February 25, 2025 Meeting
MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, 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
Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member
Stacey Graves, Chief of Police
ABSENT:
Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
This meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Commissioner Cramer. Mr. Kenner had an excused absence. Police Officer Steven Buckner led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Tony Johnson provided the invocation.
1. Guest Presentations. Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson announced that on March 10, 2025, the Prosecutor’s Office will be adding three attorneys to a new Crime Strategies Unit. These prosecutors will focus on prolific offenders, and will allow them to more proactively address crime and target high-impact offenders. Prosecutor Johnson also announced that her office secured a guilty verdict for a SAVE KC repeat offender. Otis Brown was convicted of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm – Dangerous Felon, Property Damage, and Interference with Legal Process. Mr. Brown faces 10-30 years in prison because of his two prior felonies.
Prosecutor Johnson also announced that “No Guns Allowed” trespass signs and forms are being more widely distributed to businesses. Having a no-trespass sign in front of your business allows the Prosecutor’s Office to prosecute a person who trespasses for a Class B Misdemeanor. If a person trespasses with a gun and steals something, that legally makes it a burglary, which is a felony with a stricter range of punishment.
Mayor Lucas asked if the Prosecutor’s Office is facing the same staffing challenges that many employers are facing across the country. Prosecutor Johnson says her office is very fortunate to only have one current entry level attorney vacancy.
Matt Tritz, Lockton Companies, presented the Health & Welfare Benefits Renewal package for 2025-2026. Mr. Tritz explained that Blue KC’s 2025-2026 medical renewal final renewal rate with a rate cap is 12.9 percent. The Chief-appointed Benefits Committee recommended to renew with Blue KC and accept the following plan design changes and cost-share strategies: 1) sunset the HMO plan, 2) Add Spira Care Center tier to EPO plan, with no member costs for services at Spira Care, 3) Increase PPO plan deductibles to $600/$1,200, increase PPO out-of-pocket maximums to $3,000/$6,000, and increase PPO specialist and urgent care copay to $40, 4) add a new high-deductible health plan option with Spira Care Center tier, 5) maintain current employee cost share split on PPO & EPO plans, and 6) advocacy for Post-65 Retiree enrollees, modify eligibility to close commercial plan access to new entrants turning 65 on or after January 1, 2026.
Mr. Tritz advised that the Benefits Committee recommends renewing dental insurance with Blue KC with a four percent increase to current rates. This coverage is 100 percent employee paid. Additionally, the Committee recommends renewing Life & Disability insurance with The Standard with no premium increase.
2. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves advised that there have been six domestic violence-related homicides this year. The Department was a leader in bringing the Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) to Kansas City in 2009, and still participates today. The LAP is a research-based lethality screening tool to identify and help victims of domestic violence who are at the greatest risk of being seriously harmed or killed. It connects high-risk victims with advocates while police are on scene. Additionally, the Department works closely with the advocates to provide a safety plan and other resources a victim might need to relocate. Chief Graves thanked Prosecutor Johnson for bringing awareness to this serious crime and holding abusers accountable.
Chief Graves stated that the Department was prepared to provide security for a celebratory parade in the event of a Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl victory. The Department stands ready to provide security for large events in the City, and is readying up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Mayor Lucas advised that in Governor Kehoe’s proposed budget, there is an allocation of $50 million for public safety for the World Cup, with $17 million of that directed to public safety. Chief Graves stated that the Department has not received any indication on how that money will be spent, but will provide an update once the Department receives further information.
Commissioner Cramer requested that the Board meet with City Council to discuss the Public Safety Sales Tax and additional funding for the World Cup.
3. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier introduced Captain Johnie Failer of the Illegal Firearms Squad. Captain Failer stated that the Illegal Firearms Squad is made up of one sergeant and five detectives; all personnel are dual Task Force Officers with the ATF. The Squad’s primary duties are to process in-custody arrests from field personnel relating to Felon in Possession of Firearm (FIP), Unlawful Use of Weapons (UUW), Blair’s Law violations, and illegal gun modifications. They also assist the Homicide Squad and an ATF Group that is responsible for long-term gun trafficking investigations involving gun buys. In 2024, the Illegal Firearms Squad worked 189 total cases; 117 were charged at the State level, 47 were charged at the Federal level, and four turned into long-term investigations.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 24 homicides to-date 2025, compared to 18 homicides during this same time period in 2024. The Department’s clearance rate is 73 percent, which is well above the national average of 57.8 percent. Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there were 12 homicides that occurred in January 2025. Five of the January homicides occurred within the East Patrol Division, one within the Metro Patrol Division, two within the South Patrol Division, two within the North Patrol Division, and two within the Shoal Creek Patrol Division.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 41 non-fatal shootings year-to-date 2025, compared to 90 during the same time period in 2024. In early 2024, there were mass shootings at Crown Center and the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally, which contributed to the high number of non-fatal shootings.
4. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin introduced Major Jason Asper. Major Asper provided an update on the 11-hour staffing plan that was implemented on January 21, 2024. A committee was appointed by Chief Graves to evaluate information from computer aided dispatch (CAD), hour by hour calls for service, strategic development for staffing, and feedback from patrol personnel. The Committee found that members are reporting to the Employee Wellness Unit that having more days off has increased their ability to decompress and spend more time with family, which contributes to their overall wellness. Additionally, this has allowed additional time for training without having to pull resources from specialized units to cover patrol. The four days on/four days off plan has also been a valuable recruitment tool.
Deputy Chief Mabin spoke of the notable events within the Patrol Bureau in January 2025. 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 January was 8 minutes and 26 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 January was 10 minutes and 23 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 issued 4,299 traffic citations in January 2025, compared to 3,018 in January 2024. He advised there were 1,425 citywide crashes in January 2025, compared to 1,316 citywide crashes in January 2024. Deputy Chief Mabin advised that there have been three fatal crashes with four victims to-date 2025, compared to nine fatal crashes with 11 victims during this same time period in 2024.
Commissioner Whittaker spoke about Missouri’s hands-free law that went into effect on January 1, 2025. The law prohibits drivers from holding or supporting a cell phone or other electronic communication devices while driving. Deputy Chief Mabin advised that there is not currently a City Ordinance that supports this law.
5. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of January 31, 2025, Department strength was 1,700. For this time period, there were 1,110 sworn law enforcement personnel, 54 recruits, 532 professional staff, and four Board members; there were 172 total vacancies.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that there are currently 29 in the process for possible eligibility in the next Academy class, which will begin training on May 5, 2025. Additionally, there are eight pending job offers. The Department is currently processing 17 lateral transfers and re-hires.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Department hired one new member in the Communications Unit this month. He noted that there is one pending job offer and an additional 25 applicants in the hiring process for the Communications Unit. Members of the Communications Unit and Recruiting & Employment Unit have been attending job fairs with the Full Employment Council.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Department will hold law enforcement testing on March 15, 2025, April 16, 2025, and May 17, 2025, at the Regional Police Academy. The Department continues to hire for all positions. More information on open positions can be found at https://www.kcpd.org/careers/.
Deputy Chief Ortiz congratulated the 27 members that made the Sergeant’s Promotional list.
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 February 11, 2025, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the General Fund, the Public Safety Sales Tax Fund, the Police Grants Fund, the Special Services Special Revenue Fund, and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 3-1 in favor, with Mayor Lucas voting Nay.
b. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated February 10, 2025, was presented recommending approval to transfer $15,000 from the Special Services Donations Fund to the Police Foundation of Kansas City – Travel Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the $15,000 adjustment within the special revenue accounts, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
c. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated February 10, 2025, was presented recommending approval to transfer $725,000 from the Unappropriated Fund Balance of the Liability Self-Retention Fund to the Liability Self-Retention Contractual – Settlements Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the $725,000 adjustment within the special revenue accounts, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
d. ALPR Camera Replacement. A memorandum dated February 6, 2025, was presented recommending approval to purchase 72 automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras from Electronic Technology, Inc., at a total cost of $418,665.44, utilizing MARC Contract #93.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase of 72 automated license plate reader (ALPR) cameras from Electronic Technology, Inc., at a total cost of $418,665.44, utilizing MARC Contract #93. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
e. Standard Aero Turbine Exchange for Helicopter 690. A memorandum dated February 13, 2025, was presented recommending approval to exchange Helicopter 690’s currently damaged turbine for a rebuilt unit from Standard Aero at a cost of $174,517.00.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the exchange of helicopter turbines with Standard Aero, at a cost of $174,517.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
f. 2024 Midwest HIDTA Metro Task Force Modification. A memorandum dated February 11, 2025, was presented recommending acceptance of the 2024 Midwest HIDTA Metro Task Force modification with an increase of $123,207.00, for a new award total of $1,229,152.00. The modifications will fund a leased vehicle and overtime for a DEA Task Force Officer, and an ATF contractor.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept the 2024 Midwest HIDTA Metro Task Force modification in the amount of $1,229,152.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
g. Bid 2024-0014, Uniforms. A memorandum dated February 18, 2025, was presented to recommend Bid No. 2024-0014 be awarded to Baysingers Police Supply and Galls LLC, for new police uniforms, at a total anticipated cost of $563,055.72.
