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January 25, 2022 Meeting

Publish Date 01/25/2022

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 25, 2022

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, January 25, 2022, 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.  Administrative Assistant John Wolfer led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain Lenny LaGuardia provided the invocation. 

  1. City Council Presentation. Councilwoman Heather Hall, 1st District, was present on behalf of the City Council.  She advised that the City’s proposed budget for Fiscal Year 2022-23 will be presented to City Council members on Thursday, February 10, 2022.  She stressed the importance of passing a budget that is fair and transparent, and provides adequate services for a safe and enjoyable city to live in or visit.
  2. Guest Presentations. Director Zachary Jury was present on behalf of the Heart of America Regional Computer Forensics Laboratory (HARCFL).  Regional Computer Forensic Laboratories (RCFL) is a national network of 17 FBI-sponsored, full-service digital forensics laboratories and training centers.  The RCFL serves law enforcement agencies in their designated service areas and are devoted entirely to the examination of digital evidence.  The RCFL offers services such as impartial digital forensic exams, search warrant assistance, and training. 

The HARCFL is made up of 16 participating agencies in the Midwest, including KCPD.  From 2018 to 2020, KCPD submitted over 250 case submissions to the HARCFL and over 80 TB of data was processed.  In response to a question from Mayor Lucas, Mr. Jury explained that as more investigations include enormous volumes of digital evidence, the RCFL does face staffing challenges and could always use additional people. 

Dr. Kimberly Beatty, Dr. Thomas Meyer, and Mr. Craig McMein from Metropolitan Community College (MCC) presented information on the Blue River Public Safety Institute Police Academy.  Mr. McMein advised that the Blue River Police Academy began in 1995.  The program has up to four classes per year,  and graduates 10-15 people per year who go on to work at various police departments.  Each class receives 760 hours of instruction; Kansas City Regional Police Academy recruits receive 900+ hours of instruction which is more focused on policing.  The cost to attend the Blue River Academy is $6,152.00, and that includes tuition fees, books, supplies, and uniforms.  The participants also earn 37 (transferrable) college credits. 

  1. Crime Reporting/Gun Crime. Captain Justin Kobalt presented the 2021 violent crime review.  Captain Kobalt advised that 2021 was the second highest homicide rate for Kansas City.  There were 157 homicides in Kansas City in 2021, compared to 179 in 2020 (the record breaking year).  In 2021, there were 22 fewer homicide victims, resulting in a 12 percent decrease from the prior year.  The five-year homicide average is 155.  Captain Kobalt advised that the 2021 clearance rate was 68 percent, compared to 73 percent in 2020.  The national clearance rate average was 54 percent.

Captain Kobalt presented information on non-fatal shootings.  In 2021, there were 500 non-fatal shootings, compared to 630 in 2020.  This resulted in 130 fewer victims and a 21 percent decrease from the prior year. 

Captain Kobalt explained that in 2020, murders throughout United States increased nearly 30 percent from the prior year.  More than two-thirds of the country’s 40 most populous cities saw more homicides in 2021 than in 2020.  Through the third quarter of 2021, only six of 66 responding cities saw a decrease of ten or more homicides compared to 2020; Kansas City, Missouri is one of those six cities. 

Captain Kobalt stated that even though violent crime was down in Kansas City, there is still a lot of work to do as a whole community.  He explained that KCPD is leading the way within the Public Safety Partnership and Community Safety Partnership, with implementing improvements under the enforcement strategy.  He noted that true violence reduction will be reliant upon the evolution of prevention and intervention components amongst all partners.  The shoot review program targeting those people responsible for gun crimes is helping to reduce gun violence that otherwise may occur.

In response to a question, Captain Kobalt explained that guns are a national problem.  The current laws hinder the Department’s ability to get guns off the street.  Chief Smith added that policy at the state level needs to change. 

The Board commended KCPD on the positive trends and the work being done to reduce crime in Kansas City. 

Deputy Chief Mike Wood presented information on monthly crime statistics.  He advised that to-date 2022, there have been eight homicides compared to seven at this same time in 2021.  From January 1, 2022 through January 24, 2022, there were 33 non-fatal shootings, compared to 27 during the same time period time last year.  Deputy Chief Wood presented statistics on suspect and victim characteristics for the month of December 2021.

Deputy Chief Wood advised that the Department recovered 148 firearms in December 2021, compared to 138 in December 2020.  The Department recovered a total of 2,376 firearms in 2021.  In response to a question, Deputy Chief Wood explained that a number of the recovered firearms are returned to their rightful owners. 

