Kansas City stands at a pivotal moment. Members of the Kansas City Public Safety Coalition support swift and strategic action to establish a modular, temporary municipal detention facility that addresses our immediate public safety needs and positions our city for long-term success.

While many Coalition members supported the development of a permanent detention facility, that solution is still years away from completion.

A modular facility offers the best path forward, and is cost-effective, scalable, and ready for operation within months. It restores the city’s ability to provide a sense of accountability for the corrections process, gives opportunity for connection to services for those in need, and enhances safety throughout the community.

We call on City leadership to:

• Expedite site selection and preparation.
• Engage a qualified modular facility vendor.
• Leverage existing public safety funds to move quickly and responsibly.
• Engage appropriate business and community stakeholders as much as possible.
• Assemble an experienced management and operational team immediately to plan for and oversee day-to-day functions of the facility, ensuring safe, humane, and effective operations from day one.

Now is the time for decisive leadership. Let’s meet this moment with the urgency and vision it demands, because a safer Kansas City can’t wait.

Coalition members supporting this statement (as of 6/11/25):