August 19, 2025 Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2025
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Tom Whittaker, President
Commissioner Madeline Romious, Vice President
Commissioner Scott Boswell, Treasurer
Commissioner Heather Hall, Member
Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member
Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
Stacey Graves, Chief of Police
This meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Commissioner Whittaker. Deputy Chief Steve Young led the Pledge of Allegiance. Following the Pledge of Allegiance, Chief Stacey Graves presented Deputy Chief Young with a Chief’s Challenge Coin, for his 29+ years of dedicated service to the Department and City of Kansas City. Chief Graves and the Board congratulated Deputy Chief Young on his upcoming retirement. Mayor Lucas joined the meeting at 9:34 a.m. Chaplain John Modest Miles provided the invocation.
1. Guest Presentation. Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson spoke about the young victims impacted by gun violence across the City. She advised that her office filed felony charges against three individuals for a series of shootings into occupied homes. Prosecutor Johnson advised that as a result of the SAVE KC program, group-related violence is down. She noted that her office has submitted charges on 63 percent of the cases received in July, which is up from 41 percent in January 2025. Prosecutor Johnson thanked KCPD for their investigative work and collaboration.
2. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves thanked Prosecutor Johnson for her leadership and collaboration in the SAVE KC program. Chief Graves spoke about the loss of two teens in the City due to recent gun violence. She assured that the Department is working hard to intervene before violence occurs and enforcing on those who do harm in Kansas City. This culture of violence is not to be tolerated.
Chief Graves advised that the 184th Entrant Officer Class graduated from the Academy on August 14, 2025, and 35 new KCPD officers were sworn in. Additionally, Chief Graves swore-in three lateral officers. The Department welcomed the 186th Entrant Officer Class as they began training yesterday. There are currently 32 KCPD recruits in that new class. In response to a question, Chief Graves advised that an increased number of officers comes with the need for additional fleet and equipment. These factors will be taken into consideration as the Department works on the requested budget for the next fiscal year.
3. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier congratulated Sergeant Andrew Dorothy, Major Martin Cobbinah, and Deputy Chief Steve Young on their retirements. Deputy Chief Niemeier introduced Captain Kelly Clark and Sergeant Billy VonWolf. Captain Clark and Sergeant VonWolf provided an overview of the Career Criminal Squad.
The Career Criminal Squad is within the Special Investigations Division. This squad is responsible for identifying, arresting, and aiding in the prosecution of violent career offenders, high-profile fugitives, and the dismantlement of ongoing criminal enterprises. They also investigate complex commercial/bank armed robbery crews, murder-for-hire investigations, violent drug trafficking organizations and other high-profile cases. They also conduct high-risk and electronic surveillance. This squad is on-call 24 hours, seven days a week.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 101 homicides to-date 2025, compared to 95 homicides during this same time period in 2024. The Department has cleared 49 homicides that occurred this year, and an additional 22 homicides from previous years. There were 11 homicides during the month of July, and an additional five so far in August. Deputy Chief Niemeier noted that there have been 18 domestic violence-related homicides this year.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that as of August 17, 2025, there have been 264 non-fatal shootings year-to-date 2025, compared to 390 during the same time period in 2024. There were 45 non-fatal shootings in July 2025, compared to 58 in July 2024.
Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about “purple fentanyl” that has been recently in the news. Purple fentanyl is a variant of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, that is mixed with other drugs such as lidocaine or xylazine. Lidocaine is Narcan-resistant. Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about the dangers of fentanyl and how deadly it is. He advised that the Drug Enforcement Unit gives presentations year-round to different groups. In response to a question from Commissioner Hall, Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that a majority of overdose victims are between the ages of 35 and 45.
4. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin introduced Sergeant Johnita Harris. Sergeant Harris, supervisor of the Police Athletic League (PAL), gave a presentation on the PAL program. The PAL program serves as a constructive alternative to anti-social behavior and boredom during the youth developmental years and into adulthood. PAL offers multiple athletic and academic programs for the youth, free of charge, such as basketball, boxing, soccer, baseball, flag football, robotics, tutoring, and mentoring. PAL also provides a pantry, self-care items, and other resources for the kids and their families.
