crime free multi-housing a, crime prevention program designed to reduce crime, drugs, and gangs on apartment properties, and area foundation cameras continue to provide useful evidence.

“The people of East Patrol are working hard and wanted to let you know things are going well,” Smith said.

As council member Jermaine Reed thanked Smith and the officers at East Patrol for all they’ve done to bring together the community — pointing to recent community meetings held at the station — he also noted there’s still plenty to do for residents who feel like they’re voices aren’t being heard.

“I find myself frustrated by that kind of interaction between the police and the community,” Reed said, adding he continues to field questions on whether or not something will happen in Kansas City similar to the recent events in Baltimore or Ferguson, Mo. “I find myself frustrated because there are so many people who have dealings with the police department where they’re getting arrested or getting pulled over.”

Reed relayed a personal story to emphasize his point. A couple of weeks ago, he said his mother and two brother were pulled over while driving at night. All three were put in handcuffs because their vehicle, a Kia, matched the description of a vehicle police were searching for, a Mustang.

“We find ourselves here quite often talking about the great relationships between the community and the police department but we don’t have that interaction with people who are just like my relatives,” Reed told Smith and the rest of the committee. “They weren’t necessarily harassed, but they were pulled over, searched and asked if they had drugs. People are sick and tired of being harassed by police, no matter where they are.”

Reed then noted there is a difference between those who are continually harassed and talking heads saying change is being made but don’t have the same experiences.

“A lot of time, everyday citizens don’t have the means to attend these meetings so we’ve got to come up with more creative ways to reach these people,” Reed said.

Major Smith agreed with Reed’s point, noting he advises the officers that the contacts they make on a daily basis are the most important contacts they’ll make. He also added officers are trying to reach more people as they’re out in the community.

“I continue to emphasize to officers to act professionally,” Smith said. “Especially during this time when police are under a microscope.”