The Kansas City Police Department is proposing new policies on use of force during large demonstrations and public gatherings.
The proposed policy would limit officers' use of tear gas. It also requires officers to create a buffer zone between them and protesters, and prohibits officers from intentionally escalating confrontations. Chief Rick Smith presented the “First Amendment-Protected Activities” policy Tuesday to the Kansas City Board of Police Commissioners. No official action was taken.
The policy comes after police were criticized for using tear gas and other means to disperse crowds during social justice protests last summer.
