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Kanasas City Missouri Police Department
The Kansas City Missouri Police Department began on April 15, 1874. It’s first president was George Caleb Bingham, a famous Missouri artist. He then appointed Thomas M. Speers to be the first Chief. He was Chief from April 15, 1874, to May 4, 1895. To this day, Chief Speers holds the seat of being the longest Chief to hold the position. Chief Clarence M. Kelley holds second starting in 1973, and went 12 years. He resigned and became the second permanent Director of the F.B.I. Both of these men were exceptional Chiefs, and their time in the position definitely showed it.
In 1932, the City - Council was swayed by a man by the name of Tom Pendergast to issue a home rule ordinance for the first time in department history. Pendergast was a corrupt man, and managed to use this ordinance in incorrect ways. 7 years later, after many years of corruption, Missouri Attorney General changed this corruption, and removed the ordinance. The department returned to state control under much better authority. Success in the department continued.
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