Kansas City Launches Search for New Police Chief Amid Community Focus on Integrity
Kansas City, Missouri, is beginning the search for a new police chief following the retirement announcement of Chief Stacey Graves, who served for nearly four years. City leaders and community members emphasize the importance of integrity and community focus in…
Kansas City, MO, July 30, 2026 —
Kansas City, Missouri, has initiated a nationwide search for its next police chief following the retirement of Chief Stacey Graves. Graves served the Kansas City Police Department for nearly four years before announcing her departure.
City leaders and members of the community have underscored the critical importance of specific qualities in the upcoming selection process. Key among these are integrity and a strong community focus. These attributes are being highlighted as essential for the individual who will lead the city’s law enforcement agency.
The search process is set to be comprehensive and will extend across the nation, aiming to attract a diverse pool of candidates. Further details regarding the timeline and specific criteria for the chief selection were not immediately provided.
In parallel with the leadership transition, various community organizations in Kansas City are continuing their ongoing work. These groups are actively engaged in initiatives focused on crime prevention and youth engagement. Their efforts aim to address community safety and provide positive opportunities for young people within the city.
The retirement of Chief Graves marks the end of a nearly four-year tenure. The specific date of her retirement was not provided. The Kansas City Police Department is now embarking on a significant period of transition as it seeks new leadership.
Community stakeholders have expressed their hope that the selection process will yield a candidate who not only possesses strong leadership skills but also a deep understanding of and commitment to the diverse needs of Kansas City’s residents. The emphasis on integrity and community engagement suggests a desire for a leader who can foster trust and collaboration between the police department and the public it serves.
The continued work of community organizations in crime prevention and youth engagement highlights a broader civic commitment to improving public safety and supporting the city’s youth, independent of the police department’s leadership changes.
Story summarized from the original created by La’Nita Brooks on www.kshb.com, see more information here.
Media gallery
