March 24, 2026 Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, MARCH 24, 2026
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Tom Whittaker, President
Commissioner Madeline Romious, Vice President
Commissioner Scott Boswell, Treasurer
Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
Stacey Graves, Chief of Police
ABSENT:
Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member
This meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Commissioner Whittaker. Mayor Lucas had an excused absence. Officers James Manley and Briana Hawley led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chief Stacey Graves presented both officers with Chief’s Challenge Coins for their lifesaving efforts when they jumped into a lake to save two women from drowning last month. Chaplain Jeremy Eubanks provided the invocation.
1. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Graves advised that she, along with Deputy Chiefs Derek McCollum and Ryan Mills, will be attending the Finance Committee meeting at City Hall after their presentations this morning. Chief Graves advised that Civilian Doug King, who was assigned to the Investigations Bureau, passed away on March 16, 2016. Civilian King previously served as a KCPD officer from July 1996 through February 2022. Civilian King will be deeply missed.
2. Chief’s Office Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Mills presented the following consent agenda item for consideration:
a. Project #1511: Retirement, Death and Tenure Awards
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve Project 1511, Retirement, Death and Tenure Awards, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
3. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2025-26. A memorandum dated March 12, 2026, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the General Fund, Parking Garage Fund, Public Safety Sales Tax Fund, Health Levy Fund, and the Police Grants Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, 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 2025-26. A memorandum dated March 13, 2026, was presented recommending approval of an appropriation in the amount of $36,000 to the Liability Self-Retention Fund for settlements.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the appropriation of $36,000 to the Liability Self-Retention Fund, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
c. Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Grant Modification. A memorandum dated March 10, 2026, was presented recommending acceptance of the Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Award #G24MW0003A modification in the amount of $37,037.95, increasing the overall award to $492,445.95. The modification also extends the project period to June 30, 2026, and will fund personnel expenses.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to accept the Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Award #G24MW0003A modification in the amount of $37,037.95, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
d. STOP VAWA Subaward. A memorandum dated March 10, 2026, was presented recommending acceptance of the 2026-2027 STOP Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) grant program award in the amount of $161,340.44 ($85,415.51 in Federal funds and $75,924.93 in local match). The project period is January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The award will provide funding for a forensic examiner to provide biological screening and DNA analysis on sexual assault or domestic violence cases.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to accept the 2026-2027 STOP Violence Against Women Act award in the amount of $161,340.44, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
e. PSP Subrecipient Agreement. A memorandum dated March 17, 2026, was presented recommending acceptance of the National Public Safety Partnership (PSP) award in the amount of $175,000. The project period is December 1, 2023, through October 1, 2026. This award funds an analyst in support of the SAVEKC initiative.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to accept the National Public Safety Partnership award in the amount of $175,000, as presented. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
Chief Graves, Deputy Chief McCollum, and Deputy Chief Mills left the meeting at 9:41 a.m., to attend the City’s Finance Committee meeting.
4. Guest Presentations. Assistant City Manager Lace Cline announced that Diana Knapp was selected to lead of the City’s corrections and rehabilitation efforts in the Department of Community Safety. Director Knapp brings three decades of experience across the criminal justice system. She most recently served as the Director of the Jackson County Department of Corrections, and is working on the new City detention center.
Ms. Cline spoke about the Multidisciplinary Public Safety Task Force’s efforts to address illegal gambling machines throughout the City. These efforts include enforcement, inspections, and follow-up videos to ensure compliance with City ordinances. The Task Force has already inspected multiple gas stations since the passage of the ordinance, and officers have issued 30 citations for ordinance violations. Ms. Cline thanked the Department for its collaboration in improving public safety.
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson provided a monthly update. The Prosecutor’s Office has nearly a 70 percent filing rate in the first three months of 2026. Additionally, the Prosecutor’s Office will soon start the new Intimate Partner Violence Intervention Program (IPVI). Funding for the IPVI Program includes a $400,000 grant from the Bloch Family Foundation, awarded to the Police Foundation of Kansas City. This program is an evidence-based strategy designed to reduce repeat intimate partner violence through early intervention, accountability, and coordinated support services.
Prosecutor Johnson advised that for domestic assault cases reviewed this year, the office filing rate is nearly 80 percent. Of the cases not filed, the most common reason was due to victim or witness non-cooperation. The Prosecutor’s Office is looking to provide more support to victims and witnesses through COMBAT-funded agencies, such as Rose Brooks, MOCSA, and Synergy Services.
