#NoNewJailKC
Background
Kansas City is in the early stages of attempting to build a new city jail. This jail would be in addition to the new Jackson County jail already under construction. We know that this jail would only be used to lock up more Black & brown folks, women, and people experiencing poverty in our community. Beginning with our Stop the Six campaign in February of 2023, we have been organizing to stop the construction of this jail and implement sustainable programs that would address the root causes of harm in Kansas City.
Timeline
February - March 2023:
Stop the Six Campaign to shut down $6 million from going toward the design of a new city jail.
May 2023:
New city jail ordinance approved by city council to explore construction plan with JE Dunn.
June/July 2023:
Established Alternatives to Incarceration Commission to explore potential programs and services that could be implemented to reduce incarceration in Kansas City.
July 2023:
Alternatives to Incarceration Public Engagement: 40+ testify in opposition to the construction of a 370-bed jail. Alternatives to Incarceration commission votes not to recommend any number of jail beds.
September 2023:
Prison Policy Initiative & Decarcerate KC collaborate on a report critiquing KC’s jail needs assessment.
November/December 2023:
Public engagement sessions for feedback to city council on jail proposal, which includes the construction of a 401-bed jail at costs exceeding $200 million.
Demands
Stop the design and construction of any existing or future jails in KC.
Invest resources and budget into community initiatives that support mental health, housing, jobs, and education.
What You Can Do
Join a Safety Hub
Community Safety Hubs are smaller community groups that are specific to neighborhoods across the city. These groups meet regularly to discuss what truly keeps us safe and imagine a world beyond our current systems.
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