February 26, 2026 Meetin
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2026
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, February 24, 2026, 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
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. Sergeant Nicole Christmann led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Johnny Jones provided the invocation.
1. Guest Presentations. Mayor Lucas congratulated Lace Cline on her promotion to Assistant City Manager. Ms. Cline will be the first Assistant City Manager dedicated exclusively to public safety. Ms. Cline provided an update on behalf of the City. She advised that Ordinance 260076 recently passed, creating the Department of Community Safety. This new Department will have several core functions, including corrections and rehabilitation, re-entry services, and will institutionalize the work of the Multi-Disciplinary Public Safety Task Force. Ms. Cline advised that the temporary, modular detention facility is slated to open on June 1, 2026. The City is now hiring to fill positions at the new facility.
Ms. Cline spoke about the City’s retail-area alcohol impact plan. This ordinance restricts the sale of small, single-serve alcohol containers in specific areas, including Downton, the River Market, Columbus Park, the Prospet cooridor, etc., to help mitigate quality of life issues. . The new ordinance will restrict the sales of those types of alcohol containers, as well as half pints, 40 ounce malt beverages, and 7OH, nitric poppers, and whippets. The anticipated effective date is April 12, 2026. The Public Safety Task Force will make recommendations to area businesses to help deter nuisance problems and improve neighborhood stability.
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson provided a monthly update, and thanked the Department for its assistance with state laws on domestic violence. She advised that charges have been filed in 81 percent of domestic violence cases this year, and charges have been filed in 91 percent of those cases involving intimate partner violence. Overall, the case filing rate for the month of January was 71 percent.
Prosecutor Johnson spoke about the shooting at the Status Nightclub on February 15, 2026, that left two women dead and others wounded. She stated that due to the swift work of detectives and Crime Lab personnel, the suspect was charged within 48 hours. Dontae Brooks was charged with two counts of Second Degree Murder, four counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of First Degree Assault, one count of Second Degree Assault, one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon, and one count of Unlawful Possession of a Weapon. Prosecutor Johnson advised that surveillance footage and DNA left on a ballcap tied Mr. Brooks to the scene.
Prosecutor Johnson stated that her office recently charged a suspect in connection with a fatal shooting that occurred at an apartment complex seven years ago. This case was solved using a TIPS Hotline follow-up. The suspect faces one count of Second Degree Murder. Additionally, charges were filed in a deadly shooting that occurred at the Popeyes restaurant on January 31, 2026. The suspect was charged with Second Degree Murder, three counts of Armed Criminal Action, one count of First Degree Assault, and one count of Unlawful Use of a Weapon.
Prosecutor Johnson reminded everyone that there is no statute of limitations on murder, and those disturbing the peace of the community and engaging in violence will be held accountable.
Mayor Lucas thanked Prosecutor Johnson for the exceptional work. He briefly spoke about the juvenile justice system and their working relationship with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. Mayor Lucas would like to invite the Juvenile Officer to a future Board meeting. Prosecutor Johnson noted that her office reviews and provides input on all certification hearings.
In response to a question from Mayor Lucas, Prosecutor Johnson advised that her office is nearly fully staffed. Ideally, they could use three more attorneys in the office because of their increased case load.
Matt Tritz, Lockton Companies, presented the Health & Welfare Benefits Renewal package for 2026-2027. Mr. Tritz explained that Blue KC’s 2026-2027 medical renewal includes a 4.9 percent renewal increase, with no changes to the current plan design. The Board will maintain current employee cost share split on all plans (PPO, EPO, and the high-deductible plan). The 2026-2027 Blue KC dental renewal is a flat renewal, with no changes to the current rates for one year.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the 2026-2027 Blue Cross Blue Shield – Blue KC Medical and Prescription Drug renewal, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the 2026-2027 Blue Cross Blue Shield – Blue KC Dental renewal, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
2. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves advised that as the Department nears the end of Fiscal Year 2025-26, she is making appropriate adjustments to balance the budget. Next Thursday, Chief Graves will make a presentation to the City Council on the Department’s requested budget for the upcoming fiscal year.
Chief Graves advised that the Police Foundation of Kansas City held its annual A Call for Backup fundraising event on Friday, February 20, 2026. There were well over 1,000 attendees and funds raised totaled $2,243,589. Chief Graves thanked the Police Foundation and its donors for their incredible support of public safety in Kansas City. With the support of the Police Foundation, the Department has been able to purchase drones, a new Bomb & Arson bus, a new Command Post bus, advanced technology, hire analysts, and more.
Chief Graves advised that Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin is currently in Washington D.C., testifying before the House Committee on Homeland Security. Deputy Chief Mabin will speak about FIFA World Cup 2026 security preparations and drone mitigation. Commissioner Romious inquired about how the Department intends to get ahead of violence in preparation for FIFA World Cup 2026. Deputy Chief Niemeier noted the Department is working with the FBI on human trafficking and financial crimes in preparation for the influx of visitors. Prosecutors are also having meetings in preparation for dealing with both victims and defendants. Chief Graves stated that the Department is preparing escorts for the FIFA squads.
3. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier echoed comments made by Prosecutor Johnson regarding violent crime solve rates and charges. He is proud of the work being done each day by detectives and prosecutors.
Deputy Chief Niemeier provided an update on the Operations Support Division, which includes the new Drones as First Responders (DFR) Unit. The Unit will be a full-time unit with 11-hour shifts. He advised seven of the nine drone docks have been placed in areas around the City. The Unit is currently working on developing drone mitigation operations. Members from the Unit recently visited the Oklahoma City Police Department to learn from their Drones as First Responders program.
In response to questions from Commissioners Whittaker and Romious, Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department will be educating the community on the Drones as First Responders program. The Drones as First Responders program will go beyond the FIFA World Cup 2026, and will be used as a key tool to reduce response times and solve crime. The Board thanked the Police Foundation for their support of the Drones as First Responders program.
Deputy Chief Niemeier provided a monthly update on the Investigations Bureau. He advised that there have been 19 homicides to-date 2026, compared to 22 homicides during this same time period in 2025. The Department cleared 14 homicides in 2025, for a 74 percent clearance rate. There were nine homicides during the month of January 2026.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that as of February 8, 2026, there have been 51 non-fatal shootings this year, compared to 41 during this same time period in 2025. In January, there were 28 non-fatal shootings, compared to 29 in January 2025.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that a victim from a shooting that occurred in July 2025 succumbed to their injuries in January 2026, increasing the total number of 2025 homicides to 139. Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about the shooting that occurred a Status Nightclub on Southwest Boulevard earlier this month. He advised that a detective watching surveillance video recognized the shooter from a previous encounter. Additionally, there was DNA found on a ballcap dropped at the scene, which confirmed the suspect’s identity. Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that detectives are making significant progress in their investigation into a shooting that occurred at a home in the 4900 block of College Avenue on February 21, 2026. One teenager died at the scene and five others sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The victims range from 16-20 years old.
4. Patrol Bureau. Major Justin Kobolt presented for Deputy Chief Mabin in his absence. Major Kobolt provided monthly updates 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 16 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 13 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.
Major Kobolt advised there were five fatal crashes with five victims in January 2026, compared to three fatal crashes with four victims in January 2025. There were 1,345 city-wide crashes in January 2026, compared to 1,425 crashes in January 2025.
Major Kobolt advised that traffic officers conducted a three-day focused enforcement operation on highways, in school zones, and in high-crash locations. During this operation, officers made 538 stops and issued 760 citations, 14 of which included driving while suspended or revoked. The highest reported speed was 105 mph in a 55 mph zone on 71 Highway.
Major Kobolt advised that members of the Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Section participated in the National Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s Human Trafficking Awareness Week. Members conducted business checks and distributed educational materials to local trucking businesses and engaged with drivers, to raise awareness and identify potential indicators of human trafficking.
5. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz introduced Sergeant Nicole Christmann, Officer David Hoffman, and Officer Nathaniel Hurley. These members discussed the Officer Down and Rescue Program and Tactical Medical Care Training taught at the Academy. What started as a voluntary after-hours effort, this training has evolved into curriculum taught to entrant officers at the Regional Police Academy. This training is designed to save lives of fellow officers and injured individuals that officers come into contact with.
Mayor Lucas congratulated Sergeant Christmann on her upcoming retirement after 29+ years of service.
Deputy Chief Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of January 31, 2026, Department strength was 1,766. For this time period, there were 1,129 sworn law enforcement personnel, 79 police officer candidates (recruits), 553 professional staff members, and five Board members; there were 124 total vacancies.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that 186th Entrant Officer Class (EOC) currently has 29 KCPD recruits expected to graduate on March 12, 2026. The Employment Unit is currently processing 15 lateral candidates; two lateral officers began training yesterday. Additionally, there are 54 pending candidates for the 188th EOC that will begin training later this year.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Employment Unit has 59 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process. Deputy Chief Ortiz introduced KCPD’s eight Spring interns. They began their internship on February 3, 2026, and will be shadowing different units within KCPD through April 23, 2026.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the next law enforcement testing sessions will be held on March 14, 2026, April 16, 2026, and May 16, 2026, 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 advised that during the month of January, the Police Crime Lab processed 4,385 items and 80 crime scenes related to 549 cases, and hosted four facility tours with 34 participants.
6. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Derek McCollum introduced Captain Caleb Lenz. Captain Lenz provided an overview of the Communications Unit. In 2025, the Communications Unit hired additional staff to stabilize operations, improved employee morale and retention, and recorded a 35 percent reduction in 911 wait times. Additionally, the Department hired 38 call takers, trained nine dispatchers, and revamped the training center. In 2026, the Communications Unit plans to expand staff to meet FIFA demands and continue reducing 911 wait times. Currently, the 911 Center can cover about 200 languages. Captain Lenz noted that with growing staff, renovations and expansion of the current Communications Unit will need to occur. In response to a question from Mayor Lucas, Deputy Chief McCollum advised that upgrades to the current Communications Unit are projected to cost roughly $3.5 million.
