May 12, 2026 Meeting

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.

 

PRESENT:

Commissioner Tom Whittaker, President

Commissioner Scott Boswell, Treasurer

Commissioner Heather Sicks, Member

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member

Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Stacey Graves, Chief of Police

ABSENT:

Commissioner Madeline Romious, Vice President

 

This meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Commissioner Whittaker. Commissioner Romious had an excused absence.  Officer Octavio “Chato” Villalobosled the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chief Stacey Graves presented Officer Villalobos with a Chief’s Challenge Coin in recognition of his 26 years of exemplary service, spending the last 20 years dedicated to the Westside Community Action Network (CAN) Center.  Chaplain Shane Stamm provided the invocation.

Mayor Lucas joined the meeting at 9:35 a.m.

1.​Guest Presentations.  Assistant City Manager Lace Cline introduced the City’s new Director of Community Safety Diana Knapp.  Director Knapp will lead 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.  

​Director Knapp advised that the City is currently hiring corrections professionals to staff the detention facility.  There will be an academy class held beginning in June 2026 for the correctional staff.  She added that construction of the temporary detention facility is on schedule.  

​Jackson County COMBAT Executive Director Murray Woodard provided an update from the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office.  From January 1, 2026, through May 11, 2026, the Prosecutor’s Office has nearly a 70 percent filing rate.  Filing rates by offense category were as follows: weapons offenses, 87 percent; stealing offenses, 77 percent; burglaries, 75 percent; stolen auto cases, 74 percent; property damage cases, 72 percent; and assault cases, 64 percent.  Director Woodard noted that 28 percent of assault cases remain pending review by the Prosecutor’s Office, while 20 percent have been declined due to insufficient evidence.

​ Director Woodard discussed the 2025 Jackson County COMBAT Impact Report, which details how COMBAT funds were expended during the previous year. He reported that the $3.9 million allocated to KCPD funded 21 positions, investigative expenses, vehicle leases, and the placement of an analyst within each Homicide Unit squad. Director Woodard stated that these strategic public safety investments have enhanced the Department’s investigative capabilities and contributed to its exceptional homicide clearance rate.

2.​General Discussion from the Chief of Police.  Chief Stacey Graves welcomed Commissioner Heather Sicks to the Board.  

Chief Graves advised that this week marks National Police Week.  She and members of the Department recently traveled to Jefferson City to attend the Missouri Law Enforcement Memorial Service.  In addition, the KCPD Memorial Service was heldon May 7, 2026.  

Chief Graves noted that the FIFA World Cup 2026 will begin in less than a month and reported that the Department is prepared for all of the events coming to Kansas City.  

Chief Graves also advised that a new Academy class of 25 KCPD recruits began training on May 4, 2026.  An additional Academy class will begin training in September.

3.​Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier introduced Special Investigations Division Major James Buck.  Major Buck spoke about Operation Red Card.  Operation Red Card is an operation that was conducted in the Kansas City metro area over the last month, to apprehend violent offenders and disrupt drug trafficking organizations ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.  This sweep was led by the Department of Justice, FBI, and KCPD, with many other key agencies involved.  Law enforcement cleared 442 federal warrants and arrested 307 felons.  Federal prosecutors filed cases against 170 individuals for firearm and drug-related crimes (71 of whom involved KCPD).  Additionally, five homicide suspects were apprehended.  Officers also recovered 247 firearms, $460,000 in cash, and large quantities of drugs, including 418 pounds of methamphetamine and nearly nine pounds of fentanyl.  The Board and Chief Graves commended the results of Operation Red Card and the relationships with federal partners.

Deputy Chief Niemeier thanked Major Buck and Major Keith Kirchhoff for their leadership in the Special Investigations Division and the Violent Crimes Division for the past three years.

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 42 homicides to-date 2026, compared to 55 homicides during this same time period in 2025.  The Department’s current homicide clearance rate is at 88 percent, compared to the national average of around 61 percent.  There were 11 homicides during the month of April 2026, and there have been four homicides so far in May 2026.  

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 120 non-fatal shootings this year, compared to 102 during this same time period in 2025.  In April 2026, there were 31 non-fatal shootings, compared to 27 in April 2025.

