KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kansas City police will no longer be able to house inmates at the Jackson County Detention Center unless the county and city come to a new contractual agreement within a year.
Jackson County Executive Frank White sent a letter to Kansas City's Chief of Police and City Manager terminating a contract that allows the police to house inmates at the jail.
In the letter, obtained by 41 Action News, the county said the reason for terminating its contract with the city was "deemed to be in the best interest of the county."
The letter states the agreement will end on June 25, 2019.
Neither the county nor the city agreed to an interview. Instead, they sent a joint statement with the police department.
"After a recent evaluation of this service relationship, the County asked the City to open discussions about changes to the current contract. This decision in no way involves any concerns about the professionalism and positive partnership the County has experienced with KCMO and KCPD."
The full statement can be read at the bottom of this story.
Current Contract
When Kansas City's City Council decided to close its antiquated jail on the eighth floor of police headquarters, the city entered into an agreement with the county in 2014.
Under that agreement, the city spends around $5.2 million each year for 100 KCPD detainee beds and 175 inmate beds, for city inmates serving municipal court sentences.
That cost breaks down to $54.03 per bed, for each day.
However, in an email, a county spokesperson said the county's cost per inmate is more than $100 a day.
"As such, it is no longer in the County's financial best interest to continue the current agreement," spokeswoman Marshanna Hester said.
Breaking down the numbers
Typically whenever Kansas City Police make an arrest, officers will process the individual at one of three division stations-- East Patrol, South Patrol or Shoal Creek.
Individuals who cannot bond out within six hours are taken to the Jackson County Detention Center.
Individuals who police detain for further investigation are also taken to the jail.
Last year, KCPD took 15,268 people to the Jackson County jail.
From the first of this year to the end of May, officers have taken 6,518 people to the facility.
Charges can range from first-degree murder to traffic violations.
Potential Impact
Some city leaders tell 41 Action News they are not too concerned about the contract termination.
In fact, several council members anticipated it.
"A renegotiation is necessary and this letter activates this process," said Councilwoman Alissia Canady, who chairs the city's Neighborhoods and Public Safety Commission.
She believes the county and city will reach a resolution within the year.
"In light of what is happening in the jail, this is an opportunity for the city to require or request some additional provisions not currently in the contract," Canady said. "It's an opportunity to be able to address concerns both sides have."
Others believe a new contract could cost the city millions of dollars more.
This is the full statement sent to 41 Action News from Jackson County, the city of KCMO and and KCPD:
“Jackson County (County), the City of Kansas City, Missouri (KCMO) and the Kansas City Police Department (KCPD) are partners in many different endeavors, including for the last several years, engaging in a collaborative approach to provide detention services. However, after a recent evaluation of this service relationship, the County asked the City to open discussions about changes to the current contract.
This decision in no way involves any concerns about the professionalism and positive partnership the County has experienced with KCMO and KCPD.
During this partnership, we have constantly re-evaluated changing needs and resources. This has resulted in the parties beginning the process of negotiating a new agreement that reflects the needs of all parties and stakeholders, as well as providing a high level of public safety for the community.”