Prosecutor Johnson noted that approximately 80 percent of all domestic assault cases this year have been resolved through guilty pleas or diversion. For cases involving intimate partner violence, the current filing rate is 84 percent, nearly 90 percent of those have been resolved through guilty pleas. Property crimes and harassment cases involving intimate partner violence have a 100 percent filing rate.
Prosecutor Johnson advised that beginning July 1, 2026, the office will be open for charging referrals on illegal gambling devices. The Prosecutor’s Office is working with the Missouri Attorney General’s Office to ensure those operating these devices are held accountable.
The Prosecutor’s Office recently secured a 35-year sentence for a man that sexually assaulted a woman in Downtown Kansas City in 2024. That sentence is one of the longest ever secured by the Prosecutor’s Office on an adult sex case. Additionally, a man was charged after allegedly placing 20+ explosive devices in a trash can near the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Prosecutor Johnson thanked the Bomb & Arson Squad for the speed and precision of their response and investigation.
Prosecutor Johnson noted that area prosecutors have been meeting in preparation of FIFA World Cup 2026 and the influx of people coming to the City.
Todd Eubanks and Jason Elsenraat provided an overview of Workday, a platform that specializes in human capital management, financial management, and analytics for employers. The cloud-based software centralizes human resources functions, payroll, benefits, grants, and financials in a single platform. Captain Mark Slater advised that Workday will replace the Department’s current grant management software, New World, which was originally purchased in the 1990s. Updates for the New World software will end in 2027. The City of Kansas City will also be utilizing Workday, and will absorb the cost in the Fiscal Year 2028 budget proposal. Captain Slater noted that Workday will modernize the Department’s accounting, payroll, and human resource functions. He anticipates an 18-month implementation period. No City data will be used to train outside AI systems. Accenture is helping with implementation. Manager Greg Turley will handle implementation for the Department.
5. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier provided an update on overdoses. Over one year ago, the Drug Enforcement Unit started responding to and investigating all overdoses in the City. These efforts have contributed to the reduction of overdoses across the City. In February 2026, there were 11 suspected overdoses compared to 36 in February 2025, and 26 in February 2024. In February 2026, there were three suspected fatal overdoses, compared to 16 in February 2025, and 17 in February 2024.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 27 homicides to-date 2026, compared to 29 homicides during this same time period in 2025. The Department has cleared 15 homicides this year, and an additional eight from previous years, for a total of 23 cases. This is a 85 percent clearance rate, compared to the national average of around 61 percent. There were 11 homicides during the month of February 2026, and there have been seven homicides so far in March 2026.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that as of March 22, 2026, there have been 73 non-fatal shootings this year, compared to 58 during this same time period in 2025. In February 2026, there were 28 non-fatal shootings, compared to 17 in February 2025.
Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about narcotics seizures across the City. To-date 2026, detectives have seized 510 pounds of cocaine, compared to eight pounds during the same time period in 2025. To-date 2026, detectives have seized 71 pounds of methamphetamine, compared to 53 pounds during the same time period in 2025. To-date 2026, detectives have seized 2,656 pounds of marijuana, compared to 376 pounds during the same time period in 2025. Deputy Chief Niemeier noted that this is illegal marijuana that is being taken across state lines moving through or to Kansas City. To-date 2026, detectives have seized 50 pounds of heroin, compared to zero during the same time period in 2025.
Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about the passing of Civilian Doug King. Doug will be deeply missed in the Investigations Bureau.
6. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin introduced Major William Hewitt, Division Commander of the Central Patrol Division. Major Hewitt provided an overview of Central Patrol. Downtown Kansas City and portions of the urban core make up the Central Patrol Division, including a majority of the City’s entertainment districts, business corridors, and major event venues. Major Hewitt advised that through proactive patrol, increased staffing, and partnerships, Central Patrol is seeing improved crime statistics. Year-to-date 2026, violent crime is down by 21 percent, property crime is down by 30 percent, and stolen autos are down by 58 percent. Major Hewitt thanked Lace Cline and Melesa Johnson for their help with the Special Victims Unit.
