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December 14, 2021 Minutes

Publish Date 12/14/2021

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14, 2021

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, December 14, 2021, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.

 

PRESENT:

Commissioner Mark Tolbert, President

Commissioner Cathy Dean, Vice President

Commissioner Don Wagner, Treasurer

Commissioner Dawn Cramer, Member

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member

Mr. David V. Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Richard C. Smith, Chief of Police

 

This meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Commissioner Tolbert.  Communications Specialist Vivian Young led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Reverend Ester Holzendorf provided the invocation. 

  1. Guest Presentations. Arts Tech Executive Director Juan Tabb and Founder Dave Sullivan presented on Arts Tech’s Teens in Transition (TNT) program.  TNT is an initiative to provide at-risk youth, ages 14-17 years, the opportunity to acquire life skills and job-readiness training through the use of expressive arts, conflict resolution, and interaction with positive, caring adults and law enforcement officers.  TNT participants use creative and innovative strategies to build positive relationships among their peers, program staff, and the community. 

            According to Mr. Tabb, TNT has proven to be an effective program.  From 2015 to 2018, 210 teenagers started the program and 154 completed the program, yielding a 73 percent completion rate.  Of those that completed the program, two-thirds have since avoided any negative contact with the police.  Mr. Tabb explained that these TNT statistics are an indication that proactive and evidence-based intervention works. 

            Mr. Sullivan provided additional program outcomes and expectations.  These measurable results are as follows: 80 percent of participants completing orientation will successfully complete the TNT program, 90 percent of participants will have zero unexcused absences, 90 percent of participants will not have new adverse police contact, 80 percent of participants that complete TNT will engage with Client Advocates and School Resource Officers during the school year, 30 percent of participants will apply for and obtain part-time employment during the school year, and all participants will complete a group art project for public display in the community. 

            The Board thanked Mr. Tabb and Mr. Sullivan for their presentation and work with the Arts Tech Teens in Transition program. 

            Jackie Cudahy of the Kansas City, Missouri Citizen Police Academy Alumni Association (CPAAA) presented the opportunity of a Citizen Police Academy for City Leaders.  Ms. Cudahy gave a brief overview of the Citizen Police Academy program.  KCPD’s Citizen Police Academy is an 11-week program designed to promote two-way communication between the community and Department.  There are a combination of presentations, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and field trips that go along with each topic.  Topics include overview of Department units such as Accident Investigations, Bomb & Arson, Crisis Intervention, De-escalation Techniques, Homicide, Hostage Negotiation, K-9, Helicopter Unit, Social Workers, Dispatch, Crime Lab, etc.  Participants also ride along with an officer for one shift.    

            Ms. Cudahy advised that the CPAAA would like to extend an invitation to City Council Members to participate in a version of the Citizen Police Academy. Potential topics would include the KCPD hiring process and training, homicide and victim assistance, VirTra Simulation, Crisis Interview Team, Social Workers, Community Interaction Officers, Use of Force and De-escalation techniques, traffic stops and other scenarios, and the CrimeStoppers program.  The CPAAA plans to present the proposal to the City Council.  If considered, the CPAAA would then determine the final format and content of the City Leader academy. 

            The Board thanked Ms. Cudahy for her presentation and proposal.  Commissioner Cramer added that citizen ride-alongs are very beneficial and can provide a lot of insight on the day-to-day duties of law enforcement. 

  1. Crime Reporting/Gun Crime. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin presented information on monthly crime statistics.  He advised that to-date 2021, there have been 149 homicides compared to 174 at this same time in 2020.  KCPD has cleared 90 homicides this year.  To-date 2021, there have been 486 non-fatal shootings, compared to 609 at this time last year.  Deputy Chief Mabin advised that there were 32 non-fatal shootings in November 2021, compared to 46 in November 2020.  He presented statistics on suspect and victim characteristics for the month of November 2021.

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that the Department recovered 173 firearms in November 2021, compared to 203 in November 2020.  Year-to-date 2021, the Department has recovered a total of 2,228 firearms.

Captain Michael Hutcheson, Property Crimes Unit, provided a presentation on gun thefts from automobiles.  Captain Hutcheson explained that due to recent legislation, more individuals are carrying guns than ever before.  He advised that Missouri is among 39 states that do not require individuals to report stolen guns.

