Illuminating Hope, a podcast of Hope House brings you Voices of Justice, a series of podcasts where law enforcement officials, judges, and advocates come together to unravel the entangled web of domestic violence. Join us as we dive into the complex challenges faced by those on the front lines of justice, exploring real-life stories, legal nuances, and the human side of these cases. In each episode, our guests share their experiences, insights, and perspectives, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of domestic violence. Tune in for a compelling journey into the criminal justice system, where compassion meets the pursuit of truth, and where professionals strive to bring justice to those affected by the cycle of abuse.

Chief Stacey Graves, a lifelong Kansas Citian, began her career at KCPD in 1997 as a civilian records clerk. After joining the police academy in December of 1997, she held multiple assignments as a police officer including Central Patrol Division, East Patrol Division, the Drug Enforcement Unit and the Career Criminal Section. Graves was promoted to Sergeant in 2007. During her tenure as a Sergeant, she was assigned to Patrol, the Media Unit as a Public Information Officer and she was an Operations Sergeant in the Chief’s Office serving under Chief Darryl Forté. Promoted to Captain in 2014, Graves was assigned to Internal Affairs, returned to the Media Unit and Patrol. In 2018, she was promoted to Major. As Major, Graves was the Commander of Shoal Creek Division, Human Resources and served as the Executive Officer in the Patrol Bureau Office.

On December 15, 2022, twenty-five years after starting the police academy, Graves was selected to be the chief. At 48 years of age, Graves became the 48th Police Chief in KCPD’s 148-year history, and also became the first woman to serve as permanent chief.

Graves obtained her Associates Degree from Penn Valley. Graves went on to earn a B.A. in Administration of Justice from the University of Missouri-Kansas City and an Executive Master of Business Administration with an emphasis in Leadership from Benedictine College.

We are also joined by Operations Sergeant Maurice Oatis of the Kansas City Police Department. The mission of the KCPD is to protect and serve with professionalism, honor and integrity.