By Michael Bushnell
Northeast News
December 23, 2014

KANSAS CITY, Missouri — It wasn’t just the criminals who were called in, but law enforcement agencies from all across the country.

The stately and historic edifice of Independence Boulevard Christian Church served as the backdrop for last weeks “call in” done by Kansas City’s No Violence Alliance [KC NoVA]. This call in, however, was a little different, as representatives of law enforcement and county prosecutorial staffs from as far away as Atlanta were in attendance to get an up close and in person view of just how Kansas City’s pilot program is working.

Jackson County and Kansas City officials did not disappoint.

According to KC NoVA’s new commander Major Rick Smith, over 175 letters were sent to area criminals who are part of known networks known for violent crime. Upon receipt of that letter from Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, recipients are urged by their probation or parole officer to attend the event and take advantage of the opt-out programs available to them through a variety of area social service organizations. The alternative to the opt-out is a ramped up prosecutorial program that offers little mercy and much stiffer sentences for even the most minor offense. When the program began, the focus became one of positive reinforcement, but with stern consequences for those who run afoul.

For example, one defendant, a known felon, had a warrant issued for his arrest after he posted a picture of himself on social media with a handgun. When he was arrested, he was in possession of bath salts, a misdemeanor charge. The defendant is now doing a 15-year-sentence in federal prison.

So, how many of the 175 invited attended last week’s call in? Roughly 33 known criminals, some accompanied by their families to show their support, stopped by to hear what NoVA had to say. Major Joe McHale, KC NoVA’s outgoing commander, opened the evening with the classic carrot and stick analogy.

“We’re here to keep you safe, to keep you alive and to keep you out of prison,” McHale said. “But if you don’t take advantage of what we’re offering you tonight, the next body that drops, the next violent crime, we’re coming after you and it will be very, very unpleasant to be in your shoes.”

Throughout the evening, speeches were given by Mayor Sly James, Police Chief Daryl Forté, United States Attorney Tammy Dickinson, as well as representatives from ad hoc groups Against Crime and the Mothers in Charge. Two of the most compelling speeches, however, came from Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker, who gave a variety of examples of how easily it is to literally stack charges against a defendant insuring their incarceration for a very, very long time.

“Let’s take a look at Clarence Henderson,” Peters Baker said. “Henderson was picked up as a murder suspect. Henderson thought he’d go up for a 120 day call back. We got him on an unlawful discharge of a weapon and that 120 turned in to 15 years. I didn’t care about Clarence Henderson’s excuses, I won’t care about yours if you don’t take advantage of this meeting tonight.”

Darren Brown, a social services worker, and Andre Carson, a client service worker with KC NoVA, both shared their prison experiences and coming out the other side with a mission to be an agent of change. Brown, who grew up in the Chouteau Courts Housing project, was part of the 5th street gang and did 16 years in prison for a variety of drug crimes. Carson’s time was shorter, 14 years total but split between seven in Kansas and seven in Missouri. Both have now graduated from college and hold advanced degrees in social work. Carson offered support for the attendees by saying they don’t have to stay where they are and spoke of the choice they had in front of them.

“I’ve been where you’re at,” Carson said. “It’s not easy, but you can call me. I’ll come and walk the yard with you.”

Following the presentation, attendees were invited to stay and enjoy a catered dinner with KC NoVA officials and city officials. According to sources, every one of the invited guests stayed and had dialogue with city and county officials. According to McHale, it’s not yet known how many of those in attendance took advantage of the programs available. That word would have to come back from their respective parole or probation officers.

“We do our best to reach them,” McHale said. “After that, it’s up to them.”