Deputy Chief Mabin provided monthly updates for the Patrol Bureau. He advised that the median response time for Priority 10 calls (also known as Priority 1) for the month of February was 8 minutes and 11 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 9 minutes and 56 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 1,348 city-wide crashes in February 2026, compared to 1,301 in February 2025. There have been 2,693 city-wide crashes to-date 2026, compared to 2,726 crashes during the same time period in 2025. There were six fatal crashes during this reporting period. To-date 2026, there have been 11 fatal crashes with 11 victims, compared to six fatal crashes with eight victims during the same time period in 2025.
The Department issued a total of 6,384 traffic citations in February 2026, compared to 5,194 in February 2025. Year-to-date 2026, officers have issued 12,704 traffic citations, compared to 9,493 during the same time period in 2025.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that traffic officers conducted a transit lane (streetcar) enforcement activity during the reporting period. The project spanned 15 days. Officers made 71 traffic stops and issued citations or written warnings for 42 transit lane violations, 11 improper turn violations, eight moving violations, 26 non-moving violations, and ten parking violations.
On February 12, 2026, officers also conducted enforcement in school zones and high-crash locations. During this operation, officers made 270 stops and issued citations or written warnings for 232 moving violations, 121 non-moving violations, and 12 driving while suspended/revoked violations. Additionally on February 18, 2026, officers conducted school zone and highway enforcement. They made 273 stops and issued citations or written warnings for 255 moving violations and 109 non-moving violations.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that the Traffic Division conducted vehicle escort training in preparation of FIFA World Cup 2026.
7. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of February 28, 2026, Department strength was 1,764. For this time period, there were 1,129 sworn law enforcement personnel, 78 police officer candidates (recruits), 553 professional staff members, and four Board members; there were 125 total vacancies.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that 29 officers in the 186th Entrant Officer Class (EOC) graduated from the Academy on March 12, 2026. Additionally, two lateral officers graduated on March 13, 2026. The 31 new KCPD officers are currently completing their break-in period with their field training officers (FTO). The Employment Unit is currently processing 14 lateral candidates. Additionally, there are 13 pending candidates for the 188th EOC that will begin training in May 2026, with 40 additional candidates in various stages of the hiring process. Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Employment Unit has 28 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that 31 law enforcement officer candidates passed the physical ability testing on March 14, 2026. They will move on to the next stage of the hiring process. The next law enforcement testing sessions will be held on April 16, 2026, May 16, 2026, and June 18, 2026, at the Regional Police Academy. More information on open positions can be found at https://kcpolice.org/careers/. Deputy Chief Ortiz noted that 84 individuals participated in the Women’s Personal Safety class in February.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that during the month of February, the Police Crime Lab processed 3,745 items and 77 crime scenes related to 580 cases. Additionally, they hosted six facility tours with 85 participants. Crime Lab members also provided court testimony 35 times during the month of February.
8. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert presented the following private officer license appeal:
a. Private Officer License Appeal: Devon A. Brosemer. A memorandum dated March 17, 2026, was presented recommending the suspension of the armed private security license of Devon A. Brosemer. On February 7, 2026, Lee’s Summit Police arrested Brosemer for an instance of domestic violence. Brosemer’s conduct violated the applicable regulations, including 17 CSR 10-2.050(3)(N).
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to suspend the armed private security license of Devon A. Brosemer, pending adjudication in the courts. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
9. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on February 24, 2026. The vote was 3-0 in favor.
10. Commissioner Madeline Romious. Commissioner Romious thanked everyone for the information provided at today’s meeting, and commended the work being done by the Department and its partners.
11. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker commended the Department for their professionalism during the escorts and security provided for the last few weeks as the Freedom Plane National Tour (original United States of America founding documents) made their way to Kansas City and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. He noted that 21,000+ people attended the exhibit that represents America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
12. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Audit Committee Meeting:
June 24, 2026, 2:45 p.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 25-04
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:
April 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
May 12, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
June 23, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
July 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
August 25, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
September 22, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
October 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
November 17, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
December 15, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 10:52 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 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, March 24, 2026, at KCPD Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City, for the purpose of discussing personnel matters, labor negotiations, and litigation matters.
The following Commissioners were present and voted to go into closed session as follows:
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, March 24, 2026:
Mayor Lucas had an excused absence.
1) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed BOPC meetings on February 24, 2026. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Commissioner Boswell voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Romious Lucas, the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn at 12:29 p.m. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Commissioner Boswell voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 12:29 p.m.