Captain Hutcheson advised that in 2020, there were 498 guns stolen from vehicles.  To-date in 2021, there have been 613 guns stolen from vehicles.  He advised that 37 percent of gun thefts have occurred in the Central Patrol Divisions, specifically in Westport, Power & Light, Crossroads District, and 18th & Vine.  In response to a question, Captain Hutcheson advised that overt and covert surveillance operations are targeting entertainment districts to prevent gun thefts from vehicles. 

Mayor Lucas spoke about the great challenge the City faces with a large amount of people carrying guns and leaving them in vehicles.  He spoke about potential ordinances from City Council that would aim to reduce gun thefts, such as adequate lighting in parking lots and staggering closing times of businesses. 

            Deputy Chief Mabin spoke about cases submitted for prosecution.  In November 2021, there were 246 cases submitted for prosecution; 115 of those cases were filed.  Deputy Chief Mabin reported that there were 107 prosecution declinations last month.

  1. Community Outreach. Central Patrol Social Worker Brooke McQuillar spoke about referrals that the Social Worker Program handled.  Ms. McQuillar was able to obtain items for a domestic violence victim that had recently been relocated for her safety.  The victim was a mother of two, and in need of basic items to furnish the new home.  Ms. McQuillar located furniture, clothing for the family, and toys for the children through a local thrift store. 

Ms. McQuillar also spoke about an incident where an individual was located at the Greyhound Bus Station.  The individual was from out-of-town, and was in need on essential clothing items.  Social workers were able to provide the individual with clothing from the Social Worker Program’s clothing closet. 

Deputy Chief Karen True presented a slideshow of photographs from events that KCPD was involved in this month.  These events included a variety of community events, award ceremonies, meal giveaways, Plaza lighting, cops and kids shopping events, gift drives, and the Presidential visit.  Mayor Lucas commended the Traffic Division for their professional assistance and escort in welcoming President Biden to Kansas City and the escort of the Mayor’s Christmas Tree.     

Sergeant Brad Lemon, President of Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 99, spoke about the Cops and Kids Shopping event.  The FOP was able to provide 150+ kids with presents for the holiday.  Sergeant Lemon advised that the FOP will do a similar event with local foster children.  He thanked all individuals and groups for their donations to make these events possible. 

Sergeant Lemon presented a video about an initiative with KCPD and LINC – Local Investment Commission in Kansas City.  LINC is a non-profit that is designed to improve the lives of children and families in the Kansas City region. 

Commissioner Cramer asked Sergeant Lemon asked how the Board can better support and listen to the officers.  Sergeant Lemon suggested the best way to hear from officers is to sit-in at patrol division roll call meetings. 

Captain Gregory Williams of the Patrol Support Unit gave a presentation on the Helicopter Unit.  The Helicopter Unit has two sergeant positions and six officer positions, and is equipped with three helicopters.   The Helicopter Unit works seven days a week, and flight-time is typically in two hour increments.  The helicopters are used for patrol support, such as during active pursuits, locating missing persons, and surveillance.  There will be a $2 million request for new cameras for the three helicopters.

Police Officer Aaron McKie gave a presentation on Crime Free Multi-Housing.  The Crime Free Multi-Housing program is a law enforcement-based crime prevention solution designed to help keep illegal activity out of rental property.  Each patrol division has officers dedicated to the Crime Free Multi-Housing Program.

Police Officer McKie spoke about his work with the Friendship Village Apartments.  He spoke about the problems that the apartment complex faced from 1990 to 2012, before the complex participated in the Crime Free Multi-Housing program.  The complex is now fully certified in the Crime Free program, and is now experiencing a three to four year waitlist for applicants.  Police Officer McKie shared a news story video on the successes of the Friendship Village Apartments.

The Board commended Police Officer McKie for his hard work with bettering this complex, and stated that examples like such are real community policing efforts. 

  1. Department Staffing and Recruitment. Deputy Chief Michael Hicks provided an update on Department staffing.  As of November 30, 2021, Department strength was 1,732.  For this time period, there were 1,191 sworn law enforcement personnel, 510 career civilians, 26 police officer candidates, and five Board members.  KCPD has 114 members less than it did during this same time period in 2020; there are 294 current job vacancies.  By December 31, 2021, the Department expects an additional 41 members to resign or retire, leaving a total workforce of 1,691.  These staffing levels are equivalent to those in the early 1980s. 

