Patrick
After several years marked by record-setting homicide numbers and rising violence, Kansas City officials are now reporting a meaningful downturn in crime. City leaders say recent data shows reductions in homicides, nonfatal shootings, burglaries, property damage, robberies, and vehicle thefts, signaling progress after a challenging period.
According to Kansas City Police Department leadership, this marks the first overall drop in violent crime in two years, driven by a combination of increased staffing, targeted deterrence strategies, and a broader public-health-focused approach to violence prevention.
Homicide Trends Show Improvement, With One Key Exception
Following a record-high year for murders in 2023, homicide numbers declined across most parts of the city in 2025. The primary exception remains the South Patrol area, which covers neighborhoods between U.S. Highway 71 and Interstate 435 south of Bannister Road.
While the previous year also saw a slight dip in killings, nonfatal shootings rose by 12%, leaving hundreds of residents injured by gunfire. In contrast, the current year reflects a more balanced improvement, with both fatal and nonfatal violence trending downward overall.
SAVE KC Program Credited for Crime Reduction
City officials, including Stacey Graves, Melesa Johnson, and Quinton Lucas, attribute part of the decline to the SAVE KC initiative.
Short for Stand Against Violence Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day, the program focuses on a small group of repeat violent offenders. Participants are brought together with law enforcement, community leaders, and social service providers who offer individualized support, including employment assistance and counseling.
At the same time, participants are clearly warned about the legal consequences—such as prosecution and incarceration—if violent behavior continues.
As Johnson noted, the program was never expected to deliver instant results, but evidence now suggests it is having a measurable impact.
Domestic Violence Killings Remain a Serious Concern
Despite the overall improvement, officials highlighted one troubling trend: a sharp rise in domestic violence–related homicides. So far this year, 20 killings have been linked to domestic violence, compared with 12 during the same period last year.
Leaders described this increase as alarming and emphasized the need for targeted intervention in domestic abuse cases.
Improved Collaboration Between Police and Prosecutors
Beyond crime statistics, officials pointed to stronger working relationships between the KCPD and the Jackson County prosecutor’s office as a positive shift. In previous years, tensions between department leadership and prosecutors had hindered cooperation, especially following controversial use-of-force cases.
Chief Graves, a longtime KCPD veteran appointed three years ago, praised the improved coordination with Prosecutor Johnson, now finishing her first year in office. Both leaders emphasized the importance of direct communication and mutual trust in achieving justice and improving public safety.
Increased Police Staffing Strengthens Enforcement
Another key factor in the crime decline is growing police staffing levels. For years, the department struggled to reach its authorized strength of 1,258 full-time officers. This year, KCPD reports 1,148 sworn officers, with 39 recruits currently in the academy and 50 more scheduled to begin training in January.
Chief Graves said the department is closer to full staffing than it has been in many years and has requested funding to hire an additional 50 officers next year, partly in preparation for the World Cup.
The Board of Police Commissioners approved a proposed budget of over $417 million, roughly $50 million more than last year, though final approval remains uncertain due to a projected $100 million city budget shortfall.
Expanded 911 Staffing and Support Services
Addressing long-standing concerns about emergency response, Graves reported major improvements in 911 staffing. The number of call takers has increased from 32 in 2024 to 48 this year, with another training class beginning in January that could add up to eight more employees.
“These gains show we’re rebuilding capacity across the department,” Graves said, emphasizing that growth extends beyond patrol staffing alone.
Public Health Approach Targets Root Causes of Violence
Mayor Lucas has also highlighted a decline in nonfatal shootings, crediting a public health–based strategy aimed at preventing violence before it occurs. Central to this effort is the Aim4Peace program, which sends trained responders to hospitals immediately after shootings or violent incidents.
The initiative focuses on improving neighborhood conditions tied to crime, supporting individuals at the highest risk of violence, offering trauma-informed care to victims and families, and connecting residents with long-term social and economic resources.
Kansas City’s recent crime data points to meaningful progress after years of rising violence. Officials credit a combination of focused deterrence programs, increased police staffing, improved interagency cooperation, and public health–oriented interventions.
While challenges remain—particularly the rise in domestic violence homicides—the overall trend suggests that sustained investment and collaboration are beginning to produce results. City leaders emphasize that continued commitment will be essential to maintaining and expanding these gains.