Former Kansas City Officer Blayne Newton Resigns, Keeps Police License

Newton received $50,000 severance but still maintains his peace officer license despite a history of violent incidents.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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Blayne Newton, a former Kansas City police officer with a history of violent incidents, has resigned from the department but still maintains his peace officer license. While his departure is a positive step, the fact that he was able to keep his license is concerning, as it allows him to potentially be employed in law enforcement elsewhere in the state.

Why it matters

Newton's continued licensure raises questions about accountability and oversight within the Kansas City Police Department. His track record of fatally shooting three people, injuring another, and brutally assaulting two women while on duty has eroded public trust, and stakeholders are calling for action to ensure he cannot return to law enforcement.

The details

As part of his separation agreement, Newton received a $50,000 severance payment from the Kansas City Police Department. However, he was not required to surrender his peace officer license, which means he could potentially be hired by another law enforcement agency in Missouri. Stakeholders are now being encouraged to file complaints against Newton with the Missouri Officer Training and Standards program (POST) in an effort to revoke his license.

  • On February 14, 2026, Blayne Newton resigned from the Kansas City Police Department.
  • Since 2020, Newton has been involved in three fatal shootings, injured another person, and brutalized two women while on duty.

The players

Blayne Newton

A former Kansas City police officer with a history of violent incidents, including three fatal shootings and the brutal assault of two women while on duty.

Stacey Graves

The current police chief of the Kansas City Police Department, who has been criticized for not terminating Newton's employment sooner.

Missouri Officer Training and Standards (POST)

The state agency that handles disciplinary issues involving law enforcement officers and their licenses.

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What they’re saying

“There is a remedy to this glaring omission: Anyone with a vested interest in the Kansas City community can file a complaint against Newtown with the Missouri Officer Training and Standards program known as POST, the state agency that handles disciplinary issues involving law enforcement officers and their license.”

— Toriano Porter, Columnist (kansascity.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Blayne Newton to keep his peace officer license.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issues of accountability and oversight within the Kansas City Police Department, as well as the need for stricter regulations around the licensing of law enforcement officers with histories of violent incidents and misconduct.