Kansas City, Kansas, police leaders say they are preparing for increased demands as the Kansas City Chiefs move across the state line.Kansas City, Kansas, Police Chief Karl Oakman said he is personally excited about the Chiefs’ move to Kansas, both as a fan and as the leader of a department that will play a key role in public safety around the new stadium.“I’ve never missed a Chiefs game since I was 11, whether it was on the radio, in person or on television,” Oakman said.The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department currently has about 330 officers. Its budget allows for as many as 380, but the department has struggled to recruit enough officers to reach that level. Oakman said recent progress has been encouraging.“We’re pretty optimistic. Just last Thursday, we graduated our largest class in 10 years,” he said.Officers hired by KCKPD are required to live in Wyandotte County within one year of employment.Oakman said he is open to adjusting that policy, though he acknowledged that many residents want officers to live in the community that funds their careers.“Our No. 1 goal is to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in Wyandotte County,” Oakman said.The stadium tax agreement tied to the Chiefs’ move is expected to last 30 years. Over the past two decades, the police department’s budget has doubled.Oakman said decisions about long-term funding and staffing levels will ultimately rest with city leadership.“There’s going to be a need for additional resources, but we have the staff and the expertise to manage it,” he said.Oakman also addressed scrutiny of the department, saying there is a clear distinction between accountability and negativity.“We’re going to do what we have to do to make sure everyone is safe. We always do,” he said.

KANSAS CITY, Kan. —

Kansas City, Kansas, police leaders say they are preparing for increased demands as the Kansas City Chiefs move across the state line.

Kansas City, Kansas, Police Chief Karl Oakman said he is personally excited about the Chiefs’ move to Kansas, both as a fan and as the leader of a department that will play a key role in public safety around the new stadium.

“I’ve never missed a Chiefs game since I was 11, whether it was on the radio, in person or on television,” Oakman said.

The Kansas City, Kansas, Police Department currently has about 330 officers. Its budget allows for as many as 380, but the department has struggled to recruit enough officers to reach that level. Oakman said recent progress has been encouraging.

“We’re pretty optimistic. Just last Thursday, we graduated our largest class in 10 years,” he said.

Officers hired by KCKPD are required to live in Wyandotte County within one year of employment.

Oakman said he is open to adjusting that policy, though he acknowledged that many residents want officers to live in the community that funds their careers.

“Our No. 1 goal is to reduce crime and improve the quality of life in Wyandotte County,” Oakman said.

The stadium tax agreement tied to the Chiefs’ move is expected to last 30 years. Over the past two decades, the police department’s budget has doubled.

Oakman said decisions about long-term funding and staffing levels will ultimately rest with city leadership.

“There’s going to be a need for additional resources, but we have the staff and the expertise to manage it,” he said.

Oakman also addressed scrutiny of the department, saying there is a clear distinction between accountability and negativity.

“We’re going to do what we have to do to make sure everyone is safe. We always do,” he said.