Former KCPD Deputy Chief David Zimmerman was sworn in Saturday as the new interim KCPD Chief of Police, the same day former Chief Of Police Darryl Forte’s retirement commenced.
The 34-year KCPD veteran told media there likely wouldn’t be major changes under his command, as he also commended Chief Forte.KCPD veteran told media there likely wouldn’t be major changes under his command, as he also commended Chief Forte.
"A lot of the things he did I think are really important and I think we need to continue those, so I don't plan on any big, fundamental changes,” said Zimmerman.
But countless local families are hoping it won’t be business as usual during what appears will be yet another record-breaking year for violent crime in the city.
The Littlejohn family laid to rest their son and brother, Caheemi, on Saturday. He was shot and killed last week near 12th and Prospect.
"He was shot, sir, senseless murder, just murdered,” said Javene Littlejohn.
The Kansas City mother also lost her daughter, Javon, to gun violence in 2001. The case was never solved.
"I can't describe it. It's unreal. Like a dream,” she said.
Littlejohn is hoping new KCPD leadership can help her family feel safe again.
"More protection, just stop the violence anyway they can. Get the guns off the streets,” she said. "I just hope they catch my son's murder. Just don't make no sense."
Zimmerman did tell reporters that while major changes aren’t likely, his staff will take a close look at where officers are placed throughout the city.
"You'd always like to have more officers out there, sometimes that's not always the solution but it's certainly, it's something, that is important, to have more officers out there,” he said.
KCPD hopes to hire the new permanent chief of police by this upcoming fall 2017.
