The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department has launched a new, free municipal identification card, according to a spokesman.
The department hopes it will pave the way for more residents to obtain housing, employment and vital services and benefits only accessible with a state-issued identification card, the spokesman stated.
Many vulnerable residents of Kansas City, Kansas, such as the unhoused and victims of crime, do not have a state-issued identification card or the means necessary to obtain the documents to apply for one, according to the spokesman.
This new police department program is not as extensive as another program under discussion in Kansas City, Kansas, the Safe and Welcoming proposal, which would provide IDs for undocumented persons. This program does not provide IDs for undocumented workers. This police department program is for those whose identity can be verified.
“We see these individuals everyday who can’t do simple things many of us take for granted such as picking up a prescription, renting an apartment or even get cash from a checking account – because they don’t have an ID to prove their identity,” Capt. Brittaney Pruitt, KCKPD Community Policing Unit, said. “Because of theft, fire or loss of possessions they also don’t have the documents necessary to prove their identity which makes the process of getting an ID nearly impossible.”
That is where the KCKPD Community Policing Unit hopes its new ID card – which will include the person’s legal name, photo, signature, date of birth, personal demographics and address or last known location, and, if applicable, Kansas State ID card number – will help residents.
Applicants start by booking an appointment with Community Policing where they provide personal information for the application and their photo is taken, the spokesman stated. Officers then utilize a minimum of two state-level databases to verify identity. ID will only be issued upon verification.
“It’s really then up to the applicant as to how far they want to go in the process,” Sgt. Angela Joyce, KCKPD Community Policing Unit, said. “The Kansas Department of Revenue will accept the KCKPD ID as proof of identification, which will allow them to get a temporary, one-year, state-issued ID card. With that temporary state ID, they will have one year to obtain a copy of their birth certificate. With their temporary state ID and birth certificate, they can then obtain a copy of their social security card, which will enable them to go back to get their official state ID. And the best part is that we will be there with them every step of the way.”
For more information on the KCKPD ID program or to schedule a KCKPD ID appointment, contact Community Policing at 913-573-6262 or email them at [email protected].