Deputy Chief Niemeier provided an update on the Drones as First Responders (DFR) Unit.  The Unit has responded to 459 calls for service, and arrived first on scene at 299 calls (65 percent).  They were able to clear 57 calls without the need for an officer response.  The Department currently has eight active drones.

Deputy Chief Niemeier wished good luck to all the sergeants participating in the Captain’s Promotional Process this week.  He also congratulated Officer Gary Coots on his retirement after 32 years of service.  Officer Coots was Deputy Chief Niemeier’s Field Training Officer (FTO) when he first came on as an officer.  

Commissioner Boswell commended the Department’s clearance rate and the DFR numbers.  He noted the annual increase in non-fatal shootings, but recognized that the total is still below the five-year average.  In response to a question from Commissioner Whittaker, Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that a meeting will be held tomorrow to discuss Phase 2 of the DFR Program and expansion of coverage across the City.  

4.​Patrol Bureau.  Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin introduced Metro Patrol Division Major Marisa Barnes.  The Metro Patrol Division encompasses 35 square miles and serves a population of approximately 90,000 residents.  Metro Patrol Officers respond to approximately 80,000 calls for service each year.  Major Barnes advised that Metro Patrol crime trends are down year-to-date.  Violent crime is down by nine percent, property crimes are down by 30 percent, and stolen autos are down by 34 percent.  She explained that Metro Patrol continues to prioritize reducing response times, identifying emerging crime trends, and directed patrol according to those trends.  

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 April was 8 minutes and 28 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 April was 10 minutes and 49 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 to-date 2026, there have been 21 fatal crashes with 22 victims, compared to 18 fatal crashes with 20 victims during the same time period in 2025.  There were 1,602 city-wide crashes in April 2026, compared to 1,488 in April 2025.  There have been 5,816 city-wide crashes to-date 2026, compared to 5,565 crashes during the same time period in 2025.  There were four fatal crashes with four victims during this reporting period; three of which have been solved and one was cleared due to the death of the offender.  

Traffic officers issued a total of 5,577 traffic citations in April 2026, compared to 5,402 in April 2025.  Year-to-date 2026, officers have issued 24,092 traffic citations, compared to 19,970 during the same time period in 2025.

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that Parking Control Officers conducted a saturated patrol in the area of 25th Street to 35th Street and Prospect to Bellefontaine on April 8, 2026.  They issued 167 citations, 76 warning notices, and towed two vehicles; 18 additional vehicles were towed by Parking Control Officers during enforcement follow-up.  

On April 29, 2026, Traffic Officers conducted moving violation enforcement on 71 Highway, I-470, and I-435.  In total, they stopped 162 vehicles and issued over 220 citations or written warnings.  Deputy Chief Mabin advised several more traffic initiatives are scheduled in the coming weeks, to include sideshow enforcement operations.  

Mayor Lucas spoke briefly about public concern surrounding homeless encampments.  Deputy Chief Mabin explained that officers collaborate with the Multi-Disciplinary Task Force and property owners to address encampments, mitigate associated concerns, and connect individuals experiencing homelessness with available resources and support services.

5.​Administration Bureau.   Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz congratulated Officer Villalobos on his upcoming retirement.  Deputy Chief Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing.  He advised that as of April 30, 2026, Department strength was 1,763.  For this time period, there were 1,144 sworn law enforcement personnel, 51police officer candidates (recruits), 564 professional staff members, and four Board members; there were 125 total vacancies.  

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the 188th Entrant Officer Class (EOC) began training on May 4, 2026.  The class started with 25 KCPD recruits.  Deputy Chief Ortizadvised that the Employment Unit has 75 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that 36 law enforcement officer candidates passed the physical ability testing on April 16, 2026.  They will move on to the next stage of the hiring process.  The next law enforcement testing sessions will be held on May 16, 2026,June 18, 2026, and July 25, 2026, at the Regional Police Academy.  More information on open positions can be found at https://kcpolice.org/careers/.  

Mayor Lucas left the meeting at 10:25 a.m.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that a Women’s Personal Safety and Self Defense Seminar was held at the Academy.  There were 68 participants.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that during the month of April, the Police Crime Lab processed 88 crime scenes related to 542 cases.  Additionally, they hosted eight facilitytours with 600+ participants.  

