December 17, 2024 Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2024
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Dawn Cramer, President
Commissioner Tom Whittaker, Vice President
Commissioner Madeline Romious, Treasurer
Commissioner Ed Elder, Member
Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member
Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
Stacey Graves, Chief of Police
This meeting was called to order at 9:31 a.m. by Commissioner Cramer. Captain Terry Freed led the Pledge of Allegiance. Joy Marie Chamberland provided the invocation.
1. City Update. Councilman Crispin Rea, 4th District-at-Large, presented on behalf of the City Council. Councilman Rea advised that three weeks ago, the City Council and Jackson County both approved ordinances for an agreement that allows the City to purchase surplus property from Jackson County to build a rehabilitation and detention center. Councilman Rea advised that the next step is to finalize language for this issue to be placed on an upcoming ballot. Councilman Rea advised that the goal is for this issue to be on the April 2025 ballot.
In response to a question, Councilman Rea advised that Council is currently working on a request for proposal (RFP) for the design and next steps of a future rehabilition and detention facility. Additionally, he advised that the City’s contract with Jackson County is contingent on this ballot measure passing. Councilman Rea was not sure when construction on the facility would start or when it would be completed.
2. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves reflected on 2024, and all of the great police work accomplished by everyone on the Department. She stated that everyone on the Department plays a critical role in protecting and serving the people of Kansas City. The Department has received 963,205 calls for service so far this year, and officers have responded to 213,832 of those calls. Shifting to the 11-hour shift plan, pay increases for law enforcement, the professional staff salary study, and the addition of four crime analysts are just a few of this year’s accomplishments. Chief Graves also noted that this is the lowest number of homicides the City has seen in the past six years.
Mayor Lucas joined the meeting at 9:45 a.m.
Looking forward to 2025, Chief Graves advised that the Department’s goals are to build back patrol, ensuring that there are officers available to answer calls for service, and also allow time for proactive police work focusing on problem areas and trust building with those we serve.
Chief Graves advised the Department will continue to work to increase the staffing of several critical positions, such as call takers and dispatchers, to ensure when someone needs help and calls 911, they immediately hear a helpful voice on the other end of the line. Chief Graves advised that the Department will continue to work hard at creating a positive and supportive environment for its employees, their health and wellness, as well as to attract new members to join the Department.
Chief Graves spoke about the new modernized professional staff compensation scale. The study was completed this past year by Baker Tilly, and their recommendations will allow the Department to have the ability to attract and retain talented staff and compensate them fairly. Chief Graves advised that the Baker Tilly study will be presented the results at the next open session BOPC meeting on January 14, 2025.
Chief Graves advised that the Department will continue to explore new innovations and technology in the next year, to aid and assist in the reduction of violent crime in the City.
The Board commended Chief Graves for her leadership and the many accomplishments made this year.
3. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier spoke about the Department’s Financial Investigation Section. This section is assigned to the Special Investigations Division, and is made up of one sergeant and three detectives. Recently, the Financial Investigation Section investigated a $1.9 million fraud case related to a woman in Kansas City, with victims as far as Texas. Additionally, they investigated a case involving 43 false Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans totaling over $900,000.
Deputy Chief Niemeier provided an update on crime statistics. He advised that to-date in 2024, there have been a total of 140 homicides, compared to 175 homicides during the same time period in 2023. The Department has cleared 81 homicides this year, plus an additional 22 homicides from previous years, totaling 103 solved homicides. The Department’s clearance rate is 74 percent.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there were eight homicides that occurred in November 2024. Three of the November homicides occurred within the Central Patrol Division, four within the Metro Patrol Division, and one within the East Patrol Division. There have been an additional five homicides in December.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 553 non-fatal shootings this year, compared to 493 at this same time period in 2023. In November 2024, there were 28 non-fatal shootings, compared to 36 non-fatal shootings in November 2023.
Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about cases submitted for prosecution. In November 2024, there were 260 cases submitted for prosecution; there were 220 cases submitted to Jackson County, 30 to Clay County, and 10 to Platte County.
Deputy Chief Niemeier provided a recap on the Investigations Unit in 2024: changes were made to drug overdose responses, the addition of four analysts (one in each homicide squad), quarterly meetings with City, State, and Federal Prosecutors, shoot review meetings, lots of cross-training of officers, detective and surveillance schools, and the creation of a domestic violence soft interview room.
4. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin spoke of the notable events within the Patrol Bureau in November 2024. 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 November was 8 minutes and 56 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 November was 11 minutes and 18 seconds; 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 members of the Traffic Division have issued 54,150 traffic citations year-to-date. During this same time period in 2023, there were 45,858 traffic citations issued. In November 2024, members of the Traffic Division issued 4,187 traffic citations. In November 2023, members of the Traffic Division issued 3,210 traffic citations. Deputy Chief Mabin advised there have been 16,260 citywide crashes year-to-date. During this time period in 2023, there were 17,152 citywide crashes. There were 1,501 citywide crashes in November 2024, compared to 1,399 citywide crashes in November 2023.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that year-to-date, there have been 77 fatality crashes with 86 victims. During the same time period in 2023, there were 83 fatality crashes with 94 victims. There were six fatal crashes in the month of November 2024, and three of them involved pedestrians.
