Kansas City Kansas Police Department hosted their second Peace March on Saturday with a casual stroll with police and community members down 5th Street from Washington to Parallel, where the groups gathered for a brief rally, lunch and a lot of goodwill.
This is the second year for the march designed to show and promote unity within the community. It was just one of several community engagement programs implemented by KCK Police Chief Carl Oakman during his first year on the job as a way to help reduce crime
Oakman’s efforts appear to have worked, crime is down in Wyandotte County. Since last year’s walk, KCK has seen a 40% decrease in shootings and a 50% decrease in homicides.
Mayor Tyrone Garner had great praises for Chief Oakman and KCKPD at the rally.
“I can honestly say that I believe we’ve got one of the best police departments anywhere you can find, not just in the metro area, but in the nation. Chief Oakman has done some awesome things. When you talk about diversity, I’ve never seen the amount of diversity that I’ve seen under his leadership, said the Mayor.
Oakman introduced three of his Majors at the event. They supported the Mayor’s statement about diversity within the department. Two of them were females and one was an African-American male.
“When you talk about outreach to the community and programs.. He’s making it happen here in Wyandotte County,” continued the Mayor. .
Coach Oakmas shared plans for some of this summer’s community engagement programming for youth.
KCKPD Police Walk participants head down 5th Streets to the rally location 
KCKPD officers on bikes lead the march 
Participants turned out despite the cool and windy weather. 
Participants turned out despite the cool and windy weather. 
Participants turned out despite the cool and windy weather. 
Participants turned out despite the cool and windy weather. 
Major William Wallace, who heads the departments community Support Division, addresses the crowd and Chief Oakman looks on. 
Wyandotte County Sheriff Daniel Soptic supported the event as did many of his officers. 
Mayor Tyrone Garner offered positive words about the Department and Chief Oakman. 
Regina and Walker McCullum pose with Chase of Paw Patrol 
We’re not sure who this character is, but he sure was tall. If you know, let us know.
For the second year, the department will offer their one day football camp, “Tackling Conflict Together.” This year the event is scheduled on June 10. There are also two Youth Police Academies planned, one for June 12-16, the other in July.
Year round, the department operates a successful Police Athletic League that’s about more than just fun activities. The program focuses on helping KCK kids build the self-confidence, leadership and problem-solving skills needed to thrive in today’s world.
All of the programs offered by KCKPD are free. Oakman, who grew up poor, says he doesn’t want money to be a reason any child can’t participate in programming the department offers.
Both of the Department’s Patrol headquarters will have open houses within the next few months. The East Patrol Open House, 849 N. 47th St., is April 12, 4-7 p.m. and the South Patrol Open House, 2200 Metropolitan Ave, is May 11.
If you’re looking for a tasty way to support the department’s outreach efforts, the Police Athletic League is hosting their Crawfish Boil on Sat., April 29, 6:30 – 10 p.m. at the PAL Headquarters, 800 N 5th St., KCK. Tickets are $75 per person and llimited, so get them early by going to: https://bit.ly/PALcrawfish23