            Deputy Chief Wood spoke about cases submitted for prosecution.  In December 2021, there were 331 cases submitted for prosecution; 115 of those cases were filed.  Deputy Chief Wood reported that there were 116 prosecution declinations last month.  He advised that in 2021, KCPD submitted 4,251 cases for state prosecution, compared to 4,250 in 2020.  In 2021, charges were filed in 1,744 cases, compared to 1,933 in 2020.  This reduction is due to a reduction in personnel and the recent revisions to the Jackson County Prosecutor’s guidelines for drug prosecutions.

  1. Community Outreach. Detective Christina Ludwig spoke about the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission’s Crime Stoppers Program.  Detective Ludwig provided information on the new Greater KC Crime Stoppers QR Code.  People are able to scan the code from the phone, and it will take them to the secure Crime Stoppers website.  Once on the website, anyone can safely and anonymously leave a tip, check on the status of a tip, learn about the Crime Stoppers program, or make a donation to the Crime Stoppers program. 

Detective Ludwig explained that the QR code is being posted on the Crime Stoppers Social Media accounts, through local TV media partners, and printed on flyers and business cards.  Detective Ludwig advised that Crime Stoppers are partnering with Mothers in Charge, area school districts, and businesses to promote the new QR code.  Detective Ludwig plans to place the QR code in areas such as bus stops, in City buses, airports, bathroom stalls, etc.  She also noted that in addition to crime, schools and/or students can report bullying through the QR code. 

Detective Ludwig advised that in 2021, thirteen tips that were submitted directly led to the arrest of suspects, and KCPD detectives were able to solve six cases and found seven fugitives due to tips.  The 2021 reward payout totaled $88,350.00.

East Patrol Social Worker Kevin Wilson spoke about a young male runaway that he encountered during a welfare check with community interaction officers.  The boy’s mother had painted a negative narrative about the boy.  The boy has great attendance at school, is involved in sports, and makes good grades.  He was miserable with his home life and had been staying with a friend.  However, his mother was refusing to give him any of his personal belongings.  The Social Workers were able to enroll the young man in the Emerging Adult Program through the Juvenile Assistance Center in Kansas City, and secured essential items for him through donations. 

Members from the Department’s Canine Unit were present, and did a drug search demonstration.  Officers provided information on the Canine Unit.  The Canine Unit has 12 Belgian Malinois dogs that specialize in bomb and drug detection.  The average cost of a police dog is $15,000.  Handlers and canines train every Wednesday at the South Patrol Division. 

Deputy Chief Karen True spoke about the New Year’s Eve press release regarding celebratory gunfire.  On New Year’s Eve 2021, there were 1,162 gunshots detected, compared to 1,623 the prior year.  The Department received 259 calls for service regarding gunfire on New Year’s Eve, and 11 property damage reports were filed.

Deputy Chief True presented the year-end Traffic Summary report.  In 2021, there were 85 fatality accidents, compared to 103 in 2020.  The age range with the highest number of fatalities was 20-29 years of age.  Seventy-three percent of the victims were males, 63 percent of the victims were not wearing a seatbelt, and 28 percent of victims were impaired.  Chief Smith added that to-date 2022, there have been 8 fatalities, compared to 3 at this same time last year; two of the 2022 fatalities were pedestrians. 

Deputy Chief True presented a slideshow of photographs from events that KCPD was involved in this month.  These events included holiday lights and gift shopping, social worker interactions, and Youth Services Unit events. 

  1. Department Staffing and Recruitment. Sergeant Joseph Bediako and Captain Marisa Barnes provided an update on Department recruitment efforts.  Sergeant Bediako spoke about the challenges the Department has faced while recruiting the last few years, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, civil unrest, and budget constraints.  He stated that in order to enhance recruitment efforts, the Department must overcome its budget challenges, and better display the image of the profession and attractiveness of the job. 

Sergeant Bediako spoke about the importance of diversity in the workplace.  The Employment Unit targets sources where diverse candidates congregate, such as community events, military bases, schools, and churches.  Sergeant Bediako explained that a diverse workforce helps with innovation, creativity, and achieves better results and relationships within the community.

Commissioner Tolbert inquired about the possibility of Metropolitan Community College’s Blue River Police Academy graduates attending an abbreviated KCPD Academy.  Chief Smith explained that there is a lot to consider with this because KCPD recruits are vetted, hired, and paid.  This is not the same as students signing up for a college class or program.  Chief Smith believes the culture element of KCPD would be missed if the Department hired Blue River recruits, or those from a similar program. 

Mayor Lucas stated that he has great faith in the Kansas City Regional Police Academy.  He believes it is necessary for police officer candidates to attend the Regional Police Academy, rather than college programs such as Blue River or Missouri Western.  The Board discussed ways to attract students from Blue River to apply to KCPD. 