Deputy Chief Hicks advised that the Department has lost 155 to-date in 2021.  The Department has hired 84 new employees in 2021, compared to 111 new members in 2020; 26 of the new members this year are recruits in the new Academy class.   

Deputy Chief Hicks spoke about the Dell EMC SourceOne Discovery Manager.  SourceOne is a software used to store archived data for State requirements in risk management.  The Department was notified that, in the near future, the system will no longer be supported.  KCPD will have to identify a new vendor to continue to archive data, but also to migrate all data currently stored on SourceOne.  The Department will release a Request for Proposal (RFP) to identify a vendor.

Chief Smith advised that this request is outside of the Department’s normal budget cycle.  He noted the importance of the software, as it helps fulfill Missouri Sunshine Law records requests for information such as email searches.  Deputy Chief Hicks added that the project could potentially take up to 18 months, so the Department will begin the RFP process now.   

  1. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier provided an update on the radio system.  He advised that he obtained the City-wide radio list that identifies the number of radios for each City Department.  There are 4,779 radios total on the system; there are 1,524 mobile in-car radios and 3,255 portable hand-held radios.  The $9.9 million expense to upgrade the radio system is for KCPD’s portion of the radios. 

            Deputy Chief Niemeier presented a draft copy of Special Order 21-22: Sworn and Non-Sworn Pay Scale Adjustments.  He advised that funds were identified to spend on pay scale adjustments, resulting in pay raises for KCPD employees.  The pay raises will take effect on December 26, 2021.

            A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Dean, to approve the salary scale adjustments as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

Deputy Chief Niemeier presented the following items for Board approval:

  1. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2021-22.  A memorandum dated December 2, 2021, was presented to recommend approval of budget transfers.  This budget transfer will affect the General Fund, Police Grants Fund, and Grants Special Revenue Fund.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the budget transfers as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Jackson County Drug Tax Unit Addendum.  A memorandum dated December 3, 2021, was presented to recommend the acceptance of the Jackson County Drug Tax Unit Addendum in the amount of $78,269.00.  This addendum brings the total award to $2,699,376.00.  The time period for these additional funds is November 1, 2021 through December 31, 2021.  These funds provide additional undercover and civilian support personnel within the Narcotics and Vice Division and the Kansas City Police Crime Laboratory.              A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the Jackson County Drug Tax Unit Addendum award in the amount of $78,269.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.
  2. Unappropriate Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant Funds. A memorandum dated December 8, 2021, was presented to recommend approval to unappropriate funds in the amount of $186,976.00.  These funds were passed through from the City of Kansas City to assist with overtime and minor equipment expenses related to the COVID-19 pandemic.  These funds were unused by the Department, and the City has a need for the remaining funds.

A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Dean, to approve the unappropriation of Bureau of Justice Assistance Grant Funds in the amount of $186,976.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Professional Development and Research Bureau. Deputy Chief Mike Wood presented the Basic Training Class Summary for November 2021.  The 172nd Entrant Officer Class graduated on December 9, 2021.  This is an outside agency class with zero KCPD recruits.  The 173rd Entrant Officer Class began training on September 14, 2021, and is expected to graduate on March 24, 2022.  The class started with 32 KCPD recruits and 16 from outside agencies; however, six KCPD recruits have since resigned and one was recycled to a civilian position, leaving 25 KCPD recruits.  Deputy Chief Wood advised that an outside agency class will begin on February 7, 2022.  If funding is available, KCPD can have up to 35 recruits in this class.

            Deputy Chief Wood provided an update on the Youth Services Unit.  He advised that 887 youth attended activities at the Police Athletic League (PAL) in November, and more than 800 meals were served during the month.  He advised that there were five D.A.R.E. graduations (200+ children) in November. 

            Deputy Chief Wood spoke about the PAL holiday meal giveaway that occurred on November 24, 2021, and the holiday party on December 9, 2021.  He advised that Board members are invited to attend all PAL events in the future, including the holiday meal giveaway on December 23, 2021.  

