March 18, 2025 Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 18, 2025
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Dawn Cramer, President
Commissioner Tom Whittaker, Vice President
Commissioner Madeline Romious, Treasurer
Stacey Graves, Chief of Police
Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
ABSENT:
Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member
This meeting was called to order at 9:28 a.m. by Commissioner Cramer. Supervisor Margaret Harman led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Brian Josephson provided the invocation.
1. Board Resolution 25-01. Board Resolution 25-01 was presented to Ed Elder, to express the Board’s sincere gratitude and genuine appreciation for his leadership, counsel and tireless service to KCPD and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Board’s sorrow at his retirement from the Board on December 31, 2024.
2. Guest Presentations. John Fierro and Molly Manske provided information on the Mattie Rhodes Center. Mattie Rhodes Center empowers, advocates for, and connects the diverse communities, families, and individuals. They take a collective approach towards violence prevention by working side by side with the City, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office, the Department, Jackson County COMBAT, and the Kansas City, Missouri School District.
Ms. Manske advised that Mattie Rhodes opened a new office location for violence prevention and services in December 2025. The new office is located in the Historic Northeast, on Independence Avenue. Ms. Manske explained that the area around the office has experienced a high number of homicides and other violent crime in recent years.
Mattie Rhodes has four public safety programs. The ParateXPaz program’s mission is to prevent violent incidents from happening, and to break the cycle of violence in the Historic Northeast. ParateXPaz provides support and connection to resources for individuals and families, to be able to live a violence-free life. The COMBAT NE Hub is a program for all non-fatal shooting victims that are referred by KCPD. The Department of Justice (DOJ) grant project aims to reduce school violence in Kansas City Public Schools through a multi-tiered system of supports. It involves hiring two full-time violence prevention staff, forming teams for high-risk youth, providing training on violence prevention, promoting the KC Crimestoppers app, and fostering community partnerships to improve safety and communication in schools. The Nuevo Amanecer (New Dawn) is a program that effectively assists Spanish-speaking clients, families, and youth seeking substance abuse intervention and counseling to improve individually, intra-personally, and socially. The program is designed to increase knowledge of addiction and recovery principals and decrease illicit drug and alcohol abuse.
Chief Graves and the Board thanked Mr. Fierro, Ms. Manske, and the Mattie Rhodes Center for their partnership and involvement in the community and public safety.
Commissioner Cramer introduced the City’s Director of Public Safety Lace Cline. Ms. Cline spoke about a new city ordinance that revived the Chronic Nuisance Board at the City. This Board will give the City a crucial tool for crime prevention and intervention. The Board will assess chronic nuisance properties across the City based on factors such as illegal activity and repeated calls for service. This Board will work with property owners to address recurring illegal conduct. If property owners do not participate in efforts to improve the community, the Board will have authority to issue a variety of orders.
Ms. Cline advised that since January, the Mayor’s Office has been working with the Harvard Kennedy School of Government on developing a collaborative partnership model between Community Improvement Districts (CID), the City, the Department, and mental health resources, to improve public safety in entertainment and commercial venues.
Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson introduced himself and spoke about the importance of having Clay County represented at these meetings. He also spoke about the great working relationship between his office and the Department. Prosecutor Thompson thanked the Department for the opportunity to speak at the Shoal Creek Patrol Division’s Quarterly Crime Meeting.
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson thanked the Department’s Office of General Counsel for periodically convening meetings with all area prosecutors. Prosecutor Johnson advised that the Crime Strategies Unit at the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office is underway. Within the first 72 hours of the Unit’s launch, prosecutors charged a high-impact offender with two counts of first-degree burglary for victimizing the same business on two different occasions. Additionally, prosecutors charged a man with more than 10 felonies in a burglary spree. Prosecutors also secured a guilty verdict and increased sentence for a SAVE KC client who continued to engage in criminal behavior and did not take advantage of SAVE KC support.
2. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves spoke about the Police Foundation’s A Call for Backup event that was held on February 28, 2025. Chief Graves thanked the Foundation for their investment in the Department and the community.
Chief Graves spoke about a recent mandatory commander training regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in law enforcement. Chief Graves stated that the Department continues training and planning for the present, but also the future. These innovative approaches to policing enhance public safety in the community.
3. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier introduced Captain William Hewitt and his staff in the Domestic Violence Unit. The Unit consists of two sergeants, seven detectives, one analyst, and an advocate from the Rose Brooks Center. The Unit investigates all domestic violence-related assaults, robberies, burglaries, kidnappings, property damage, violations of orders of protection, stalkings, and intimidation. The Unit does not investigate domestic violence-related homicides or sex crimes.
