Earlier this summer, the Post asked our readers what issues you wanted to hear candidates running for Lenexa City Council to address leading up to the Nov. 4 election.
Based on that feedback, we developed a five-item questionnaire centering the issues most important to Lenexa residents.
Each day this week, we’re publishing the candidates’ responses to one question.
Today, we’re publishing candidates’ responses to the following question:
Policing: Lenexa Police have come under increased scrutiny in recent months. In June, a Lenexa Police officer fatally shot a man during a call at an apartment complex. That case is still under investigation. In August, police were at the center of a controversy after investigators questioned a city councilmember about her citizenship following a resident’s complaint. Can Lenexa Police and the city learn anything from these incidents? Do you have confidence in the police department’s administration?
Below are the answers the Post received from candidates on this issue:
Ward 1
John Michael Handley (incumbent)
I have confidence in the entire Lenexa Police Department.
The recent events have highlighted the importance of how we select, train, and continuously develop our officers. Our department prioritizes transparency, publishing its full policy manual and information on training, accountability, and more on its website. The Lenexa Police Department works hard to earn trust from our community, and residents are frequently invited to attend trainings and community-building events.
This summer’s officer-involved shooting was a difficult and tragic event, even with the subsequent investigation affirming the officers had followed proper procedures. Lenexa Police Department will continue to analyze the situation for lessons learned, just as it does for all uses of force. This incident demonstrates the importance of our dedication to training, and how our procedures safeguard residents and officers.
In contrast, we could not train for the citizenship issue in August, and it had no established procedure. While we can establish some guidelines for sensitive situations like that, I believe we should never see that situation again. The experience did remind us that some circumstances lack a perfect solution. What matters is that moving forward, we continue to work to restore trust and reinforce our commitment to handling difficult situations thoughtfully.
Joe Shull
As a trial attorney, I am bound by the Kansas Rules of Professional Conduct, so I do not want to comment on any past, current, or future investigations, including possible litigation. I will say this, though. Law enforcement officers have some of the toughest jobs in the world. This is particularly true in recent years. And, if elected, I will make it a priority to ensure that the Lenexa Police Department has everything it needs to continue to protect us citizens.
Ward 2
Bill Nicks (incumbent)
Absolutely, I have confidence in the police department’s administration. I have personally worked with, and observed, the last four chiefs, and they have built the most professional and reliable department in the region. The culture of service to Lenexa residents and property is the envy of surrounding jurisdictions. And our residents, as per professionally administered surveys, think very highly of the police service they receive. Of course, Lenexa can learn. That’s how the City of Lenexa and the Police Department got to be in such an envious position. Constant attention to ‘lessons learned’ and ‘de-briefings’ is a habit that all good organizations develop and pursue. Throughout the whole city organization, a constant improvement ethic is present.
As to the citizenship question, Lenexa should insure that all qualifications to run for office are met, by every candidate, before the election.
Nicole Wasson
I do have confidence in our police department. I also believe in continuing education. All highly specialized jobs necessitate ongoing learning. Policing is no different in my opinion. I believe lessons learned reviews help provide a snapshot of action items that can assist as a department moves forward and would encourage the evaluation. While the Kansas State Legislature mandates that full-time police officers complete 40 hours of continuing law enforcement education or training annually, I believe the police administration should provide additional training as new situations appear and we continue to face unprecedented challenges.
Ward 3
Avery Bell
I believe that we can all learn from every police interaction. This is a major reason that I am a huge proponent of body cams and dash cams. This footage allows us to see the objective reality of the situations that our officers face every day. This is important to keep both our officers and our community members safe. I am pleased that the Lenexa Police Department has been early adopters of this technology and others – like the recent drone program that helps first responders to assess risks remotely and support situations quickly.
Recently, Lenexa PD released the bodycam footage, 911 call audio, and written summary of facts and findings from the officer involved shooting earlier this summer. I believe it is important for members of our community to watch, listen, and read the full account of the events. The loss of life is truly tragic. The District Attorney is not bringing charges to the officers involved, but I am certain we can still learn from the situation. I do have confidence in the police department’s administration and I look forward to understanding how we can continue to improve and expand the training which Lenexa PD currently delivers like: de-escalation, use of force, biased-based policing, etc.
Corey Hunt
The Lenexa Police department has my full faith and confidence in the department’s administration. Anytime there is an officer shooting , the officer involved, and the department learns a tremendous amount of information that is used to shape and inform the police department’s training and situational tactics. In fact, Lenexa has robust community awareness programs and training where residents can learn what it is like to be a Lenexa police officer, better understanding of police use of force, residents can even ride along with an officer on patrol. Lenexa has purposefully invested heavily in advanced law enforcement training and modern technology for its officers such as body cameras and modernized radio communications. Lenexa has been a leader in recent years utilizing co-responder teams, often called crisis intervention response teams. This is a program where social workers, mental health professionals, or other behavioral health specialists ride with specially trained police officers to respond to certain emergency calls, particularly those calls involving mental health crisis. Lenexa’s police department has a long, outstanding history of service and the department has my full support.