A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to award Bid No. 2024-0014 to Baysingers Police Supply and Galls LLC, for new police uniforms, at a total anticipated cost of $563,055.72. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
In response to a question from Commissioner Romious regarding changes made to grants at the federal level, Deputy Chief McCollum advised that the Fiscal staff is working closely with the Department’s federal partners to ensure compliance with all of the grant awards.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the 2025-2026 Health & Welfare Benefits renewal, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
7. Chief’s Office Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Steve Young presented the following consent agenda items:
a. Project 1379: Family and Medical Leave
b. Project 1488: Selection Process for Vacancies
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve Project 1379, Family and Medical Leave, and Project 1488, Selection Process for Vacancies, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
8. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert provided an update on the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division’s (DOJ) investigation into the Department’s employment practices. On September 19, 2022, the Board was notified that the DOJ was launching an investigation to determine whether the Department was engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on race in violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, 42 U.S.C. § 2000e, et seq. (“Title VII”). Mr. Weinert advised that on January 17, 2025, the Office of General Counsel was notified that the DOJ concluded the investigation and closed the matter with no further action. Mr. Weinert thanked the Department’s counsel at Dentons, the Human Resources Division, and the Office of General Counsel for their work on this matter.
Mr. Weinert presented the following private officer license appeals:
a. Private Officer License Appeal: Zayne D. Gomez. A memorandum dated January 17, 2025, was presented recommending the denial of the unarmed private security license of Zayne D. Gomez. On February 21, 2024, Gomez was convicted of misdemeanor sexual battery by the Seventh Judicial Circuit Court in Natrona County, Wyoming following an incident in 2021 involving a 16-year-old girl. Gomez failed to accurately disclose this conviction on his application. This violates the applicable regulations for licensure, including 17 CSR 10-2.050(3)(G) and (N).
A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to deny the unarmed private security license of Zayne D. Gomez. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
b. Private Officer License Appeal: Christian W. Smith. A memorandum dated January 31, 2025, was presented recommending the denial of the unarmed private security license of Christian W. Smith. On February 10, 2023, Smith was terminated from the Lake Lotawana Police Department and failed to disclose this on his application, as well as failing to disclose two other law enforcement agencies for which he previously worked. Smith also failed to disclose other information requested by the Private Officer Licensing Unit. This violates the applicable regulations for licensure, including 17 CSR 10-2.050(3)(K), (L), and (O).
Commissioner Cramer noted that Mr. Smith provided reference letters and letters of support from his previous and current employers regarding his employment history.
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 Christian W. Smith. The vote was 2-2 in favor, with Commissioner Cramer and Mayor Lucas voting Nay. Mr. Smith’s appeal was denied.
c. Private Officer License Appeal: Hana M. Yocum. A memorandum dated February 3, 2025, was presented to recommend the suspension of the unarmed private security license of Hana M. Yocum. On November 21, 2024, the Belton Police Department arrested Yocum for driving while intoxicated and resisting arrest. Yocum subsequently failed to notify the Private Officer Licensing Unit of her arrest as required by applicable regulations. Yocum’s conduct violated the applicable regulations for licensure, including 17 CSR 10-2.050(8) and 17 CSR 10-2.060 (8)(I).
A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to suspend the unarmed private security license of Hana M. Yocum until the adjudication of Yocum’s DWI/resisting arrest case. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
9. Office of Community Complaints. Director Merrell Bennekin introduced Stephanie Hamilton. Hamilton was recently hired as a Legal Analyst in the Office of Community Complaints.
10. Public Comments. Ron Hunt stated that he is dissatisfied with the closure of the Department of Justice investigation. Mr. Hunt encouraged the Department to focus on integrity and look within to remove any problem employees.
11. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on January 14, 2025. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
12. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas thanked the Department for their hard work preparing for major events in the City. Despite the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl loss, the Department worked behind the scenes preparing for a secure celebratory event, in the event of a win. Mayor Lucas also thanked the Department for their preparation for other events in the City, such as parades, festivals, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Mayor Lucas commended the great work being done every day by the Department and its members.
13. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer thanked everyone for their participation in today’s meeting. In response to comments made by Ron Hunt, Commissioner Cramer advised that the Department always welcomes new recruitment ideas.
14. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Special Budget Meeting:
April 21, 2025, 2:30 p.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
Audit Committee Meeting:
June 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
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:
March 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
April 29, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
May 20, 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.
July 22, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
August 19, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
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.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Mayor Lucas, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:40 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 June 5, 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, February 25, 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:
Mayor Quinton Lucas - 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, February 25, 2025:
The Board went into closed session at 11:51 a.m.
1) Following a motion by Commissioner Romious and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve a one-year contract with Acme Auto Leasing for the lease of vehicles for covert operations, at a total expenditure of $597,288.00 with the option to renew for two additional one-year periods. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Commissioner Whittaker and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to authorize the expenditure of an additional $125,000 for legal fees in connection with the case styled Jim Swoboda v. BOPC. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
3) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, the Board voted to authorize the expenditure of an additional $225,000 for legal fees in connection with the case styled Keith Carnes v. BOPC, et al. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
4) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed Board meeting on January 14, 2025, and the minutes of the Litigation Committee meeting on February 3, 2025. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
5) Following a motion by Commissioner Whittaker and a second by Commissioner Romious, at 12:44 p.m., the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 12:44 p.m.