June 13, 2017, Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS MEETING
TUESDAY, JUNE 13, 2017
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, Kansas City.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Leland M. Shurin, President
Commissioner Angela Wasson-Hunt, Treasurer
Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr., Member
Mr. David V. Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
David Zimmerman, Chief of Police
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Michael C. Rader, Member
This meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. by Commissioner Shurin. Commissioner Shurin advised that Governor Greitens withdrew the names of Nathan Garrett and Mark Tolbert, who were appointed last week, and thus they did not take the oath of office and become qualified for the position of Commissioner. Commissioner Shurin explained that Nathan Garrett and Mark Tolbert will be appointed as Commissioners again when the special session of the Legislature is over, and will take oath of office and become qualified. Commissioner Angela Wasson-Hunt and Commissioner Michael Rader will continue serving on the Board until the new appointments are made, and oaths are taken.
Pastor Keith Ratcliffe provided the invocation.
1. Awards and Commendations.
The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Officer Gilbert Carter for his 16 years of dedication to the FTO Program. During his time as a field training officer, Officer Carter has trained more than 50 recruits, five of which are currently supervisors. Due to Officer Carter’s experience and work ethic, he was often given difficult recruits who required a trainer who could think outside of the box. Officer Carter is always happy to share his experiences and assist in additional training for recruits. Officer Carter has shown long-term, continuous and exemplary service to the KCPD FTO Program.
The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Detective Owen Farris for his 14+ years of dedication to the KCPD Narcotics and Vice Division. Detective Farris has executed more than 1,500 high-risk search warrants, served three years as an acting sergeant, and is an original member of the KCPD Illegal Firearms Squad, playing a significant role in the squad’s overall success. Detective Farris’s commitment, teamwork, integrity, and communication have helped build the reputation of the Illegal Firearms Squad.
2. Public Comments.
Alison Baldree, Latahra Smith, and Reale Justice from the KC Freedom Project spoke about their concerns with the Office of Community Complaints’ complaint process and the arrest of Keith Carnes. They requested that OCC simplify the complaint process, and remove the current 90-day limit on filing complaints. They also requested that the Board review the arrest of Keith Carnes. Chief Zimmerman suggested they meet with OCC Director Merrell Bennekin to discuss the current complaint process. Chief Zimmerman also stated that he is confident that KCPD detectives have investigated Keith Carnes’ case very thoroughly. Ms. Smith advised that the handout that was passed out before the meeting was printed approximately one year ago, and is not up-to-date.
Mary Ward requested that the complete Toni Anderson case file be released.
General Counsel Virginia Murray met with Ms. Ward to inform her on how to request the case file.
3. Councilwoman Alissia Canady.
Councilwoman Alissia Canady spoke about the ongoing violent crime in Kansas City. Councilwoman Canady is in favor of the ordinance recently put in to place for the parks and trails in Kansas City, but would like to see the same effort put into finding resources to reduce violent crime in the urban core. Councilperson Canady requested that the Board review the staffing study of each division station monthly, to ensure that all Department resources are being used adequately. Councilwoman Canady thanked the Board and Department Command Staff for the continual leadership and accountability through the transition of KCPD chiefs.
4. Chief David Zimmerman.
Chief David Zimmerman explained that the Department is currently working on an initiative to help reduce violent crimes in the City. In response to Councilwoman Canady’s request, Chief Zimmerman stated that the Department staffing study being completed by Matrix is in the final stages, and will provide detailed data on Department staffing levels and calls for service. After meeting with the Parks and Recreation Department and the City Manager, Chief Zimmerman ensured that KCPD stands ready to provide services, resources, and solutions to issues throughout the City. The homeless tend to be in the city parks, but this is a complicated issue. We cannot arrest our way out of homelessness. There are 221 parks, 75 trails, and over 300 square miles in the City. Chief Zimmerman expressed his confidence in the members of KCPD, mentioning all the hard work and dedication that goes into solving the crimes throughout the City. Commissioner Shurin stated that the Board is also confident and proud of the members of KCPD for their continuous effort and hard work.
