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Lee's Summit Police Eye Federal Grants to Staff New Real-Time Crime Center

July 7, 2026 government, public meetings, lees summit, public safety, grants

Deputy Police Chief Bunker briefed the Finance and Budget Committee on two federal grant opportunities that could help staff the city's new Real-Time Crime Center, which he said is scheduled to be completed in September as part of a 'no tax increase' bond investment. The center would integrate real-time intelligence from cameras, drones, Axon systems and other sources to support faster response times and officer safety, with crime analysts housed within the center.

Bunker said the department wants to apply for four additional positions—either sworn or civilian, with a blend seen as ideal. He described civilian roles as attractive entry-level positions that could serve as a pipeline into police officer, dispatcher or records positions.

The first grant, the Bridging Immigration-Related Deficits Experienced Nationwide (BRIDGING) program, is a new $3 billion program that allows hiring of both sworn and civilian staff and includes an option to stop funding after the grant period. Bunker noted the program's materials include 'heavy discussions of immigration enforcement' but said the department would continue to uphold federal law as it always has, and that no additional immigration enforcement beyond normal law enforcement would result. Applications can be submitted this month, in August or in September.

The second grant, the COPS Hiring Program, offers less funding, is primarily for sworn officers, and requires the city to fully fund positions for at least 12 months after the grant. Its application deadline is at the end of the month, which Bunker said was more urgent. He said the city has applied for the COPS grant several times and been selected once, with award decisions expected around December.

Committee members, including Mayor Pro Tem Shields and Council Members Frazier and Funk, expressed support for pursuing both grants, noting the temporary nature of the funding but favoring new funding sources for public safety. The chair indicated support for applying to both programs. Bunker cited upcoming major events, including the FIFA World Cup, as added reasons for the investment.

Watch the discussion:

Source: Finance & Budget Meeting (7/6/2026) | LEE'S SUMMIT, MO

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