Mayor Lucas commended Sergeant Bediako for his dedication to the Department’s recruitment and employment efforts.  He noted that the current Academy class is very diverse and representative of the City.  This class includes ten White males, five Black males, three Hispanic males, five White females, one Black female, and one Asian male. 

Deputy Chief Michael Hicks provided an update on Department staffing.  As of December 31, 2021, Department strength was 1,697.  For this time period, there were 1,159 sworn law enforcement personnel, 507 career civilians, 26 police officer candidates, and five Board members. 

To-date in 2022, the Department has lost an additional six members to resignations and retirements.  The Department anticipates losing additional three law enforcement officers to retirement in February 2022.  The average separation rate in 2021 was 19.6 per month.  Deputy Chief Hicks advised that this is the highest separation rate the Department has seen in years.  The Department lost a total of 226 members to separation in 2021, and hired only 77 members.  Deputy Chief Hicks advised that 210 law enforcement officers are eligible for retirement.

Deputy Chief Hicks advised that the 173nd Entrant Officer Class, consisting of 22 recruits, will graduate from the Academy on March 24, 2022.  A new Academy class, consisting of 20 KCPD recruits, will begin on February 7, 2022.  The Department hopes to have an additional Academy class beginning in May 2022, if funding is available.

  1. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier thanked the City Manager Brian Platt, Mayor Lucas, and City Finance Director Tammy Queen for their attention to the vital radio system upgrade.  The Department will soon begin testing with two companies to identify the best radio for the Department’s needs.  A further update will be provided at the next Board meeting.    

Deputy Chief Niemeier presented the following items for Board approval:

  1. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2021-22.  A memorandum dated January 13, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of budget transfers.  This budget transfer will affect the General Fund, Police Grants Fund, and Grants Special Revenue Fund.  These transfers are necessary to provide raises to Department members.

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. Adjustments to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2021-22.  A memorandum dated January 13, 2022, was presented to recommend adjustments to the Special Services Fund for purchases related to the replacement, installation and associated supplies for a new badge printed for private security officer licenses. 

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

  1. Operation Legend Supplement 02 Award 2020-DJ-BX-0002. A memorandum dated January 6, 2022, was presented to recommend acceptance for the U.S. Department of Justice FY 20 BJA Operation Legend Supplemental Award in the amount of $500,000.  This is the second supplemental award to the original Operation Legend Award, bringing the total amount of funding to $2,927,049.  The supplemental award period is April 1, 2020 through March 31, 2023, and is 100 percent federally funded.  Funding from this grant will be used for equipment and overtime to staff the Real Time Crime Center. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, and a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept the U.S. Department of Justice FY 20 BJA Operation Legend Supplemental Award 2020-DJ-BX-0002 in the amount of $500,000.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Fiscal Year 2021 DNA Backlog Reduction Program. A memorandum dated January 11, 2022, was presented to recommend acceptance of the Office of Justice Program’s Fiscal Year 2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program award in the amount of $586,921.  The award period is October 1, 2021 through September 30, 2023, and is 100 percent federally funded.  Funding from this grant will be used for salary and benefits for six Forensic Specialists, equipment, and supplies.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept the Office of Justice Program’s Fiscal Year 2021 DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction Program award in the amount of $586,921.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Board Resolutions. A memorandum dated January 11, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of to update necessary signatures on Greater KC Public Safety Credit Union banking documents, due to recent Board and Fiscal Division personnel changes.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the necessary changes on banking documents with Greater KC Public Safety Credit Union, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier recognized Captain Jennifer Crump on her recent promotion, and thanked her for her dedication and work in the Executive Services Bureau Office.  Captain Crump is now assigned to the Central Patrol Division.  Deputy Chief Niemeier introduced Sergeant Bobbie King who is now assigned to the Executive Services Bureau Office. 

Mayor Lucas noted that the City recognizes the cost and increased manpower needs in the event the Kansas City Chiefs compete in Super Bowl LVI.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department will work closely with the City, National Football League, and the Kansas City Chiefs to establish a detailed plan in the event of a Chiefs Super Bowl appearance.

Commissioner Cramer stated that the Department has still not received any funding from the American Rescue Plan.  She spoke about the dangerous conditions officers worked through during the COVID-19 pandemic; many Department members became ill and one officer lost their life.  Commissioner Cramer believes Department members should receive the hazard incentive pay, just like the Fire Department did. 