Captain Hewitt advised that in 2024, there were 6,671 domestic violence reports, a 6.5 percent increase from 2023. Of those reports, approximately 59 percent involved intimate partners. Captain Hewitt explained that intimate partner domestic violence-related crimes often lead to repeat offenses, serious injury, and homicides. Year-to-date 2025, 32 percent of homicides contained a domestic violence factor, a majority of which were children, but only 1/8 of the offenders had previous interactions with KCPD. In 2024, domestic violence factors occurred in approximately eight percent of homicides, and in 2023, domestic violence factors occurred in 12 percent of homicides. The significant increase in domestic violence-related homicides this year is very concerning for investigators.
Captain Hewitt advised that in Fall 2024, the Domestic Violence Unit began applying the KCPD crime plan, using a data-drive approach and the Problem Analysis Training to interrupt cycles of intimate partner violence. The Unit has also implemented the Offender-Focused Domestic Violence Initiative with the goal to change behavior of offenders, protect victims, and reduce the amount of law enforcement resources needed to respond to domestic violence.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 25 homicides to-date 2025, compared to 25 homicides during this same time period in 2024. Of the 25 homicides that have occurred in 2025, the Department has cleared 96 percent. Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there were 11 homicides that occurred in February 2025. Four of the February homicides occurred within the East Patrol Division, three within the Metro Patrol Division, three within the North Patrol Division, and one within the Central Patrol Division. There have been an additional two homicides in March, as of today.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 46 non-fatal shootings year-to-date 2025, compared to 135 during the same time period in 2024. In early 2024, there were mass shootings at Crown Center and the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl rally, which contributed to the high number of non-fatal shootings.
Captain Ron Legg and Sergeant Joseph Merino presented on the Law Enforcement Resource Center’s (LERC) crime analysts that were funded by grants from the Police Foundation. In March 2024, the first two analysts were assigned to the Homicide squads. In June 2024, KCPD accepted a grant from the Police Foundation for additional analysts. In September 2024, the first three analysts were hired under the grant. The analysts are embedded withing different sections of the Department and are starting to use Pergrine and other AI programs to assist the Department. These efforts will kick off in April of this year. The Police Foundation assisted with the analysts and the purchase of Peregrine. Captain Legg advised that the analysts play a very important role in the Department’s solve rate. The current solve rate is 96 percent. Last year, the solve rate was 76 percent. He commended the work of the Department’s analysts.
4. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin spoke of the notable events within the Patrol Bureau in February 2025. Deputy Chief Mabin presented monthly statistics for the Patrol Bureau. He advised that the median response time for Priority 10 calls (also known as Priority 1) for the month of February was 8 minutes and 34 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 February was 10 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 that members of the Traffic Division issued 5,194 traffic citations in February 2025, compared to 4,631 in February 2024. He advised there were 1,301 citywide crashes in February 2025, compared to 1,265 citywide crashes in February 2024. Deputy Chief Mabin advised that there have been six fatal crashes with eight victims to-date 2025, compared to 17 fatal crashes with 20 victims during this same time period in 2024.
Members of the Traffic Division held five DUI wolfpack enforcement operations in February, which resulted in 80 stops, 27 DUI arrests, and 87 total citations issued. Additionally, there were another 87 DUI arrests made by officers during the month of February.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that members of the Traffic Division held an expired license plate and temp tag enforcement operation in the Northland on February 25, 2025. Officers conducted 181 stops and issued 165 citations or written warnings. They also confiscated 28 sets of license plates or temp tags.
5. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of February 28, 2025, Department strength was 1,693. For this time period, there were 1,106 sworn law enforcement personnel, 52 recruits, 531 professional staff, and four Board members; there were 180 total vacancies.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that there are currently 55 in the process for possible eligibility in the next Academy class, which will begin training on May 5, 2025. Additionally, there are 16 pending job offers. The Department is currently processing 19 lateral transfers and re-hires.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Department hired two new members in the Communications Unit. They will begin training on March 26, 2025. He noted that there are 18 pending job offers and an additional two applicants in the hiring process for the Communications Unit.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Department will hold law enforcement testing on April 16, 2025, May 17, 2025, and June 25, 2025, 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 spoke about the recent Personal Safety and Self-Defense for Women Seminar that was held at the Academy. This is a free, four-hour training for women across the metro, teaching self-defense and situational awareness techniques. There were 95 participants in this training session. The next training sessions will occur on May 24, 2025, August 9, 2025, September 13, 2025, and October 11, 2025. More information can be found at https://kcpolice.org/community/personal-safety-training/.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that there are currently 17 participants enrolled in the current Citizens Police Academy. This is a 10-week program open to anyone of 18 years or older, that is a resident of or works in Kansas City, Missouri. Topics covered during the Citizens Police Academy include overviews of the Department’s structure, information on police recruiting and training, and hands-on workshops in various specialized units. The next session will begin on September 2, 2025. Applications can be found at https://kcpolice.org/community/citizens-police-academy/.