In 2025, the Wellness Unit secured walking pads for Communications Unit personnel to use at their consoles. Captain Lenz stated that a Walk-a-Thon event was held within the Unit; 35 members participated and walked a total of 494.51 combined miles. Chief Graves presented Call Taker Nadirah Burns with an award for walking 69.32 miles while answering 911 calls for service.
Deputy Chief McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2025-26. A memorandum dated February 13, 2026, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the General Fund, Jackson County LESBI COMBAT Fund, Police Grants Fund, Grants Special Revenue Fund, and the Special Services Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
b. Renewal of Bid No. 2024-0014, Police Uniform Contract. A memorandum dated February 13, 2026, was presented recommending approval of a one-year contract renewal to Galls LLC, for police uniforms, at a total cost of $1,444,784.75. The contract period runs from February 25, 2026, to February 24, 2027.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the one-year contract renewal with Galls LLC, for police uniforms, at a total cost of $1,444,784.75. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
c. Drone Mitigation Program – Unmanned Vehicle Technologies. A memorandum dated February 17, 2026, was presented recommending approval to purchase equipment and software from Unmanned Vehicle Technologies, utilizing the Sourcewell Contract #011223-unm, at a total cost of $8,400,375.00. This purchase will be funded from Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) grant funds.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the purchase of drone equipment and software from Unmanned Vehicle Technologies, at a total cost of $8,400,375.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
In response to a question from Mayor Lucas, Deputy Chief McCollum advised that the drone mitigation software and equipment will be in place prior to FIFA World Cup 2026.
d. Drone Mitigation Program – Safeware. A memorandum dated February 17, 2026, was presented recommending approval to purchase Sentrycs Gen2 Portable Platform and Vehicle Mounted Kit from Safeware, utilizing Omnia Partners Contract #44000008468, at a total cost of $996,738.48. This purchase will be funded from Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS) grant funds.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to purchase Sentrycs Gen2 Portable Platform and Mounted Vehicle Kit from Safeware, at a total cost of $996,738.48. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
e. MOWIN Subaward. A memorandum dated February 12, 2026, was presented recommending acceptance of the Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics (MOWIN) Task Force Subaward, in the amount of $195,594.87. The award period is July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, and will provide funding for the salaries of the MOWIN Task Force.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to accept the MOWIN Task Force Subaward, in the amount of $195,594.87, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
7. Chief’s Office Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Ryan Mills advised that Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Lodge 99 appointed Officer Alex Saragusa and Civilian Stephanie Fagan to the Deferred Compensation Committee. This personnel change requires a modification to Board Resolution 25-02. Deputy Chief Mills presented Board Resolution 26-01 for approval, which modifies Board Resolution 25-02.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve Board Resolution 26-01, Deferred Compensation Committee Appointments, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
8. Public Comments. Ron Hunt is proud of the investigative work being done by members of the Department. He expressed concern with amount of money requested in the next budget cycle. He would like to see more money allocated to neighborhoods for crime prevention and area cleanup.
9. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meetings on January 27, 2026, and February 5, 2026. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
10. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas requested a comparison of overtime usage for previous fiscal years. He also spoke about graffiti and median panhandling in the City.
11. Public Comments, continued. Clinton Martens expressed his discontent with the Department’s settlement of $50,000 with Former Officer Blayne Newton. He believes that Officer Newton should have been terminated. Mr. Martens would like to see local control of the Department.
12. Commissioner Scott Boswell. Commissioner Boswell spoke about the success of the Police Foundation’s A Call for Backup event. He commended members for their professional representation of the Department during the event.
13. Commissioner Madeline Romious. Commissioner Romious thanked everyone for the information provided at today’s meeting.
14. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker advised he has attended several community meetings recently, and community members have expressed great appreciation for police presence and community engagement in their neighborhoods. Commissioner Whittaker spoke about the Police Foundation’s A Call for Backup event. He thanked the Police Foundation and the generous 1,100+ attendees for their donations and support of the Department.
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 25-04
THIS HEARING HAS BEEN CONTINUED FROM ITS CURRENT SETTING OF JANUARY 16, 2026, 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 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.
July 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
August 25, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
September 22, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
October 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
November 17, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
December 15, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:25 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 July 1, 2025, 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 24, 2026, 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 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, February 24, 2026:
1) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Boswell, the Board voted to approve RFP 2024-12, the second one-year renewal of a lease of vehicles for covert operations from Acme Auto Leasing, at a total cost of $597,288.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Commissioner Romious and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the case styled Mary Botts v. BOPC, in an amount not to exceed $___, and subject to certain terms of payment and other conditions.[1] The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell 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 BOPC meetings on January 27, 2026, and February 5, 2026, and the Litigation Committee meeting on February 5, 2026. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
4) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn at 12:45 p.m. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 12:45 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.