In recent forums, Kansas City residents said they hoped a new police chief would be more transparent, focus on building community trust and have a clear crime-fighting strategy. Since he was sworn in as chief on April 22, Joe Mabin has attended community meetings, listened to complaints about neighborhood drug houses and promised transparency to onlookers at a recent officer-involved shooting. Mabin also has found time to visit the city’s police academy, where he offered encouragement to officer cadets and then joined them in exercising — all while he wore a weighted Crossfit vest, reports the Kansas City Star in an article available only to subscribers.
Given the task of keeping the department on track while the police board conducts a national search for a new chief, Mabin said his goals for the department are to “work on reducing violent crimes, building trust and strengthening relationships in the community.” He told the newspaper, "One of the ways is to be available and be out in the community, meting with folks and listening to their concerns." The police board selected Mabin, a 22-year veteran, after Rick Smith retired following nearly five tumultuous years at the helm. Mabin leads the 1,685-employee department at a time when the city is again experiencing a spike in homicides, gun and street violence.