Overland Park hosts Juneteenth events and plans for upcoming protests

The Overland Park Public Safety Committee convened on June 11, 2025, to discuss various pressing issues, including community events, police staffing, mental health initiatives, and the upcoming public safety budget.

The meeting began with an announcement of several events scheduled for June 14, including two Juneteenth celebrations at Prairie Fire and Thompson Park, alongside the farmer's market. Notably, the day will also feature two protests, one organized by the No Kings group, which has been actively engaging with local authorities to ensure a peaceful demonstration. The police department has been in communication with the protest organizers to maintain safety and order.

The committee addressed the current staffing situation within the Overland Park Police Department, reporting 16 vacancies for police officers, with four conditional offers extended. However, there are also two pending terminations, including one retirement. The department aims to reduce the number of vacancies to single digits by August, indicating a proactive approach to recruitment.

Anne Simmons, chair of the Mental Health Advisory Committee, provided an update on the committee's initiatives. A significant development is the embedding of a behavioral health specialty court clinician, Eliza Rink, who will work closely with the courts to identify candidates for mental health diversion programs. This initiative aims to intervene early and keep individuals out of the criminal justice system.

Simmons also highlighted the committee's collaboration with the therapeutic community to utilize opioid funds effectively, creating spots for Overland Park Municipal Court cases. The committee emphasizes the importance of partnerships with various agencies to ensure residents have access to necessary resources.

The discussion included a suggestion to share municipal data with county partners to improve outcomes in mental health and substance use cases. This data-sharing initiative aims to provide a clearer picture of community needs and enhance resource allocation.

The meeting concluded with a review of the 2026 public safety operating budget and the capital improvement maintenance program for 2026 to 2030. The committee is set to continue its work on these critical issues, ensuring that public safety remains a priority in Overland Park.