About the Department

Living Vision Statement

A safer and healthier Kansas City.

Living Mission Statement

The Kansas City Department of Community Safety promotes public safety by providing effective, humane, and trauma-informed care with a central hub that connects public safety agencies, corrections, community organizations, and residents. Our mission is to strengthen community trust, support healthier outcomes for Kansas City residents, and reduce recidivism.

History

The City of Kansas City has been without its own municipal detention and rehabilitation resources for over a decade. This has left Kansas City unable to detain individuals arrested for breaking city laws. 

The lack of a detention facility forces the City to rely on costly contracts with surrounding counties or to release individuals due to issues such as overcrowding, lack of medical and behavioral health capabilities, and lack of bed space. 

This partnership has relinquished control of accountability and rehabilitation for people who violate ordinances. Now, with the Kansas City Municipal Detention and Rehabilitation Center, the City is bringing these functions back within its jurisdiction and control using modernized best-practice approaches to corrections and rehabilitation.

Municipal Detention Process in Kansas City Today 

Criteria for Municipal Detention

  1. Arrested in the City of Kansas City
  2. Violations of City Ordinances
    1. Not a misdemeanor or felony
    2. State charges → Jackson County Detention Center
  3. Detained pre-arraignment
  4. Municipal Court arraignment
    1. Released on recognizance
    2. Bail set and paid
    3. Bail set and unpaid (intake)
  5. Resolution (plea agreement or at trial)
    1. Released (time served, not guilty, other disp.)
    2. Sentenced to a period of incarceration

Most Common Ordinance Violations in Kansas City

  • Trespassing 
  • Disorderly Conduct
  • Assault
  • Domestic Violence Assault 
  • Stealing/Retail Theft 
  • Resisting Arrest

Characteristics of People in Municipal Jails

More Likely:

  • Male + Minority Status
  • Housing Instability (unhoused)
  • Unemployment/Underemployment
  • Mental Illness
  • Substance Use Disorders
  • Co-Occurring Disorders
  • History of Trauma
  • Acute & Chronic Health Problems
    • Severe Injury
    • Chronic Conditions (Diabetes, etc.)
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
    • Infectious Diseases (HCV, TB, HIV, etc.)
    • Sexually Transmitted Infections

 

Less Likely to:

  • Hold a high school diploma or GED
  • Have a primary care provider
  • Hold health insurance
  • Be adherent with treatment plans
  • Have access to social services
  • Have recovery support networks

 

Clinical and Social Needs Drive Criminogenic Risk

Improve Access – Reduce Risk

More than Recidivism Reduction: Holistic Wellness

 

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