Leavenworth considers ending police response agreement with VA campus amid inefficiencies

Leavenworth City officials are poised to address longstanding challenges in their policing agreement with the Veterans Affairs (VA) police department as the current contract approaches renewal this September. During the recent City Commission meeting on July 8, 2025, city leaders highlighted inefficiencies and complications stemming from the existing arrangement, which has been in place for nearly two decades.

City representatives detailed ongoing issues with jurisdictional overlap, particularly regarding emergency responses on the VA campus. The Leavenworth Police Department has faced repeated requests from new VA police chiefs to alter response protocols, including unnecessary check-ins and notifications for 911 calls. These demands have led to operational inefficiencies, with city officials expressing frustration over the lack of clarity in the agreement and the challenges of coordinating responses to incidents, such as a recent traffic accident that required city police intervention despite clear jurisdictional guidelines.

Additionally, the city has encountered difficulties with the Pioneer Group, which has been late on payments for police and fire services, further complicating the financial landscape. The city received approximately $19,000 annually for these services, a figure that officials believe may not accurately reflect the level of service provided, given the frequency of police and fire department responses to the VA campus.

As the city prepares to negotiate a new agreement, officials are advocating for a shift in the operational structure. They propose that the Leavenworth Police Department withdraw from being the primary responding agency for the VA campus, allowing the VA police to take the lead while still providing assistance as needed. This change aims to streamline operations and enhance efficiency in emergency responses.

The upcoming negotiations will also consider the financial implications of the agreement, with city leaders suggesting a reevaluation of the funding formula to better align with current service demands. As the city moves forward, officials are committed to addressing these issues to ensure effective public safety services for the community and the VA campus.