Chief of Police – Kansas City, MO. Kansas City is Missouri's largest city and a nationally recognized center for business, culture, sports, health care, higher education, and entertainment. With more than 500,000 residents across approximately 320 square miles, Kansas City is the urban core of a diverse bi-state metropolitan area of more than 2.2 million people.
The community combines established neighborhoods with growing residential, commercial, and employment centers. Major professional sports, arts and cultural institutions, a growing technology and business sector, and major regional development contribute to the City's increasingly prominent national and international profile. Kansas City also served as a host city for matches associated with the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is a large, full-service police organization serving a geographically extensive and diverse urban community. The Department encompasses patrol, investigations, administration, executive services, professional development and training, and a range of specialized operational, technological, crime laboratory, and community-oriented functions.
As of August 31, 2026, staffing included 1,153 sworn law enforcement personnel, 30 police officer candidates, and 559 professional staff members. The Department is actively addressing recruitment and retention, strengthening its workforce, and investing in its Regional Police Academy and professional development efforts. The Fiscal Year 2026-2027 budget totals just over $385 million.
Reporting directly to the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri, the Chief of Police provides executive leadership and overall direction for the Department. The Chief establishes organizational priorities, develops public safety and crime reduction strategies, maintains professional standards, develops and retains a high-quality workforce, manages Department resources, and fosters productive relationships with employees, elected and appointed officials, community leaders, regional partners, and the public.
The next Chief will build upon recent public safety progress while positioning the Department for its next chapter. Key priorities will include continuing the reduction of violent crime; recruiting, retaining, and developing personnel; maintaining high standards of accountability and professionalism; strengthening relationships and trust with all segments of the community; leveraging technology and data effectively; and preparing the Department organizationally and operationally for the future.
Desired Leadership Characteristics and Experience:
Significant executive level law enforcement experience, preferably in a large, complex, urban or metropolitan police organization.
A demonstrated record of reducing violent crime and improving public safety through effective, evidence-based strategies.
Strong experience in recruitment, retention, workforce development, succession planning, and organizational culture.
A demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership, accountability, transparency, and professional standards.
Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with employees, elected and appointed officials, the media, community leaders, and residents.
Experience developing collaborative partnerships with community organizations, prosecutors, neighboring law enforcement agencies, educational institutions, and other public and private sector partners.
A strong understanding of 21st-century policing practices, including data informed decision making, technology, procedural justice, de-escalation, community engagement, and contemporary approaches to crime reduction.
The ability to lead change while respecting the Department's traditions, recognizing its strengths, and establishing a clear vision for the future.
Minimum Qualifications:
A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a master’s degree preferred.
Have at least 15 years of service in law enforcement, including 5-7 years in executive leadership positions in a full-time, paid police department with no less than 1,000 sworn law enforcement officers.
Command leadership training such as the F.B.I. National Academy, Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, Southern Police Institute Command training or similar program.
Other equivalent combinations of training and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities may also be considered.
In accordance with Missouri law, at the time of appointment, the Chief must:
Be a United States citizen.
Meet applicable physical requirements established by Missouri law.
Be or become a citizen of the State of Missouri and a resident of Kansas City, Missouri.
Possess or be eligible to obtain the appropriate Missouri peace officer licensure required for the position.
The Chief of Police is appointed by the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri and works collaboratively with the Mayor, City Manager, elected officials, regional partners, community stakeholders, and other government agencies. The Board of Police Commissioners will offer a highly competitive and comprehensive benefits package and salary range of $250,000 – $275,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience.
The Kansas City, Missouri Police Department is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
