Kansas City Considers Handing Over Airport Policing to Kansas City Police Department

Strategic Insights -

The Kansas City City Council's Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations will vote on a resolution to transfer policing operations at Kansas City International Airport (KCI) to the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. Proponents argue that this would streamline security and improve safety, while opponents point to concerns about cost and the tone of policing.

Key Takeaways:

  • The resolution, co-sponsored by Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilwoman Teresa Loar, aims to direct the City Manager to develop a plan to transfer policing operations at KCI to KCPD within seven days.
  • Proponents argue that KCPD would be better equipped to handle severe situations, such as a mass shooter, citing their experience in dealing with high-risk incidents.
  • Steve Newman, former Chief of the KCI Police Department, expressed concerns about the pay differential between KCI police officers and their KCPD counterparts, and the potential impact on customer service.
  • Aviation Director Pat Klein opposed the plan in a January letter, citing the potential increase in costs for airlines and airport users, estimated to be between $3 million and $7 million.
  • Mayor Lucas questioned the accuracy of Klein's cost claims, suggesting that a change could save money by cutting out duplicate command and administrative positions.
  • Newman emphasized that the Aviation Department and airlines would ultimately pay for policing, regardless of which agency provides it.
  • Racial justice groups have called for Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith to resign amidst claims of a heavy-handed response during recent racial justice rallies.

Statistics:

  • The proposed plan would save KCI police officers from being paid between 8%-50% less than their KCPD counterparts.
  • Estimated cost increase for airlines and airport users: $3 million to $7 million.
  • Number of years that discussions about shifting authority over KCI policing have been ongoing: more than a decade.
  • Number of bomb detection dogs and TSA bomb disposal agents stationed at KCI: unknown.
  • Number of DEA task force agents operating at KCI: unknown.
  • Number of airline tenants that receive run-hide-fight training: unknown.

Sources:

  • Betsy Webster (KCTV)
  • Kansas City City Council's Committee on Transportation, Infrastructure and Operations
  • Aviation Director Pat Klein's letter to Interim City Manager (January)
  • Mayor Quinton Lucas' statement
  • Councilwoman Teresa Loar's statement
  • Steve Newman's statement