Kansas City Police Chief Rick Smith addresses recent protests and next steps

One week after the unity march in Kansas City, Smith discusses recent events regarding protesters and where he stands.

Chief of Police Rick Smith spoke out Wednesday about recent events regarding protests within the city and the Kansas City Police Department after last week’s unity march.

Smith discussed the tension and controversy surrounding the Kansas City Police Department in an interview with KMBC, and spoke about his decision to take part in the unity march on June 3.

“I’m sure as a leader in the city, just like anybody, there’s people that are happy with me and there’s others who are not and I completely get that,” Smith said.

In regard some requests of his resignation, Smith said he intends to stay on and continue his job saying, “I think I have an important job to do. I love my job and I’m dedicated to doing it and serving this city.”

Smith acknowledged that him and his department would have to take some risks to get out of their comfort zone and do things differently than they have in the past in order to let people know they are willing to make the changes and be open.