UMKC has announced retired Kansas City Police Department Captain Daniel Graves as the next chief of UMKC police.
Graves served at KCPD for nearly 30 years. Before his retirement in 2023, he operated in multiple roles, such as the special investigations unit, the property crimes division and the violent crime division.
He shared plans for community-focused policing alongside efforts to improve campus engagement.
“My goal is to foster a police department culture rooted in trust, accountability and service, while advancing proactive, community-based policing strategies that enhance safety, support student success and position the police department,” Graves said.
He is married to Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves and is set to take over on April 27, replacing interim chief Jay Johnson.
The press release stated that Graves will be sworn in by 16th Judicial Circuit Judge Kenneth R. Garrett III.
![[FILE] Roof blown off downtown business after storms on April 23.](https://kcroonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Image-88-1200x900.jpg)
![[FILE] The Starbucks in the Student Union.](https://kcroonews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Edited-1-7-1200x900.jpg)
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