5. City Architect’s Report.
Mr. Eric Bosch invited all to attend the North Patrol Station Ribbon Cutting at 10:00 a.m. on June 23, 2017. In response to a question, Mr. Bosch explained that a plumbing pipe recently failed at the East Patrol Station. The contractors are fixing the pipe, free of cost. The plumbing repairs are expected to be completed by early July.
6. KC Metro Crime Commission.
KC Metro Crime Commission President Rick Armstrong provided the Board with an update. Mr. Armstrong described the new, free smartphone app offered by KC Metro Crime Commission that allows people to report tips concerning crimes throughout the Metropolitan Area, directly through the app. Mr. Armstrong stated that the TIPS program has aided in solving 24,000 violent crimes, including 636 homicides.
7. Approval of minutes.
A motion was made by Mayor James, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the minutes of the open meetings on May 8, 2017, May 9, 2017, May 15, 2017, May 16, 2017 and May 20, 2017. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
8. Executive Services Bureau.
Deputy Chief Patty Higgins presented the following item for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2017-18. A memorandum dated June 1, 2017, was presented to recommend approval of budget transfers. This budget transfer will affect the Police Grants Fund and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, with a second by Mayor James, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
9. Professional Development and Research Bureau.
Deputy Chief Bob Kuehl presented the Academy Class Summary for June 2017. Deputy Chief Kuehl requested Board approval for the following consent agenda items:
a. Project #999, On-Duty Exposure to Communicable Diseases and Physical Health Protection
b. Project #920, Duty Related Injuries
A motion was made by Mayor James, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the consent agenda items. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
Police Athletic League President Christine Lentz and Sergeant Skip Cox provided the Board with a PAL Program presentation. Ms. Lentz and Sergeant Cox explained that PAL offers an opportunity for youth, ages 8-18 years old, to interact with police officers in a positive setting while participating in cultural, mentoring and sports programs with the main emphasis being placed on academics. PAL of Kansas City reaches 800-1,000 youth annually, and 75-100 youth daily. Ms. Lentz and Sergeant Cox provided the Board with pictures of recent updates made to the PAL facility. PAL of Kansas City has become a model around the country for other PAL organizations. The Board expressed their thanks to all involved in the PAL Program.
Captain Thad Seever spoke about the DARE (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) and GREAT (Gang Resistance Education and Training) Programs. Captain Seever explained that three full time officers are dedicated to the DARE and GREAT Programs. In the last year, these officers have taught at 48 schools, reaching 4,500 kids. In addition to classroom instruction, these officers attend many community events.
Captain Seever explained that officers throughout the Department continually participate in youth initiatives around the City such as Mayor’s Night Out, Badges and Baseball, Youth R.I.S.E., Gun Safety and Bullying Prevention, and the Summer Work Program.
Officer Garron Carter spoke about the OK Program. Officer Carter explained that the OK Program is a mentoring program for young African-American men, ages 12-18 years old, helping them gain leadership and critical thinking skills, excel in academics, and reduce the high rates of violent crime. The program started in Sacramento 26 years ago. The Kansas City OK Program meets every Saturday during the school year in the Hickman Mills Gymnasium. For every quarter that the young men maintain a 2.5 or higher GPA, they are taken to professional sporting events and other outings. Officer Carter explained that on those Saturdays, the young men have a chance to meet with mentors, businessmen, and police officers to discuss issues or problems they may be having. The young men and their families are then provided with the resources they need. Officer Carter stated there are approximately 125 young men in the Kansas City OK Program.