Members of the Traffic Division held eight DUI wolfpack enforcement operations in November, which resulted in 159 stops, 35 DUI arrests, and 157 total citations issued. Deputy Chief Mabin noted that there were 104 DUI arrests Department-wide in November 2024.
Commissioner Whittaker thanked Chief Graves, Deputy Chief Mabin, and patrol officers for the impact they are making in the Downtown and Crossroads Districts.
Mayor Lucas stepped out of the meeting at 10:30 a.m., and did not return until the start of the closed session meeting.
5. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of November 30, 2024, Department strength was 1,673. For this time period, there were 1,103 sworn law enforcement personnel, 35 recruits, 530 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 199 total vacancies. Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that this is the first time in several years that the Department has beat the retirement/resignation attrition rate.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that there are currently 27 in the process for possibility eligibility in the next Academy class. Additionally, there are 27 pending job offers. The Department is currently processing 16 lateral transfers and re-hires. He advised that the 21st lateral transfer of the year started yesterday. This year has been the highest number of lateral transfers the Department has seen. Deputy Chief Ortiz believes this is due to the pay increases for law enforcement officers, the 11-hour shift plan, and the culture of the Department.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that there are seven applicants in the hiring process for the Communications Unit. Additionally, there are two pending job offers. Members of the Communications Unit and Recruiting & Employment Unit are attending job fairs at the Full Employment Council on December 18, 2024, and January 8, 2025.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Department held law enforcement testing on December 11, 2024. There were 31 applicants that successfully completed the testing, and they will move on in the hiring process. The Department will hold law enforcement testing on January 25, 2025, February 12, 2025, and March 15, 2025, at the Regional Police Academy. The Department continues to hire for all positions. More information can be found at https://www.kcpd.org/careers/.
Deputy Chief Ortiz reported that there are currently no job vacancies at the Crime Lab. Being fully staffed has helped reduce the Crime Lab’s backlog.
6. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Derek McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated December 4, 2024, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the General Fund, the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund, the Police Grants Fund, and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Elder, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
b. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated December 4, 2024, was presented recommending approval to transfer $2,250,000.00 within the Liability Self-Retention Fund to the Contractual Services – Settlement account.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the $2,250,000.00 adjustment within the special revenue accounts. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
c. Peregrine Unified Data Platform. A memorandum dated November 8, 2024, was presented recommending approval for the purchase of Peregrine Unified Data Platform from Carahsoft Technology Corp, for an annual cost of $647,000.00. The initial contract period is one year, with two additional one-year subscriptions, for a total contractual cost of $1,941,000.00. The Peregrine Platform will aid in the investigation of criminal offenses, and will provide integration from the following Department sources: Hexagon CAD, Motorola CAD, Niche RMS, Forensic Advantage Digital Evidence, FileOnQ Digital Evidence, Genetec ALPR, Thin Blue Line Citations, Crime Analysts’ Work Products, Genetec VMS, City of KC Genetec VMS System, LETS Traffic Accident Reporting, MULES, REJIS, LENS MO DoC, and Panasonic Arbitrator BWC. Peregrine’s modules can produce automation of data collection and analysis allowing for more efficient use of the Department’s resources.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the purchase of Peregrine Unified Data Platform from Carahsoft Technology Corp, utilizing Omnia Partners Contract #R191902, at an annual cost of $647,000.00, and a total contractual cost of $1,941,000.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
d. Replacement of Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) Cameras. A memorandum dated December 5, 2024, was presented recommending approval to purchase ALPR cameras, counters, routers, switches, and Isilon storage, utilizing MARC Contract #93 and Omnia Partners Contract #226017-02, at a total cost of $1,002,659.62.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Elder, to approve the purchase of ALPR cameras, equipment, and storage, utilizing MARC Contract #93 and Omnia Partners Contract #226017-02, at a total cost of $1,002,659.62. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
e. Bid #2024-0013, Glock G45MOS6. A memorandum dated December 9, 2024, was presented to recommend approval to award Bid #2024-0013 for Glock G45MOS6 to GT Distributors, for the handgun conversion project, at an anticipated cost of $459,844.00. There were also two previous purchases that were not anticipated to exceed BOPC approval, totaling $167,216.00, that should be included in this project, for a total anticipated expenditure of $627,060.00.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to award Bid #2024-0013, to GT Distributors, at an anticipated cost of $459,844.00, and an additional $167,216.00 from two previous purchases, for a total anticipated expenditure of $627,060.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
f. Renewal of Bid #2023-0015, Police Uniform Contract. A memorandum dated December 7, 2024, was presented to recommend approval of a one-year contract renewal with Galls, LLC, GT Distributors, and Baysingers Police Supply, Inc., for police uniforms, at an anticipated expenditure of $359,700.67.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve a one-year contract renewal with Galls, LLC, GT Distributors, and Baysingers Police Supply, Inc., for police uniforms, at an anticipated expenditure of $359,700.67. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
g. 2024-25 Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics (MOWIN) Task Force Grant. A memorandum dated December 3, 2024, was presented to recommend acceptance of the 2024-25 MOWIN Task Force subaward in the amount $213,888.00. This award provides funding for salary and overtime for the MOWIN Task Force. This is the 27th year of funding.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to accept the 2024-25 MOWIN Task Force subaward, in the amount of $213,888.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
7. Chief’s Office Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Steve Young presented the following consent agenda item:
a. Project 1495: Training Requirements and Records
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve Project 1495, Training Requirements and Records, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
8. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert presented the following private officer license appeals:
a. Private Officer License Appeal: Koren D. Hobbs. A memorandum dated November 20, 2024, was presented recommending denial of the unarmed private security license of Koren D. Hobbs. On July 27, 2023, Hobbs was convicted of Misdemeanor Criminal Damage of Property in Johnson County, Kansas. The basis for Hobbs’ denial were her actions on December 2, 2022, when she damaged both mirrors of a person’s vehicle, removed the license plate, and broke off the gas cap of the vehicle. She also sent threatening text messages to the person. Title 17 CSR § 10-2.050(3)(F) stipulates that an applicant “must not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in federal or state court.” Additionally, Title 17 CSR § 10-2.050(G) stipulates, in part, that the applicant “must be of good moral character by having no felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or city ordinance convictions, which have an essential element of fraud, dishonesty, an act of violence, bribery, illegal drug use, sexual misconduct, and other similar actions constituting moral turpitude.”
