Justice Department opens civil rights investigation into Kansas City Police hiring practices

The investigation comes after The Kansas City Star reported earlier this year on allegations of racism and harassment of Black officers in the department.
The Kansas City Police Department said on Monday that the U.S. Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division is investigating its hiring practices.

A statement by interim Police Chief Joseph Mabin confirmed the investigation, and said the police department would fully cooperate.

“It is the policy and practice of the Board of Police Commissioners and the Kansas City Missouri Police Department to provide a work atmosphere free of actual or perceived discrimination and harassment,” the statement said. “I am committed to ensuring every member experiences a safe and fair work environment and every applicant receives fair treatment throughout the hiring process.”

The investigation comes after The Kansas City Star published a series of stories earlier this year looking into allegations of racism and harassment in the department. The Star spoke with Black officers who said they were called racial slurs and disproportionately disciplined by their white supervisors.