Kansas City, Mo – Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas today announced appointments to the Alternatives to Incarceration Commission, established by Ordinance 230475, to compile recommendations for the City Council on ways to help non-violent offenders get the help they need outside of incarceration. Per ordinance, the Commission has 30 days to compile and present its research and recommendations to City Council.

“Kansas City government works every day to make our community safe for everyone and we continue working round-the-clock to prevent violent crime,” said Mayor Lucas. “Still, jail time is not always the best, most effective response for every person who commits non-violent crimes. Alternatives to jail, including rehabilitative services for substance abuse or mental health issues, can help confront the root causes of crime and prevent more crimes—lowering our community’s recidivism rate at the same time. I am proud to appoint the Alternatives to Incarceration Commission, which will help us find ways to give opportunities to help everyone thrive and live healthier and more successful lives.”

Alternatives to Incarceration Commission Appointees:

• Megan Case, Kansas City Administrator of Corrections, Co-Chair
• Melesa Johnson, Mayor’s Office Director of Public Safety, Co-Chair
• Fourth District-at-Large Councilwoman Katheryn Shields
• Fifth District At-Large Councilman-Elect Darrell Curls
• The Honorable Courtney Wachal, Municipal Court Judge
• Amaia Cook, Decarcerate KC
• Annie Struby, Rose Brooks Center
• Connor Swanton, Legal Aid of Western Missouri – Municipal Criminal Defense Division
• Johnny Waller, Clear My Record Expungement Project Manager, UMKC School of Law
• Eric Wesson, The Next Page

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