Kansas City, Mo – Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas today announced Kansas City received a $500,000 U.S. Department of Justice grant to partner with the Kansas City Police Department and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office to assemble an “Assault-Team” or “A-Team” to improve non-fatal shooting investigations and clearance rates.

Non-fatal shootings are currently down 8% in Kansas City, but clearance rates for those shootings are historically low, allowing offenders to continue committing violent crimes and further fracturing the trust between the community and law enforcement. 

The A-Team, comprised of highly-skilled investigators, detectives, prosecutors, a data analyst, and social workers will focus on expediting collection of evidence in areas experiencing high numbers of shootings to quickly and thoroughly clear cases. The A-Team will also be tasked with ensuring victims and witnesses are connected to culturally appropriate community-based services and launching a messaging and outreach campaign. 

“My administration continues to create innovative strategies to keep Kansas Citians safe and I am proud to announce a historic, key partnership between the City, the Kansas City Police Department, and the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office to help bring justice to victims of shootings and prevent future retaliation. Collaboration is key as we work to improve non-fatal shooting clearance rates, which are currently far too low,” said Mayor Lucas. “We will continue our work to keep guns out of the hands of dangerous people, ensure victims are supported, and strengthen violence prevention programming.”

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