Deputy Chief Wood presented the following policy projects for Board approval:

  1. Project 1258: Personnel Actions and Salary Adjustments
  2. Project 1378: Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 99 Peer Support Specialists

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve Project 1258, Personnel Actions and Salary Adjustments, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve Project 1378, Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 99 Peer Support Specialists, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

In response to a question from Commissioner Tolbert, Deputy Chief Wood explained that all employees, sworn and civilians, are eligible to seek peer support through the FOP. 

  1. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Holly Dodge presented the November 2021 Private Officers Licensing Unit Monthly Summary.  In November 2021, there were 28 private officer license suspensions, three license denials, and zero license revocations.

In response to a question from Commissioner Tolbert, Chief Smith advised that law enforcement are mandated to qualify at the firearms range twice a year.  Officers can also attend open shooting at the range on Fridays.  Ms. Dodge advised that private security officers qualify annually at the firearms range.

  1. Public Comments. Sadeh Oz stated her support of KCPD.  She thanked the Department for the detailed presentations in today’s meeting.  Ms. Oz expressed her dissatisfaction with Mayor Lucas.

            Mayor Lucas left the meeting at 12:08 p.m.

Steve Young spoke about the officer-involved shooting death of Cameron Lamb.  He expressed his concern about comments made by Chief Smith following the shooting.  He requested that the Board terminate Chief Smith.

Rachel Thomas spoke about the officer-involved shooting death of Cameron Lamb.  She stated that she is happy that Detective DeValkenaere has been charged.

Aquil Bey, father of Cameron Lamb, spoke about the officer-involved shooting death of Mr. Lamb.  He demanded that Chief Smith resign immediately.  He also requested that the Department of Justice investigate the Department. 

Indigenous Xi spoke on behalf of the Black Panther Party.  He expressed his concern with the functions of the Department.    

Lora McDonald, MORE2, demanded local control of the Department. 

Sheryl Ferguson expressed concern with Chief Smith’s leadership and the way law enforcement officers are trained.

Officer Timothy Griddine spoke about his 34 years of service to the City, and expressed concerns with racism on the Department.  He stated that the Board should talk to the rank and file about the working environment, and leave commanders out of the discussion. 

Winifred Jamieson expressed frustration with public comments being at the end of the meeting agenda.  She expressed concern with Chief Smith’s leadership, and demanded he immediately resign.

Reverend Ester Holzendorf spoke about the need to “clean up KCPD.” 

Khadijah Hardaway, spokesperson for the family of Malcolm Johnson, expressed her concerns about Chief Smith and Sergeant Brad Lemon. 

Doug Shafer expressed concern with comments made by Chief Smith following the officer-involved shooting death of Cameron Lamb.  Mr. Shafer stated that Chief Smith should resign immediately. 

  1. Recap from Chief Richard Smith. Chief Smith spoke about violent crime statistics in the City as we are nearing year-end.  Chief Smith noted that non-fatal shootings and homicides are both down for the year, compared to year-end statistics from 2020.  Twelve major cities in America on the other hand are on track to set a record for homicides.
  2. Approval of minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve the minutes of the open session meetings of the Board of Police Commissioners on October 27, 2021, November 4-5, 2021, November 16, 2021, and November 29, 2021.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 
  3. Mr. David Kenner. Mr. Kenner wished everyone a safe and Happy Holiday.
  4. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer wished everyone a Happy Holiday. 
  5. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:

 

Board Disciplinary Hearings:

 

BOPC 21-08

February 25, 2022, 9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

BOPC 21-02

May 13, 2022, 9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

Regular Meetings:

 

January 25, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

February 22, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

March 22, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

April 26, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

May 24, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

June 28, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

July 12, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

August 23, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

September 27, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

October 25, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

November 15, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

December 13, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn the open meeting at 12:46 p.m. and reconvene in closed session 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 February 1, 2021, 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, December 14, 2021, 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 Dawn Cramer                                     -           Aye

Commissioner Don Wagner                                       -           Aye

            Commissioner Cathy Dean                                         -           Aye

Commissioner Mark Tolbert                                       -           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 December 14, 2021:

The Board went into closed session at 1:00 p.m. 

1)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Dean, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed sessions of the Board of Police Commissioners on November 16, 2021, and on November 29, 2021.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

            Mayor Lucas and Commissioner Cramer left the meeting at 2:27 p.m.

2)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean, and a second by Commissioner Wagner, the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, and Commissioner Wagner voted Aye.

The Board adjourned at 2:45 p.m.