Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement in Kansas City: A Road to Building Community Trust
Kansas City’s Board of Police Commissioners Office of Community Complaints (“OCC”) is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating civilian oversight agencies. Merrell R. Bennekin was recently appointed Executive Director. He has been with the Board of Police Commissioners for the past 15 years, most recently as Deputy Executive Director.
In his presentation, Mr. Bennekin will provide a brief history of civilian oversight and OCC in Kansas City, Missouri. He will explain how the process works in relation to the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department, and also discuss future plans for the OCC.
Bennekin is a native of Eatonton, Ga., and was raised by two educators. After graduating with honors from Morehouse College, Bennekin earned a law degree from the University of Illinois College of Law. While there, Bennekin met Kedra Williams. The two later married and now have two daughters.
Long active in the community, Bennekin is a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity among other community and civic groups.