Mayor Lucas left the meeting at 10:31 a.m.
Deputy Chief Mabin presented monthly statistics for the Patrol Bureau. He advised that the median response time for Priority 10 calls (also known as Priority 1) for the month of July was 8 minutes and 46 seconds; the Department’s Priority 10 response time goal is 7.50 minutes. The Priority 20 (also known as Priority 2) response time for the month of July was 11 minutes and one second; the Department’s Priority 20 response time goal is 9.00 minutes. The response time is the amount of time from when the call is created until an officer arrives on scene.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that there have been 42 fatal crashes with 45 victims to-date 2025, compared to 50 fatal crashes with 55 victims during this same time period in 2024. There were 1,523 city-wide crashes in July 2025, compared to 1,463 in July 2024. There have been 10,337 citywide crashes to-date 2025, compared to 10,268 crashes at this same time in 2024. Deputy Chief Mabin noted that officers issued 195 citations in high-crash locations on 71 Highway. Members of the Traffic Division issued 5,735 traffic citations in July 2025, compared to 5,441 in July 2024.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that members of the Traffic Division held sideshow/street racing enforcement operations during the month of July, which resulted in 17 stops, 23 citations issued, six arrests, 11 towed vehicles, and one firearm recovery.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that the Tactical Response Teams (formerly TAC) were recently renamed to SWAT. To be recognized as a SWAT team, additional training and certifications are required. These KCPD members have received the required training, such as hostage rescue and counter-terrorism response, and this renaming will allow them to be properly recognized by other agencies during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
5. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of July 31, 2025, Department strength was 1,719. For this time period, there were 1,099 sworn law enforcement personnel, 81 police officer candidates (recruits), 534 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 170 total vacancies. He advised that 35 KCPD recruits graduated from the Academy and three additional lateral officers were sworn-in last week.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that there are 12 lateral sworn law enforcement candidates in various stages of the hiring process. Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that there are 38 KCPD recruits in the 185th Entrant Officer Class (EOC); they are scheduled to graduate from the Academy on November 20, 2025. There are 32 KCPD recruits in the 186th EOC; they are scheduled to graduate on March 12, 2025.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Employment Unit has 27 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process. Additionally, there are two pending job officers. The strong surge in career interest within the Communications Unit has come after City Council announced pay increases for the Unit.
The Department will hold law enforcement testing sessions on August 21, 2025, September 20, 2025, and October 15, 2025, at the Regional Police Academy. The Department continues to hire for all positions. More information on open positions can be found at https://kcpolice.org/careers/. Deputy Chief Ortiz also advised that a Women’s Personal Safety Class was held at the Academy on August 9, 2025. There were 80 participants.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Regional Crime Laboratory processed 5,286 items for 662 cases during the month of July. Lab personnel processed 90 crime scenes, 320 DNA samples, and 3,094 firearms. They also provided seven tours of the facility with 63 participants. In response to a question, Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that about 50 percent of work done at the Crime Lab is done for other agencies. The Kansas City Regional Crime Lab is nationally recognized and provides services for agencies across the region.
6. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Derek McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2025-06. A memorandum dated August 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the Police Grants Fund and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
b. Engine N692PD 3500-hour Overhaul. A memorandum dated August 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval for an engine overhaul for KCPD Police Helicopter N692PD by Ozark Aeroworks, in the amount of $268,400.00.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve the N692PD engine overhaul by Ozark Aeroworks, in the amount of $268,400.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
c. Bid No. 2025-0003, High-Speed Gear Vest Pouches. A memorandum dated August 7, 2025, was presented recommending approval to award a one-year contract to Dana Safety Supply, for High-Speed Gear Vest Pouches, at a total expenditure of $245,160.00.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to award a one-year contract to Dana Safety Supply, for High-Speed Gear Vest Pouches, at a total expenditure of $245,160.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
d. Addendum to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Task Force Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). A memorandum dated August 4, 2025, was presented recommending acceptance of the Addendum to the DEA Task Force MOU. This Addendum increases the number of DEA Task Force Officers from two to nine and will remain in effect until September 30, 2026.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to accept the Addendum to the DEA Task Force MOU, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
7. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert congratulated Deputy Chief Young on his upcoming retirement and thanked him for the support he’s provided to the Office of General Counsel.
