The City of Parkville is pleased to announce that Police Chief Kevin Chrisman received the Clarence M. Kelly Award from the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission at its annual luncheon on October 2, 2019.
Clarence Kelly was highly respected for his leadership and integrity as Chief of Police with Kansas City, Missouri and as the second director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Each year since 1980, the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission presents the award to an outstanding law enforcement administrator in the Kansas City metro. The award was created to recognize an active law enforcement administrator who is an excellent administrator, proactive in their approach and dedicated to improving the criminal justice system. It is awarded to one who continues Mr. Kelley’s legacy by providing exemplary performance, which is influential in raising the standards of leadership.
Chief Chrisman worked for the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department for 34 years and retired as a major. He was hired as the Police Chief for the City in 2009. As Police Chief, he started the Police Community Assistance Fund, which includes the annual Shop with A Cop, back to school backpack program, a senior holiday luncheon and Halloween candy for bags that are delivered to kids in the community.
Chief Chrisman continually balances new technologies with traditional policing practices. By maintaining “old school values,” he maintains a policy for the Police Department to always try to go the extra mile to help people that need assistance. The Department focuses on providing the same level of police service that has been expected for decades. Chief Chrisman promotes officer participation in all events and through community outreach to give residents the opportunity to interact with the Police. Under his supervision, the Police Department cohosts an annual Northland Law Enforcement Appreciation Day to recognize law enforcement entities from the Northland.
Mayor Johnston said, “We are very proud of Chief Chrisman and feel fortunate to have his professional leadership of public safety in Parkville. His department culture encourages engagement with our citizens on a daily basis, and not only when a criminal incident occurs. High visibility and active community participation by our officers are the key reasons that Parkville is one of the safest cities in Missouri.”
For more information about the award, contact the Kansas City Crime Commission at (816) 960-6800.
