Take Them Back

By John Sharp

South Patrol Commander Major Kari Thompson explained South Patrol’s new “Take Back the Block” initiative that involves officers going door-to-door in blocks where homicides have recently occurred or there have been recent high levels of other crimes at South Patrol’s anti-crime meeting and resource fair June 26.

Modeled after a successful program in Chicago, Thompson said the program involves officers giving residents specific strategies to improve their safety and also inquiring about their needs so they can be referred to social service agencies that can provide prompt and effective help.

The program also researches 311 calls from targeted blocks to see what city services residents are requesting most frequently so they can be prioritized.

Some of the first blocks served by the program are in the Ruskin neighborhood, and Thompson envisions expanding it to all blocks in South Patrol that recently have experienced homicides or other serious crimes such as assaults, burglaries or car thefts. Literature about the program describe it as an initiative to foster a safer Kansas City, block by block.

Thompson reminded those attending to try to always take basic safety precautions such as not leaving garage doors open at night or when gone, not leaving valuables or firearms in vehicles and making sure firearms are secure with trigger locks.

She also stressed that persons should always call 911 when they witness suspected criminal activity or hear suspected gunshots noting that the frequency of crimes is one factor used in determining how many officers should be assigned to areas, and if crimes aren’t reported to police, they don’t count when deciding how many officers should be assigned to areas.

She reminded persons that 911 calls can be anonymous, and that callers can request officers not to come to their homes to protect their anonymity.