Justus announces first Citizen Task Force on Violence meeting

The Citizen Task Force on Violence. File photo.

Fourth District Council Representative Jolie Justus has announced the first meeting of the Citizens Task Force on Violence will be held on Jan. 12.

Mayor James appointed the task force in November and asked Justus to chair it.

“We’ve done some preliminary research and internally outlined some ideas on how to organize our work,” Justus said in a news release. “The first Task Force meeting will discuss structure and action items and explain how we intend to engage any Kansas Citian interested in the topic.”

The task force plans several ways for the public to be involved. Justus says citizens may send correspondence to her at city hall (addressed to: Councilwoman Jolie Justus, City Hall, 22nd Floor, 414 E. 12th St., Kansas City, MO 64106). Later this month, the task force will also provide addresses for email and online input.

“Our initial Task Force meetings will be procedural and informational,” Justus said. “We definitely plan to take public testimony so anyone will have the opportunity to share information, views or feelings.”

Justus also said she’s working with Task Force Vice Chair Andres Dominguez to map out plans for the task force’s work, and that James has added Pat Clarke, a consultant, to the task force.

The mission of the Task Force is to gather facts and data and recommend pragmatic policies and best practices about how Kansas City can prevent, address and respond to violence in all its forms, including but not limited to active shooter situations, violence-driven street crime, illegal use of weapons, domestic violence, child abuse and other violent situations.

It plans to complete its work and issue recommendations by November 2016.

Details

The initial meeting will be held from 6-8 p.m. at Gregg-Klice Community Center, 1600 John “Buck” O’Neil Way (East 17th Terrace and The Paseo, near the 18th & Vine Jazz District.