Mayor Lucas advised that the City has discussed that the American Rescue Plan funds could potentially cover the radio upgrade expenses.  Commissioner Cramer would like to see some of the money used towards a one-time payment to Department members, for a cost-of-living adjustment. 

  1. Professional Development and Research Bureau. Deputy Chief Mike Wood presented the Basic Training Class Summary for December 2021.  He advised that a group of 15-20 officers of various ranks will be working with the Employment Unit as a supplemental recruitment effort. 

Deputy Chief Wood provided an update on the Youth Services Unit.  He advised that 693 youth attended activities at the Police Athletic League (PAL) in December, and more than 50 meals were served each day.  He spoke about the various holiday parties, meal deliveries, and D.A.R.E. graduations that the Youth Services Unit participated in during the month of December.  Deputy Chief Wood provided the Board with a list of upcoming events for the Youth Services Division. 

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

  1. Project 1343: Release of Personal Information

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve Project 1343, Release of Personal Information, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Holly Dodge presented the December 2021 Private Officers Licensing Unit Monthly Summary.  In December 2021, there were 17 private officer license suspensions, one license denial, and zero license revocations.
  2. Office of Community Complaints. Director Merrell Bennekin advised that the 8th Annual Badges & Baseball camp will be held on Saturday, February 12, 2022, beginning at 10:00 a.m. at the Urban Youth Academy. 
  3. Public Comments. Ron Hunt thanked Sergeant Bobbie King for her investment in the Blue Hills community.  Mr. Hunt spoke about the need for further community-policing efforts in all neighborhood communities. 
  4. Recap from Chief Richard Smith. Chief Smith advised that Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin and Major Keith Kirchhoff are currently attending the FBI National Academy in Quantico, Virginia.  They will complete their training on March 17, 2021. 

Chief Smith and Mayor Lucas discussed the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative. This is a program that aims to advance leadership, management, and innovation in cities by equipping city officials with skills, tools, and techniques to tackle municipal challenges.  Kansas City was accepted into a specialized part of the program that focuses on team building and cross-sector collaboration as mechanisms for addressing complex city issues.  The City will receive support from the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative to bring a robust discussion related to police budgeting, prioritizing rank-and-file, building patrol force, while building community trust and enhancing crime-prevention efforts.  Mayor Lucas requested that Chief Smith identify Department members to send to New York for this training.  

            Chief Smith spoke about the 2021 year-end violent crime statistics.  While national trends were on the rise, Kansas City saw a reduction in homicides and non-fatal shootings from the previous year.  He thanked all Department members for their hard work during the past year.

  1. Approval of minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the minutes of the open session meetings of the Board of Police Commissioners on December 9, 2021, and December 14, 2021.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 
  2. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas commended the Department and City in the reduction of homicides and non-fatal shootings.  He encouraged the Department continue meeting with other partners and agencies at the weekly shoot review and crime meetings. 
  3. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer stated that Kansas City is a unique city, and that the people here have big hearts.  She stated that it is encouraging to see how much Chief Smith and the Department are doing in the community.  She commended the Department for their hard work.  
  4. Commissioner Don Wagner. Commissioner Wagner echoed comments about the decrease in crime trends.  He stated that he is proud of the direction the Department is heading.  
  5. Commissioner Cathy Dean. Commissioner Dean spoke about a newspaper article that told a story about officers providing food and warmth to a homeless man they encountered on a call for service.  She stated that she is impressed with stories she hears about the kindness Department members share when no one is watching.
  6. Commissioner Mark Tolbert. In reference to Commissioner Dean’s comments, Commissioner Tolbert stated that stories like these need more public attention.  He encouraged the Department to enhance public relations efforts. 
  7. 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:

 

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 19, 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 Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Dean, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn the open meeting at 12:23 p.m. and reconvene in closed session as provided in the following resolution.  Following a roll call, the vote was 5-0 in favor.

RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, notice of the board meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners was given on July 19, 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, January 25, 2022, 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 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 Tuesday, January 25, 2022:

The Board went into closed session at 12:34 p.m. 

1)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Wagner, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the case of Demetris Taylor v. Jacob Dee, et al., in an amount not to exceed $___.[1]  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.

2)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the applications for continued employment of Detective Patrick McKenzie and Reserve Police Office David Edwards.  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.

3)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Dean, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session of the Board of Police Commissioners on December 14, 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.

4)         At 2:31 p.m., following a motion by Commissioner Wagner and a second by Commissioner Dean, the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss personnel matters.  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.

5)         At 2:55 p.m., following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn.  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.

            The Board adjourned at 2:55 p.m.

 

[1] The amount is redacted under § 610.021(1), R.S.Mo., because no final disposition of the matter has occurred.