Retired officer seeks to bring community-focused policing back to Wyandotte County
David Kearney’s path to running for Wyandotte County Sheriff began in the northeast end of Kansas City, Kansas, where he grew up as the only boy in a household with four sisters and his mother. It was there, he says, that he first developed his protective instincts and later, his calling to law enforcement.
“I felt good being a protector,” Kearney explained in a recent interview with Wyandotte News Daily. “I would always be worried about my mother and my sisters and all them when I was away, trying to be the man of the house.”
Kearney’s journey wasn’t straightforward. After graduating from Schlagle High School in 1982, he admits he was “one of those rebellious children and hung out in the streets a little bit too long.” His turning point came through military service, which set him on the path toward a 25-year career in law enforcement first with the Wyandotte County Sheriff’s Department then the Kansas City, Kansas Police Department.
A Career Built on Experience
Starting in detention before moving to court transport and eventually joining the police department, Kearney spent over three decades in law enforcement. Since retiring with the rank of master sergeant in 2015, he has worked as director of security at a local retail store, along with other private security jobs.
“There’s probably nothing I haven’t seen. If you name it good and bad I’ve probably come across it or dealt with it directly out there,” Kearney said, reflecting on his extensive career.
Personal Motivation for Change
Kearney’s decision to run for sheriff stems partly from his own experiences with police misconduct during his youth. He recounted being struck by an officer while handcuffed in the back of a police car, with the officer telling him he would “never be” anything. Another incident at age 19 involved being hit in the head with a gun by a police officer.
“A lot of that stuff directed me toward wanting to be in law enforcement,” Kearney explained. “You want to know what makes a person do something like that? And the best way to change it is to get inside of it.”
A Community-Centered Platform
Now married to his wife Amy for nearly 10 years in a blended family with seven children ranging from ages 16 to 41, Kearney’s platform centers on community engagement and presence. He envisions a sheriff’s office that prioritizes direct community interaction over traditional law enforcement approaches.
“I never really looked at it until I decided to run for sheriff, but I’m the sheriff at the liquor store that I’m at. I greet everybody, that’s the kind of guy the sheriff should be,” he said.
Kearney challenges the current model of sheriff visibility: “I would almost challenge anybody. When would they’ve had they seen a sheriff that will actually get out in the problem areas, which is where they should be, and just [say], ‘Hey, how you doing?’ No one’s required to speak to me, but at least they know I’m there.”
Focus on Jail Reform and Mental Health
Drawing from his experience working in detention, Kearney emphasizes the need for treating both inmates and jail employees with greater respect and support. He sees significant opportunities for reform in how the county approaches incarceration and reintegration.
“You can make a difference in that,” he said regarding jail work. “I’ve talked to some guys that be like and they’ve told me, ‘And I say this humbly because of you, I’ve changed my life.'”
Kearney also highlights the prevalence of mental health issues in daily law enforcement work: “I can guarantee you. I see mental health issues every day at the liquor store. Every single day. I talk to them, they talk to me, they’ll explain something. Maybe we don’t solve a problem that day, but they walk away maybe feeling just a little bit better.”
Budget Challenges and Solutions
Addressing the ongoing budget constraints facing the sheriff’s department, Kearney proposes a pragmatic approach focused on resource management and grant funding.
“When it comes to the budget, sometimes, if we can take a little bit from here, it’s managing your bank account. I can take a little bit from here and save us some money here,” he explained. He also suggests hiring a full-time grant writer to pursue federal funding for community programs.
Back-to-Basics Philosophy
Kearney’s overall philosophy centers on returning to fundamental policing principles. “Law enforcement just needs to, they really need to get back to the basics. Policing is not hard. Show up, do your job, be visible, respect people, and do that. We’ve just got to do it more with common sense and with that key word, character.”
He emphasizes the importance of integrity in law enforcement: “You have to have that integrity, the moral ethic, quality to do this job. It’s a thankless job, don’t get me wrong, and in my opinion, it really takes a special type person to do it.”
Looking Ahead
As the primary election approaches, Kearney continues to engage with community members throughout Wyandotte County. Living in the Piper area with his wife, he spends his free time riding motorcycles and watching his youngest daughter prepare for graduation.
His candidacy represents a blend of extensive law enforcement experience and a commitment to community-focused reform. Whether voters will embrace his vision of a more accessible, community-oriented sheriff’s office remains to be seen, but Kearney’s decades of service and personal journey from troubled youth to law enforcement veteran provide a unique perspective on the challenges facing Wyandotte County.
“I love Wyandotte County because it’s all I’ve known really,” Kearney concluded. “There’s not a neighborhood in this county that I would be afraid to walk in by myself in uniform out there.”