The attempted assassination of an Arizona congresswoman prompted Kansas City police on Wednesday to reinstate the full-time security detail for Mayor Mark Funkhouser.
But the mayor wasn't happy about it.
"I don't like it at all. I don't agree with it," Funkhouser said. "I think it's an over-reaction."
Funkhouser refused the bodyguards when he took office in May 2007, saying he didn't want two plainclothes officers to drive him around, although previous mayors had accepted the protection.
Police Chief Jim Corwin deferred to Funkhouser's wishes in 2007, saying the mayor can "make his own decisions." But the tragedy in Tucson that killed six people changed Corwin's mind.
Corwin was adamant about reinstating the security detail, telling the mayor's office this week that the advantages clearly outweighed any disadvantages.
Officers have provided security for Funkhouser on and off at various functions in recent years, said police spokesman Capt. Steve Young. But in light of recent events, Young said, "It made sense to provide security all the time."
The security boost extends beyond the mayor's office. The department sent letters to City Council members and candidates and state and federal politicians asking for their schedule of public events in Kansas City. The department now will have at least two uniformed officers at such events. Previously, several officers typically attended such functions anyway, but the new policy formalizes the process, Corwin said.
Members of Congress do not have taxpayer-paid security details while in Washington, unless they are in leadership positions.
Read more of this story at KansasCity.com
.JPG)
Comments