Overview
- Graves told the Board of Police Commissioners Wednesday that she intends to retire and she will remain chief until the board names a successor.
- She leaves after a 29-year KCPD career and four years as the department's first permanent female chief, having been sworn in as chief in December 2022.
- The board credited Graves with measurable crime gains under her leadership, saying the homicide clearance rate rose from 58% in 2022 to 93% in 2026.
- Graves said the timing followed the successful 2026 World Cup public-safety operation and her confidence in rising department leaders, while the board said searches of this size could take several months and may consider internal and external candidates.
- Her announcement comes after years of scrutiny of the department for misconduct claims and legal settlements, and city leaders say the next chief must sustain reforms, address staffing and continue rebuilding trust with communities.