Kansas City's top officials are looking at how safe the city is and its annual public safety poll.
Surveys are sent to about 9,000 households in Kansas City and about half of those are filled out and returned, according to KCStat.
On Tuesday, KC analyzed how it measures up to standards set by its departments compared to years past.
One of the city’s objectives is to reduce crime among all age groups, placing an emphasis on young offenders. Kansas Citians who were surveyed are most concerned about crime prevention.
However, the overall satisfaction went down from 2015 to 2016 out of those surveyed. In 2015, 50 percent were satisfied with the city's effort and in 2016, that number is 45 percent.
Data showed those who are more likely to be satisfied own their own home, are older than 65, and make more than $30,000.
Those who are more likely to be dissatisfied are renters, are under the age of 64, and make less than $30,000.
“If we're going to make changes then the next question is why do people feel this way? And if we need that information in order to determine how to address the issue so what do we need to get to the why,” said Mayor Sly James.
Another number officials are interested in is homicides.
2016 (as of Oct. 31): 101 homicides
2015: 111 homicides
2014: 82 homicides
2013: 100 homicides
2012: 106 homicides
2011: 109 homicides
The survey showed breaking and entering crimes have been on a downward slope since 2013. However, some months like July 2016 were higher. Police said sometimes that has to do with weather. People leave their windows and house doors unlocked when it's nice outside.
They said people should be extra vigilant in November. Each year that month seems to spike, which could be tied to extra shopping, people leaving packages in vehicles and thieves looking for money.
One thing that was brought up by both police and the mayor was the new gun laws in Missouri set to take effect in January.
Major Mike Wood of KCPD said there are cases sitting in Jackson County right now that have no need for prosecutors to move forward on.
Starting next year, you won't have to have a permit or even training to carry a concealed gun in Missouri.
Violent crimes investigators did not like what this could mean for their cases. They have made more illegal gun arrests this year than last.
State cases:
2016: 386
2015: 259
Police said new gun laws will take some of the tools away from them, and what was a crime yesterday won't be one in the future.
"What I heard yesterday is that it's harder for you to bring the cases, and it's harder for the prosecutors to prosecute the case. In fact there's been cases that the prosecutor has that will simply have to be dismissed. Did I hear that correctly?" said James.
"You did," responded Wood.
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Belinda Post can be reached at belinda.post@kshb.com.