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to deny the unarmed private security license of Koren D. Hobbs. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
b. Private Officer License Appeal: Aubrey J. Husband. A memorandum dated November 20, 2024, was presented recommending denial of the unarmed private security license of Aubrey J. Husband. On March 10, 2022, Husband walked into a Walmart, ripped the tags off of a sweatshirt, and exited the store without paying. Husband was convicted of Misdemeanor Theft in Cobb County, Georgia, for these actions. Title 17 CSR § 10-2.050(G) stipulates, in part, that the applicant “must be of good moral character by having no felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or city ordinance convictions, which have an essential element of fraud, dishonesty, an act of violence, bribery, illegal drug use, sexual misconduct, and other similar actions constituting moral turpitude.”
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to deny the unarmed private security license of Aubrey J. Husband. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
10. Public Comments. Bill Drummond, resident of the Manheim Park area, thanked the Department for their response to the problems in the Crossroads Arts District. He asked that the Department share crime data with residents more rapidly, such as live ShotSpotter gunshot detection data. He also believes it would be beneficial to link the ShotSpotter system with cameras across the City, to capture fleeing suspects.
Mary Faith White stated that she was recently a victim of an aggravated assault. Chief Graves connected Ms. White with an officer to get her the assistance she needed.
Doug Shafer requested that the Board speak out against a potential pardon of Former Detective Eric DeValkenaere by Governor Mike Parson.
Ron Hunt thanked the Department for the involvement in the community this past year. He agrees with Mr. Drummond that camera sharing can be extremely beneficial in solving crime across the City. Mr. Hunt would like to see the Department’s Crime Lab partner with area schools. Lastly, he wished everyone a safe and happy holiday.
11. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on November 19, 2024. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
12. Mr. David Kenner. Mr. Kenner wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
13. Commissioner Ed Elder. Commissioner Elder announced his resignation from the Board effective December 31, 2024, due to health concerns. He stated that he was proud to serve on the Board and alongside the Department members. He thanked the Department for all they do in the community.
Chief Graves thanked Commissioner Elder for his support and the impact he made during his time serving on the Board.
14. Commissioner Madeline Romious. Commissioner Romious thanked Commissioner Elder for his service on the Board. She also commended Chief Graves’ and the Department for the work in the community this past year.
15. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker thanked Commissioner Elder for his service on the Board. He wished everyone a safe and happy holiday season.
16. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer echoed the comments from Mr. Kenner, Commissioner Romious, and Commissioner Whittaker. She also thanked the community for their support of the Department.
17. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Disciplinary Hearing:
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.
*Disciplinary Hearings are closed under Section 590.502(6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
Regular Meetings:
January 14, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
February 25, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
March 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
April 15, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
May 13, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
June 17, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Elder, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:21 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 January 18, 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, December 17, 2024, 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 Ed Elder - Aye
Commissioner Madeline Romious - Aye
Commissioner Tom Whittaker - Aye
Commissioner Dawn Cramer - 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, December 17, 2024:
The Board went into closed session at 11:21 a.m. Mayor Lucas joined the closed session meeting.
1) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, the Board voted to approve the duty-related disability retirement of ______.[1] The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Elder voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to approve the duty-related disability retirement of ______.[2] The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Elder voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
3) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed Board meetings on November 19, 2024, and November 25, 2024. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Elder voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
4) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, at 12:00 p.m. the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss certain litigation matters. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Elder voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
5) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, the Board voted to authorize the expenditure of an additional $175,000 for legal fees in connection with the case styled Jamie Walk, et al. v. BOPC. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Elder voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
6) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, at 1:30 p.m., the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Elder voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 1:30 p.m.