A Kansas City Police Department officer calls someone a racial slur. That might sound like racial bias, but if a complaint is filed with the department’s community oversight board, it won’t necessarily be labeled that way.
Emily Wolf
Posted inLocal Government
‘A project like this is generational’: New KCI terminal prioritizes long-term accessibility
When construction of the new Kansas City International Airport terminal was approved, the Kansas City Council gave the Aviation Department a weighty challenge: make it the most accessible airport in the world.
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
How to file a complaint against KCPD
Officers can be held accountable for actions that fall into six categories: bias-based policing, discourtesy, excessive use of force, harassment, improper conduct and improper procedure.
Posted inLocal Government
When your abuser is the law: Sexual and domestic violence persistent in Kansas law enforcement
Content warning: This story contains references to and descriptions of domestic and sexual violence. The Beacon has included a resource box with contact information for local support organizations. Audio-Reader · TheBeacon 7-20-21: When Your Abuser Is The Law Every year, dozens of law enforcement officers in Kansas lose their certifications. The reasons vary and include […]
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
How to request public records in Kansas and Missouri
Interested in filing your own public records request in Missouri or Kansas? The Kansas City Beacon has put together a guide for requesting records — including whom to contact, when they’re required to respond and what records might be closed by law.
Posted inLocal Government
Burned out: KC paramedics piled on overtime through pandemic
The increase in overtime, combined with an already short-staffed paramedic unit, forced an overburdened system to its limits.
Posted inDIY Democracy, Local Government
Want to bring an issue to the City Council’s attention? Here’s how to do it.
If you don’t know which district you’re in, put your address into the city’s Resource Lookup tool.
Posted inLocal Government
Survey says: Kansas Citians want better sidewalks, streets and trail systems
Kansas City, Missouri, released the results from its latest citywide survey of resident priorities and satisfaction. The Health Department rose to a higher priority this year. Now, city officials are tasked with using the feedback to make changes.
Posted inLocal Government
New tracks, new tax: KC Streetcar expansion kicks off
The Kansas City Beacon gathered information from the Main Street Rail Transportation Development District to answer some commonly asked questions about the expansion, the tax and the special assessment.
Posted inHealth
How KC’s transit service for people with mobility issues was changed by pandemic
Some changes have been popular, like over-the-phone mobility assessments. Others, like limits on the number of passengers, have created new headaches. As the Kansas City area reopens, RideKC Freedom is grappling with what changes to keep and how to fix ever-present problems.