8. Public Comments. Joy Marie Chamberland requested the Board members speak directly into their microphones, so they can be easily heard. She also requested that the Board enforce the two-minute time limit for public comments. She spoke about the challenges of response times and thanked all Department members for the job they do.
9. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on July 29, 2025. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
10. Secretary/Attorney David Kenner. Mr. Kenner congratulated Deputy Chief Young on his upcoming retirement and stated it was a pleasure to work with him over the years.
11. Commissioner Heather Hall. Commissioner Hall congratulated Deputy Chief Young on his upcoming retirement and thanked him for his years of service.
12. Commissioner Scott Boswell. Commissioner Boswell congratulated Deputy Chief Young on his upcoming retirement, and congratulated Major Ryan Mills for his upcoming promotion to Deputy Chief.
13. Commissioner Madeline Romious. Commissioner Romious thanked Deputy Chief Niemeier for the overviews of the various units within the Investigations Division every month. The information provided is very informative and helpful. She also congratulated Deputy Chief Young on his upcoming retirement and spoke of the legacy of the Young family in policing.
14. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker congratulated Deputy Chief Young on his upcoming retirement and his remarkable career.
15. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Disciplinary Hearings:
BOPC 24-05
THIS HEARING HAS BEEN CONTINUED FROM ITS CURRENT SETTING OF JANUARY 24, 2025, AND WILL BE RESET FOR A FUTURE DATE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD.
BOPC 25-02
THIS HEARING HAS BEEN CONTINUED FROM ITS CURRENT SETTING OF MARCH 7, 2025, AND WILL BE RESET FOR A FUTURE DATE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD.
*Disciplinary Hearings are closed under Section 590.502(6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
Regular Meetings:
September 23, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
October 28, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
November 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
December 16, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
January 27, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
February 24, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
March 24, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
April 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
May 12, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
June 23, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:04 a.m., as provided in the following resolution. Following a roll call, the vote was 4-0 in favor.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, notice of the board meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners was given on December 24, 2024, and
WHEREAS, said notice indicated that the Board of Police Commissioners might go into closed session during said meeting, and
WHEREAS, notice of the closed meeting follows the guidelines of Section 610.020 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Police Commissioners go into closed session during the meeting being held on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, at KCPD Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City, for the purpose of discussing personnel matters, labor negotiations, and litigation matters.
The following Commissioners were present and voted to go into closed session as follows:
Commissioner Heather Hall - Aye
Commissioner Scott Boswell - Aye
Commissioner Madeline Romious - Aye
Commissioner Tom Whittaker - Aye
There being a quorum present and the question of holding a closed session having received an affirmative public vote of at least three (3) members, a closed meeting was held as set forth above.
Below are the votes from the closed session of the Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025:
The Board went into closed session at 11:15 a.m. Mayor Lucas joined the closed meeting at 11:42 a.m.
1) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the case of Anne Dumit v. BOPC, in an amount not to exceed $___, and subject to certain terms of payment and other conditions.[1] The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to authorize the expenditure of up to $500,000 in the aggregate for legal fees and expenses in the case of Zachary Storms v. BOPC. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
3) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Boswell, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session minutes on July 29, 2025. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
4) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Romious, at 12:40 p.m., the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss personnel matters. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
5) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Boswell, the Board voted to approve the Fifth Amended and Restated Professional Services Agreement with David Kenner. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
6) Following a motion by Commissioner Romious and a second by Commissioner Hall, at 1:00 p.m., the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 1:00 p.m.
[1] The amount and terms are redacted under § 610.021(1), R.S.Mo., because no final disposition of the matter has occurred.