Deputy Chief Robert Kuehl provided the Board with a presentation on Body-Worn Cameras. Deputy Chief Kuehl explained that the Department fully supports the use of video cameras, and believes that in-car cameras and body-worn cameras are complimentary systems. In June 2016, KCPD engaged in a 12-week Body-Worn Camera Pilot Project, utilizing the existing system infrastructure. During this project, an average of 147 videos/82,000 MB were recorded in one day, totaling 9,300 videos/5.1 million MB at the end of the 12-week study. Deputy Chief Kuehl explained the differences in cloud-based storage and on-premise storage. Research shows that cloud-based storage will cost $3.6 million for a 5-year contract, and on-premise storage costing $3.2 million for a 5-year contract. Deputy Chief Kuehl stated that the Department does not recommend cloud based storage, due to lack of portability if the contract is terminated (the various cloud-based systems are not compatible), and data security questions. Deputy Chief Kuehl stated that the body-worn camera initial equipment startup will cost $2.1 million, with $56,000 annual maintenance costs. Recurring personnel salary and benefits will cost $2.2 million, and it will cost $173,000/annually for two additional network administrators. The body-worn camera expansion requires a robust fiber optic solution, which is part of the ONE IT Project. Deputy Chief Kuehl stated the estimated timeline for the fiber solution rollout is 2020.
10. Investigations Bureau.
Deputy Chief Cheryl Rose presented the Board with the Investigations Bureau reports for May 2017.
Deputy Chief Rose said that to-date in 2017, there have been 62 homicides, compared to 47 at this time last year. Deputy Chief Rose advised that HIDTA will continue to be funded this year. Deputy Chief Rose congratulated the Interdiction Task Force on receiving the Missouri Narcotics Officers Association Law Enforcement Unit of The Year Award, Midwest HIDTA Award for Outstanding Interdiction, and International Narcotics Interdiction Association’s Narcotics Unit of The Year Award. Deputy Chief Rose thanked the Homicide Squad for their hard work with the increase of homicides during the last few weeks. In response to a question, Deputy Chief Rose stated that most drive-by shootings are taking place in the afternoon and early evening.
11. Administration Bureau.
Deputy Chief Oakman presented the Regional Criminalistics Division monthly statistics for June 2017. Deputy Chief Oakman stated that a few minor errors have been found with the newly deployed CAD System, and corrections are being made.
12. Patrol Bureau.
Acting Deputy Chief Scott Glaeser presented the Monthly Offense Summary dated April 2017. Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser stated that the Department is continuously working to reduce the violent crimes in the City. Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser explained that changes in House Bill No. 4 have defunded DUI checkpoints. KCPD will still conduct four Department-funded checkpoints throughout the remainder of 2017. Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser presented the Traffic Summary for the month of May 2017. He advised there have been 37 fatalities to date this year, there were 22 at this time last year. Since the increase of the speed limit on Highway 71, accidents are initially trending down. He also advised that the Traffic Unit will conduct public safety campaigns to encourage citizens to be aware of their surroundings, and to promote general safety procedures. In response to a question, Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser stated he will obtain information pertaining to the number of pedestrians struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk.
Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser presented the Executive Summary dated May 2017. He advised that the Calls Received Section was left blank because of a problem with the statistics.
13. Office of General Counsel.
General Counsel Virginia Murray stated that she met with Mary Ward to explain the records request process. Ms. Murray advised Ms. Ward to address her concerns about the actions of the North Kansas City officers directly to the North Kansas City Police Department.
14. Professional Standards Division.
Major David Bosworth presented the OCC Investigations Summary dated June 1, 2017. Major Bosworth also presented the following Private Officer License appeals:
a. Private Officer License Appeal, Cecil B.L. Logan III. A memorandum dated May 22, 2017, recommended the denial of the unarmed private security license of Mr. Cecil B.L. Logan III. The basis of the revocation is outlined in Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations, Section 10-2.050(3)(H), stipulating, “Be of good moral character by having no felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or city ordinance convictions, which have as an essential element fraud, dishonesty, an act of violence, bribery, illegal drug use, sexual misconduct, and other similar acts constituting moral turpitude,” and Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations, Section 10-2.050 (3)(O), stipulating, “Provided other facts or actions which demonstrate that the applicant is unsuitable or ineligible for a license.” Mr. Logan was convicted of Stealing in Clayton, MO on May 3, 1991. Mr. Logan was also convicted of Possession of a Controlled Substance in Columbia, MO on April 2, 1990.
