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Opinion column
by Murrel Bland
When Jason Vaughn became the detective assigned to financial crimes for the Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department, he had a backlog of about nine months of cases. As of late August, that caseload has been reduced to about 1.5 months.
Vaughn spoke to members of the West Patrol Police Advisory Committee at its monthly meeting Thursday, Aug. 25.
Vaughn said there are many scams that rob people of their money. He told the story of a scam artist who tells a person he or she has won money, but needs a bank account number to send the money. Other frauds include the “sweetheart scam” that preys on lonely single persons; the scammer will lure a person into believing he or she needs money.
Vaughn said other scam artists will telephone to threaten cutting off BPU service unless a bill is paid immediately.
Vaughn encouraged persons to report information about any fraudulent financial crime. He can be reached at 913-573-6028.
In other matters, Major Dustin Dungan, the West Patrol commander, said the number of homicides for Kansas City, Kansas, for 2022 is down at 28 compared to 33 for the same period during 2021. He said there has been an officer who has been assigned to the Legends Outlet.
Some 15 to 20 vehicles at the Legends Outlet were burglarized Sunday afternoon, Aug. 28. Police located a suspect vehicle near 98th Street and Parallel Parkway and a chase ended in the 8400 block of Kansas Avenue. Two suspects were apprehended. Citizens helped by providing descriptions of the stolen vehicle.
Major Dungan said the Police Department is about 40 officers short of its authorized strength of 369. There is also a critical shortage of dispatchers, Major Dungan said; there was only one dispatcher during a recent weekend. There should have been four dispatchers during this period. Major Dungan blamed the shortage on the residency requirement.
The Police and Sheriff’s departments will combine for a family day celebration from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 17, at Piper Creek Elementary School, 13021 Leavenworth Road. Those attending will be able to visit with officers and see vehicle and equipment displays. Field games will be offered. A complimentary lunch will be served.
Murrel Bland is former editor of The Wyandotte West and The Piper Press.