6. Executive Services Bureau. Major Scott Simons spoke for Deputy Chief McCollum during his absence. Major Simons presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated March 6, 2025, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the General Fund, the Health Levy Fund, the Police Grants Fund, and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
b. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated March 3, 2025, was presented recommending approval to transfer $725,000 from the Unappropriated Fund Balance to the Liability Self Retention Contractual Services – Settlements Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the $725,000 adjustment within the special revenue accounts, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
c. Adjustments to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated March 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval to transfer $350,000 from the Unappropriated Fund Balance to the Contractual Services Postage and Contract Work Funds. This reflects the costs associated with third-party private alarm management.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the $350,000 adjustment within the special revenue accounts, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
d. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated March 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval to transfer $75,000 from the Unappropriated Fund Balance of the Federal Seizure & Forfeiture Fund to the Capital Outlay – Ramio & Commo Equipment Fund. This transfer is needed in order to pay Motorola CAD Standard Maintenance and Motorola upgrade services.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the $75,000 adjustment within the special revenue accounts, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
7. Chief’s Office Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Steve Young presented the following consent agenda items:
a. Project 1432: Internally Recorded Digital Media Records
b. Project 1496: Use of Department and Private Vehicles
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve Project 1432, Internally Recorded Digital Media Records, and Project 1496, Use of Department and Private Vehicles, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
8. Public Comments. Ron Hunt spoke about his support of the Department and its members. He advised that he spoke at City Hall in support of increased funding for the Department. He spoke about the increased number of homicides throughout the City, and he wants to see more police in his neighborhood.
9. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on February 25, 2025. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
10. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker commended the Department for their security at large events across the City, such as the KC Current season opener and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
11. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer spoke about the Public Safety Sales Tax will be on the April 8, 2025, ballot. She explained that funding from the tax would be used to construct a new detention and rehabilitation center, a new Central Patrol station, and new fleet for the Department.
12. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Special Budget Meeting:
April 21, 2025, 2:30 p.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
Audit Committee Meeting:
June 25, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
Disciplinary 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 25-02
THIS HEARING HAS BEEN CONTINUED FROM ITS CURRENT SETTING OF MARCH 7, 2025, AND WILL BE RESET FOR A FUTURE DATE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD.
*Disciplinary Hearings are closed under Section 590.502(6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
Regular Meetings:
April 29, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
May 20, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
June 17, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
July 22, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
August 19, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
September 23, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
October 28, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
November 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
December 16, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:10 a.m., 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 June 5, 2024, and
WHEREAS, said notice indicated that the Board of Police Commissioners might go into closed session during said meeting, and
WHEREAS, notice of the closed meeting follows the guidelines of Section 610.020 of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Police Commissioners go into closed session during the meeting being held on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at KCPD Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City, for the purpose of discussing personnel matters, labor negotiations, and litigation matters.
The following Commissioners were present and voted to go into closed session as follows:
Commissioner Madeline Romious - Aye
Commissioner Tom Whittaker - Aye
Commissioner Dawn Cramer - Aye
There being a quorum present and the question of holding a closed session having received an affirmative public vote of at least three (3) members, a closed meeting was held as set forth above.
Below are the votes from the closed session of the Board of Police Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, March 18, 2025:
The Board went into closed session at 11:23 a.m.
1) Following a motion by Commissioner Whittaker, and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the case of Letitia Nunley, et al. v. Blayne Newton, et al., in an amount not to exceed $___, and subject to certain terms of payment and other conditions.[1] The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Commissioner Romious voted Aye.
Mayor Lucas joined the meeting at 1:42 p.m.
2) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the case of Ricky Kidd v. BOPC, et al, in an amount not to exceed $___, and subject to certain terms of payment and other conditions.[2] The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
3) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed Board meeting on February 25, 2025, and the Litigation Committee on March 3, 2025. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
4) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, at 1:03 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 Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
Mayor Lucas left the meeting at 2:15 p.m.
Commissioner Romious left the meeting at 2:30 p.m.
5) Following a motion by Commissioner Whittaker, and a second by Commissioner Cramer, at 2:44 p.m., the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn. The vote was 2-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye and Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 2:44 p.m.