A motion was made by Mayor James, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to uphold the appeal and issue Mr. Logan 6 months of probation, to be administered by the Private Officer Licensing Unit. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
b. Private Officer License Appeal, Vonda L. Jones. A memorandum dated May 22, 2017, recommended the denial of the unarmed private security license of Ms. Vonda L. Jones. The basis of the revocation is outlined in Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations, Section 10-2.050(3)(G), stipulating, “Not have been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor in federal or state court.” On July 30, 1991, Ms. Jones was convicted of Felony Forgery in Wyandotte County, KS.
A motion was made by Mayor James, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to uphold the appeal and issue Ms. Jones 6 months of probation, to be administered by the Private Officer Licensing Unit. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
Commissioner Wasson-Hunt requested that Private Officer Licensing Unit Manager Tamy Gallagher meet with the Board to discuss the private license appeal process.
15. Human Resources.
Director Meredith Rund presented the Personnel Summary dated June 2, 2017. For this time period, Department strength is 1,299 law enforcement and 518 civilians.
16. Office of Community Complaints.
Director Merrell Bennekin said he had nothing for discussion at this time.
17. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 99.
Sergeant Brad Lemon said he had nothing for discussion at this time.
18. Commissioner Wasson-Hunt.
Commissioner Wasson-Hunt expressed her thanks to the Department, and stated that it has been an honor to serve as a Commissioner for the last several years.
19. Scheduled Meetings.
The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Special Meeting:
Friday, June 30, 2017
8:00 a.m., at Shaffer Lombardo Shurin, 2001 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City.
This is a special closed meeting being held to discuss personnel matters.
Saturday, July 8, 2017
8:00 a.m., at Shaffer Lombardo Shurin, 2001 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City.
This is a special closed meeting being held to discuss personnel matters.
Regular Meetings 2017:
July 11, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD South Patrol Multi-purpose Room, 9701 Marion Park Drive, Kansas City.
August 15, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
September 12, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD North Patrol Community Room, 11000 N.W. Prairie View Road, Kansas City.
October 10, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
November 14, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD East Patrol Gymnasium, 2640 Prospect Avenue, Kansas City.
December 12, 2017, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, with a second by Mayor James, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn its open meeting at 12:37 p.m. and reconvene in closed session as provided in the following resolution. Following a roll call, the vote was 3-0 in favor.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, notice of the board meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners was given on October 20, 2016, 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, June 13, 2017, at KCPD Headquarters, 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 Leland M. Shurin – Aye
Commissioner Angela Wasson-Hunt – Aye
Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr. – 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 June 13, 2017, beginning at 12:52 p.m. There were no votes taken at the special closed meeting which began at 3:00 p.m. and ended at 5:30 p.m.
Commissioner Rader had an excused absence.
1) Following a motion by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt and a second by Mayor James, the Board voted to go into closed session to discuss litigation matters, personnel matters and labor negotiations. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt and a second by Mayor James, the Board voted to approve the applications for continued employment of Reserve Sergeant Michael Coughlin, Major Roger Lewis, and Reserve Detective Brent Marchant. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
3) Following a motion by Mayor James and a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, the Board voted to approve the duty related duty-related disability retirement of Police Officer xxxx*. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye. *Name redacted for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
4) Following a motion by Mayor James and a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, the Board voted to approve a $299,000 settlement in the case of Pridgen v. Board of Police Commissioners. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
5) Following a motion by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt and a second by Mayor James, the Board voted to approve RFP No. 2017-8 Lease of Vehicles for Covert Operations. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
6) Following a motion by Commissioner Shurin and a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed meetings of the Board of Police Commissioners on May 9, 2017, May 12, 2017, and May 20, 2017. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
7) Following a motion by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt and a second by Commissioner Shurin, the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Mayor James voted Aye, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 1:30 p.m.
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President
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Secretary/Attorney
Board of Police Commissioners Minutes