New Kansas City crime-fighting task force targeting unlicensed businesses

Report on Crime Prevention in Kansas City

Introduction

There’s a new push in Kansas City, Missouri to prevent crime. On Tuesday, Mayor Quinton Lucas signed a new ordinance into law creating the Multidisciplinary Public Safety Task Force. The task force, made up of workers from several city agencies, will be identifying businesses or properties with a high number of violent incidents, 311 complaints, and emergency calls. The members will then work with business and property owners to find improvements in public safety.

Efforts to Prevent Crime

City leaders have already revoked the business license of an auto shop owner near 57th and Prospect. They say he ran an illegal and unlicensed nightclub. In June, a mass shooting at that nightclub left three people dead, including Jasity Strong who was there celebrating her 28th birthday. Tamika Jenkins, Jasity’s mother, expressed her grief and support for the city’s new plan to prevent crime by targeting problematic businesses. She believes that while it won’t bring her daughter back, it may prevent similar incidents from happening to someone else’s child.

The Role of the Task Force

The Multidisciplinary Public Safety Task Force, led by Melesa Johnson, the Kansas City Director of Public Safety, aims to reduce violence and intervene in crime. Johnson visited Express Stop, a convenience store and gas station located near city hall and the police department headquarters, to work with owner Israr Farooq on improving safety. The store has had numerous calls for service and police reports, including a murder. The task force will closely monitor code violations and engage in ongoing conversations with business owners to find collaborative resolutions.

Impact on Businesses

As a result of the task force’s efforts, Farooq plans to abandon the business when his lease expires due to various issues, including persistent shoplifting. He mentioned that the property owner will take over the business. The goal of the task force is to prevent crimes like the murder of Jasity Strong, who left behind two young children. Jenkins emphasized the importance of having parents in a child’s life, particularly a mother.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

1. Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
• Efforts to prevent crime align with SDG 16, which aims to promote peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development.
• The Multidisciplinary Public Safety Task Force plays a crucial role in ensuring justice and strong institutions by identifying problematic businesses and working towards improvements in public safety.
2. Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
• The task force’s focus on identifying businesses or properties with a high number of violent incidents, complaints, and emergency calls contributes to creating safer and more sustainable communities in Kansas City.

Crime Statistics

The prior three years have been the top three in Kansas City history for homicides. Jenkins expressed her concern about the release of individuals from jails, potentially contributing to the increase in crime. As of Tuesday, there have been 125 homicides in Kansas City, the same number as in 2020 on August 15. In 2020, the city set a single-year record with 179 homicides.

SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

1. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions

   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere.
   • Indicator: Number of violent incidents, 311 complaints, and emergency calls in businesses or properties.

2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

   • Target 11.7: By 2030, provide universal access to safe, inclusive, and accessible, green and public spaces, particularly for women and children, older persons, and persons with disabilities.
   • Indicator: Number of improvements in public safety in businesses or properties.

Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Analysis

The article discusses a new ordinance in Kansas City, Missouri that aims to prevent crime by creating the Multidisciplinary Public Safety Task Force. This initiative is connected to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions, which focuses on reducing violence and related death rates.

The specific target under SDG 16 that can be identified based on the article’s content is Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere. The task force will be identifying businesses or properties with a high number of violent incidents, 311 complaints, and emergency calls. This target aligns with the goal of preventing crime and improving public safety in the city.

The article mentions indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets. The number of violent incidents, 311 complaints, and emergency calls in businesses or properties can serve as indicators to track the reduction of violence and related death rates. Additionally, the article highlights the goal of finding improvements in public safety in businesses or properties, which can be measured by the number of implemented improvements.

Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.

Source: kmbc.com

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