January 27, 2026 Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, JANUARY 27, 2026
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, January 27, 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
Commissioner Heather Hall, Member
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. Members of the Supply Section, including Sergeant Justin Palmer and Inventory Specialists Eric Robinson, Cody Strohm, Cliff Balicki, and Mackayla Crawford, led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Bill Gorman provided the invocation.
1. Guest Presentations. Public Safety Director Lace Cline provided an update on behalf of the City. She advised that the City Council recently amended the chronic nuisance ordinance as a result of problematic properties and recent parking lot shootings. The amendment reduces the amount of chronic nuisance violations an address can have from seven to five incidents within 180 days; three violations within 30 days still applies. Council also approved measures for swifter action on violent offenses. Prior to the amendment, property owners had 30 days to abate a chronic nuisance violation. If there is a violent offense, owners now have 10 days to abate those violations. Additionally, reports can now come from KCPD, private licensed security, and the Multi-Disciplinary Public Safety Task Force, in addition to 911 calls for service. Ms. Cline advised that there have been two shootings since the amendment, and the shortened timeframe for violations has allowed for swift response. Ms. Cline noted that this new process is working.
Ms. Cline also spoke about the retail-area alcohol impact plan. This proposed ordinance will be introduced next week, and will restrict the sale of small, single-serve alcohol containers in specific high-crime areas to help mitigate quality of life issues. 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. She is proud of the strong collaboration between her office and the Department. So far this year, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has charged more than 82 percent of property crime cases this year that were referred to their office by law enforcement. Prosecutor Johnson noted that detectives submitted more than 1,500 property crimes in 2025, which is up five percent from 2024. The charge filing rate of property crimes stayed steady at 70 percent last year, despite an increased volume of cases received and reviewed.
Prosecutor Johnson provided two case updates. She advised that her office secured a 20-year sentence for a man that was convicted in the 2024 fatal shooting of 11-year-old Kourtney Freeman. The suspect was 16 years old at the time of the shooting and was certified as an adult by Family Court. Prosecutor Johnson also advised that charges were filed last week against a man that was allegedly selling vehicles to buyers on Facebook Marketplace and then stealing them back.
2. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves echoes the strong collaboration between the Department, City, and prosecutors’ offices. Chief Graves spoke about the reduction of violent crime in 2025, new technology and equipment, continued partnerships, and increased staffing, as the Department prepares to welcome the world for FIFA World Cup 2026.
Chief Graves advised that a new Academy class with 50 recruits began training yesterday. This is the largest Academy class the Department has had since 2007. Another Academy class with 31 KCPD recruits is expected to graduate on March 12, 2026.
3. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier introduced Captain Robert Schreiber. Captain Schreiber provided the 2025 Investigations Bureau statistics. There were 138 homicides in 2025, compared to 145 in 2024. There were 357 reported sexual offenses in 2025, compared to 373 in 2024. There were 1,024 robberies in 2025, compared to 1,301 in 2024. There were 5,575 aggravated assaults in 2025, compared to 6,214 in 2024. There were 64 arsons in 2025, compared to 89 in 2024. There were 529 drug offenses in 2025, compared to 633 in 2024. There were 516 weapon offenses in 2025, compared to 458 in 2024.
Captain Schreiber advised there were 1,373 violent crimes cases submitted to prosecutors in 2025, compared to 1,203 in 2024. There were 760 violent crimes charges filed in 2025, compared to 558 in 2024. The Special Investigations Division submitted 698 cases to prosecutors in 2025, compared to 610 in 2024. Additionally, prosecutors filed charges in 511 cases submitted by the Special Investigations Division in 2024, compared to 401 in 2024. The Assault Unit submitted 437 cases to prosecutors and charges were filed in 314 of them in 2025, compared to 305 cases submitted and 183 filed in 2024. The Robbery Unit submitted 240 cases to prosecutors and charges were filed in 160 of them in 2025, compared to 174 cases submitted and 112 filed in 2024. The Domestic Violence Unit submitted 304 cases to prosecutors and charges were filed in 150 of them in 2025, compared to 300 cases submitted and 109 filed in 2024.
Deputy Chief Niemeier provided a monthly update on the Investigations Bureau. He advised that there have been eight homicides to-date 2026, compared to 12 homicides during this same time period in 2025. There were 138 total homicides in 2025. The Department cleared 104 homicides in 2025, for a 75 percent clearance rate. The Department has cleared 50 percent of the 2026 homicides.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised there were 396 non-fatal shootings in 2025, compared to 572 in 2024. As of January 25, 2026, there have been 21 non-fatal shootings this year, compared to 23 during this same time period in 2025.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that Major Leslie Foreman is now assigned to the Investigations Bureau Office, and she will serve as the prosecutor liaison. Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that Detective School was recently held at the Academy. There were 55 attendees. In response to a question from Commissioner Whittaker, Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that Detective School is taught by a combination of KCPD and outside instructors, to include the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.
4. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin introduced Events & Special Projects Major Abigail Martinez. Major Martinez provided an update on the FIFA World Cup 2026 planning. The Events & Special Projects Division’s role is to lead planning, coordination, and provide risk reduction strategies for large-scale events and special projects under one coordinated plan. The Events & Special Projects Division works with City leadership, outside agencies, and other entities throughout their planning. There are 300 stakeholders with which the Department is working for the World Cup. Major Martinez advised that the Division is now in their plan testing phase for the World Cup, which includes tabletop exercises to test the plan and refine strategies. She reported that our partners have worked well together.
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 December was 9 minutes and 10 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 December was 11 minutes and 26 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 there were 62 fatal crashes with 68 victims in 2025, compared to 86 fatal crashes with 97 victims in 2024. He noted that 25 of the fatalities in 2025 were pedestrians, compared to 18 in 2024. There were 17,915 city-wide crashes in 2025, compared to 17,618 in 2024.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers issued 60,858 traffic citations in 2025, compared to 57,863 in 2024. He noted that the Parking Control Section recorded the highest increase of enforcement activity. Parking Control Officers issued 20,943 citations in 2025, compared to 14,550. They responded to 16,753 calls for service in 2025, compared to 10,337 calls for service in 2024. Additionally, they towed 2,963 vehicles in 2025, compared to 2,012 towed vehicles in 2024.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that traffic officers conducted six large-scale enforcement events in 2025. During these operations, they disrupted 10 sideshows, stopped 208 vehicles, issued 69 moving violation citations, issued 218 additional citations or warnings, towed 69 vehicles, made 35 arrests, and recovered five guns. Deputy Chief Mabin noted that 1/3 of all DUI arrests in Missouri last year were performed by KCPD.
South Patrol Division conducted a Take Back the Neighborhood-Commerce with the Watts Mill Shopping Center.
KCPD activities were featured in the latest PERF report.
5. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of December 31, 2025, Department strength was 1,739. For this time period, there were 1,132 sworn law enforcement personnel, 46 police officer candidates (recruits), 556 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 150 total vacancies.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that 186th Entrant Officer Class (EOC) currently has 31 KCPD recruits expected to graduate on March 12, 2026. Additionally, the 187th EOC began training yesterday, January 26, 2026, with 50 KCPD recruits. Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that this is the largest Academy class since 2007.
The Employment Unit is currently processing 15 lateral candidates. Additionally, there are 44 pending candidates for the 188th EOC that will begin training later this year. Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Employment Unit has 58 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process. KCPD’s Spring Internship will take place from February 3, 2026, through April 23, 2026. There are 16 individuals enrolled in the internship program.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the next law enforcement testing sessions will be held on January 31, 2026, February 12, 2026, and March 14, 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 from December 15, 2025, through January 8, 2026, the Wellness Unit made 106 employee contacts and help two critical incident debriefs. Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that during 2025, the Police Crime Lab processed 45,503 items and 854 crime scenes, and hosted approximately 60 tours with 600+ participants.
Mayor Lucas left the meeting at 10:27 a.m.
6. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Derek McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2025-26. A memorandum dated January 15, 2026, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the General Fund, Jackson County COMBAT Fund, Police Grants Fund, Grants Special Revenue Fund, and the Special Services Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hall, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
b. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2025-26. A memorandum dated January 9, 2026, was presented recommending a transfer in the amount of $513,500 from the Donations Fund to the following Specials Services Funds: Police Foundation of KC – Travel & Education ($53,000), Police Foundation of KC – Computer Software Maintenance ($250,000), and Police Foundation of KC – Minor Equipment ($210,500). These transfers provide sufficient appropriations for Constitutional Policing training, the second year of the Peregrine software, and K-9 support projects. All of these projects are funded by the Police Foundation of Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve the transfer of $513,000, from the Donations Fund to the Special Services Funds, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
c. Missouri State Plan of Action – Law Enforcement Support Office Property Program Agreement. A memorandum dated January 20, 2026, was presented recommending approval of continued participation in the Missouri Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Support Office (LESO) Property Program. The LESO Program allows the Department to receive donated property from the federal government through the State of Missouri.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve the Missouri Department of Public Safety Law Enforcement Support Officer Property Program Agreement, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
d. RFP #2025-0011: Multi-Functional Devices and Software. A memorandum dated January 16, 2026, was presented recommending approval to award RFP 2025-0011, Multi-Functional Devices and Software Management System to GFI Digital, Inc., for a total contractual cost of $1,060,486.20. This contract will be paid over a five-year term, at an annual cost of $212,097.24.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to award RFP 2025-0011, Multi-Functional Devices and Software Management System, to GFI Digital Inc., for a total contractual cost of $1,060,486.20. The contract will be paid over a five-year term, with an annual cost of $212,097.24. The vote was 4-0 in favor
e. Peregrine Donation. A memorandum dated January 13, 2026, was presented recommending acceptance of a donation in the amount of $1,941,000 from the Police Foundation of Kansas City. This donation will cover the cost for three one-year subscriptions of the Peregrine Unified Data Platform.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to accept a donation in the amount of $1,941,000 from the Police Foundation of Kansas City, to be used for the Peregrine Unified Data Platform, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
f. Canine Unit Donation. A memorandum dated January 13, 2026, was presented recommending acceptance of a donation in the amount of $210,500 from the Police Foundation of Kansas City. This donation will be used to purchase items to support the Canine Unit.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to accept a donation in the amount of $210,500 from the Police Foundation of Kansas City, to support the Canine Unit. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
7. Chief’s Office Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Ryan Mills presented the following consent agenda item:
a. Project #1510: Probationary Officer Review Panel
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve Project 1510, Probationary Officer Review Panel, as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
8. Office of Community Complaints. Director Merrell Bennekin presented statistics on complaints received by the OCC during the 2nd Quarter. During this timeframe, the OCC received 208 complaints, compared to 179 complaints during the same time period in 2024. Director Bennekin advised that during the 2nd Quarter, the OCC submitted 70 complaints for formal investigation by the Internal Affairs Unit. The OCC handled 138 non-investigative complaints during this year’s 2nd Quarter. The 70 complaints that were forwarded to Internal Affairs were categorized as follows: six bias-based policing, five discourtesy, nine excessive use of force, four harassment, 19 improper member conduct, and 27 improper procedure.
During the second half of 2025, the OCC reviewed and rendered the following recommendations on 66 complaints: 11 not sustained, ten exonerated, four sustained, 13 terminated due to non-cooperation, 25 administratively closed, and three were withdrawn. The 138 non-investigative complaints were in the following categories: seven discourtesy, 11 harassment, 19 improper member conduct, 69 improper procedure, and 32 did not involve members of KCPD. The dispositions of the non-investigative complaints were as follows: 84 administratively closed, ten closed due to non-cooperation, and 45 resolved without the need for an investigation.
9. Public Comments. Rachel Thomas, Steve Young, Clinton Martens, and Doug Shafer expressed their discontent with the continued employment of Officer Blayne Newton. Additionally, Mr. Martens expressed concern with arrests made at a food bank in a Lykins neighborhood parking lot earlier this month.
10. 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 meeting on December 16, 2025. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
11. Commissioner Heather Hall. Commissioner Hall advised that she attended roll calls over the holiday season. She thanked the officers for their 24/7 service, especially during the holidays and bad weather.
12. Commissioner Scott Boswell. Commissioner Boswell spoke about the positive trends in crime reduction, clearance rates, and Department staffing. He commended members of the Department for their exceptional work.
13. Commissioner Madeline Romious. Commissioner Romious commended Department leadership and members for their hard work in 2025. She spoke about the reduction of violent crime in the City, and encouraged continued efforts in 2026.
14. 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:
February 24, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
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 Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 10:54 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, January 27, 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:
Commissioner Heather Hall - 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, January 27, 2026:
Mayor Lucas was absent at the beginning of closed session, but rejoined at 11:11 a.m. Commissioner Romious left the meeting at 11:50 a.m.
1) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the claim of Carmen Holmes against the 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 Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to authorize the expenditure of fees to outside counsel in the case of Mary Botts v. BOPC, in an amount not to exceed $200,000. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
Mayor Lucas briefly stepped out of the meeting at 12:06 p.m.
3) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to approve the application for continued employment of Sergeant Joseph Chabot. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, and Commissioner Hall voted Aye.
Mayor Lucas rejoined the meeting at 12:10 p.m.
4) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to approve the non-duty-related disability retirement of ______.[2] The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
5) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session meeting on December 16, 2025. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
6) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Mayor Lucas, at 12:18 p.m., the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss personnel matters. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
7) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to increase the salary of Chief Graves to $275,000 effective January 1, 2026. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
Mayor Lucas left the meeting at 12:50 p.m.
8) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn at 1:15 p.m. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, and Commissioner Hall voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 1:15 p.m.
____________________
_______________________ President
Secretary/Attorney