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that members of the Wellness Unit recently presented at Fort Leavenworth.  The presentation focused on the resources, structure, and support necessary to implement a wellness unit for military police personnel.

6.​Executive Services Bureau.  ​Major Joshua Heinen presented on behalf of Deputy Chief Derek McCollum in his absence.  Major Heinen presented the following items for consideration:

a.​Department Wireless Service Renewal.  A memorandum dated April 30, 2026, was presented to recommend approval of a one-year contract renewal for the Department’s wireless services, utilizing the National Association of State Procurement Officials (NASPO) contract, at an anticipated expenditure of $785,520.  NASPO provides contracts with Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile.  The new contract period will run from June 1, 2026 through May 31, 2027.    

A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Sicks, to approve a  one-year contract renewal for the Department’s wireless services, utilizing the NASPO contract, at an anticipated expenditure of $785,520.    The vote was 3-0 in favor.

b.​Increase to Quik Trip Donation through the Police Foundation.  A memorandum dated May 5, 2026, was presented recommending acceptance of an additional $28,489 donation from Quik Trip passed through the Police Foundation of Kansas City.  The additional funding brings the total award from $610,000 to $638,489.  These funds will be used to support the Department’s FIFA World Cup safety and security needs, such as first aid kits, cold fire tactical extinguishers, and vehicles.

A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Sicks, to accept a donation in the amount of $28,489 from Quik Trip, passed through the Police Foundation of Kansas City.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.

c.​FY25 Formula DNA CEBR Program Award.  A memorandum dated April 23, 2025, was presented to recommend acceptance of the Fiscal Year 2025 Formula DNA Capacity Enhancement and Backlog Reduction (CEBR) Program award in the amount of $533,168.  The award period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027.  This is the 25th year of funding, and it covers salary and benefits for five forensic specialists.  

A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Sicks, to accept the Fiscal Year 25 Formula DNA CEBR Program award in the amount of $533,168.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.  

7.​Chief’s Office Executive Officer.  Deputy Chief Ryan Mills presented the following policy projects for consideration:

​a.​Project #1515: Emergency Operations Procedures

​b.​Project #1522: Employee Assistance Program

​In response to a question, Deputy Chief Mills discussed the levels of personal protective equipment (PPE) assigned to officers.  He also advised that the Emergency Operations Procedures policy was updated in preparation of the World Cup.  Deputy Chief Mills noted that the policy is supplemented by two Department Memorandums, the Critical Incident Management Plan and the Communication Failure Plan.  

A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Sicks, to approve Project 1515, Emergency Operations Procedures, as presented.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.

​A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Sicks, to approve Project 1522, Employee Assistance Program, as presented.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.

8.​Approval of Minutes.  A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Sicks, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meetings on March 24, 2026, April 21, 2026, and April 27, 2026.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.  

9.​Commissioner Heather Sicks.  Commissioner Sicks stated that she is honored to serve on the Board and looks forward to learning more about the work being done by members of the Department.  

10.​Commissioner Scott Boswell.  Commissioner Boswell welcomed Commissioner Sicks to the Board.  He commended the hard work and preparation efforts being done by the Department in advance of the World Cup.  

11.​Commissioner Tom Whittaker.  Commissioner Whittaker welcomed Commissioner Sicks to the Board.  He recognized National Police Week and noted his appreciation for attending the Department’s Memorial Service last week.  

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:

 

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 Sicks, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 10:38 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, May 12, 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 Sicks​​​​-​Aye

Commissioner Scott Boswell​​​​-​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, May 12, 2026:

Commissioner Romious and Mayor Lucas had excused absences.  

1)​ Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Sicks, the Board voted to approve the duty-related disability retirement of ______.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, and Commissioner Sicks voted Aye.

2)​Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Sicks, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session meetings on March 24, 2026, and April 21, 2026, and the litigation committee meeting on April 3, 2026.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, and Commissioner Sicks voted Aye.

3)​Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Sicks, the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn at 11:55 a.m.  The vote was 3-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, and Commissioner Sicks voted Aye.  

​The Board adjourned at 11:55 a.m.

 

____________________

_______________________                                        ​​​ President

    Secretary/Attorney​