Chief of Police
Unified Government County Administrator Dennis Hays announced July 1st, 2010 the appointment of Rick Armstrong as Chief of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. Chief Armstrong, a 32-year veteran of with the department, was Deputy Chief under former Police Chief Sam Breshears who retired in June.
"The selection process which led to this announcement was a rigorous one," said Hays. "The candidates went through several levels of evaluation and review by peers in the law enforcement community from across Kansas and by a panel of community representatives. I am confident that Chief Armstrong will serve the department and our community with professionalism and distinction."
Chief Armstrong has a Master of Public Administration Degree from the University of Kansas; a Bachelor of Arts degree in management from Mid-America Nazarene University; and an Associate Arts degree in Administration of Justice from Johnson County Community College. He is also a graduate of the FBI’s National Academy and Leadership School.
In addition his formal education in law enforcement, Chief Armstrong has worked in nearly every possible position in the KCK Police Department during his 32-year career. He has worked as commander on dozens of tactical incidents, including barricade and hostage situations, the 2003 tornado which devastated Wyandotte County and other parts of the KC metro and race events at Kansas Speedway. Armstrong authored and implemented the Community Policing philosophy in the KCK Police Department and currently serves as Deputy Chief overseeing the Bureau of Operations.
Chief Armstrong worked his way up the career ladder from police cadet, become the youngest Captain in KCK Police Department history to attain rank under competitive promotional testing.
Chief Armstrong takes the helm of the Police Department as KCK is currently experiencing a 15% reduction in violent crime, which is at a twenty-five year low.
"I am honored to have the opportunity to continue serving the citizens of my community as Chief of Police," Armstrong said. "I will continue to build on the positive and productive relationships with our residents which have been crucial in making our community safer. I look forward to leading the dedicated women and men of the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department. Working together, we will continue to provide the highest level of public safety for our citizens and we will continue the dramatic reduction in crime which has made KCK a safe place to live and work."
