November 18. 2025 Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 2025
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, 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. Captain Jennifer Jones led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain Serita Wright provided the invocation. Chief Stacey Graves presented the Chief’s Challenge Coin to Captain Jennifer Jones.
1. Guest Presentations. Mayor Lucas provided an update on behalf of the City Council. He advised that last Thursday, City Council approved an ordinance that would fund design work for a potential permanent detention facility. There are two sites that have been largely discussed by the City, a location near the City Tow Lot on Front Street and an option adjacent to the new Jackson County Detention Center on 40 Highway. A temporary facility will be located at the City Tow Lot. The Front Street location will provide a cost reduction. Mayor Lucas advised that the City’s goal for a temporary facility is Spring 2026, with a permanent facility within 2 to 3 years. Additionally, the City is discussing a new Central Patrol facility near Linwood & Troost/Forest. A new Central Patrol Division Station would come sometime after the permanent detention facility.
Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson reaffirmed his office’s commitment to partnership with the Department. He advised that as of last week, the Clay County Prosecutor’s Office has received 319 referrals year-to-date 2025. During this same time in 2024, they received 358 referrals. In 2023, they received 326 referrals. Prosecutor Thompson indicated that his office can always count on the Department to do a complete and thorough job on its case submittals to his office. Prosecutor Thompson also spoke about scams involving cryptocurrency. His office is educating high school students about these types of scams.
Commissioner Heather Hall thanked Prosecutor Thompson for his participation in the KCPD Employment Panel on November 1, 2025. In response to a question from Mayor Lucas, Prosecutor Thompson advised that his office would support an ordinance on penalties for gas station 7-OH synthetic drugs.
Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson provided a monthly update. She spoke about Domestic Violence Awareness Month and the changes to state-level consequences. She advised that her office is seeing early signs of success from these policy changes.
In October, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office launched a domestic violence dashboard on their website. Displayed on the dashboard, domestic assault referrals from law enforcement have risen 13 percent since last year. Last year, the Prosecutor’s Office charged approximately 54 percent of domestic assault cases; that number has risen to 70 percent this year. More than 80 percent of filed cases resulted in guilty pleas or guilty verdicts. In intimate partner violence, the charging rate increased from 61 percent last year to 80 percent this year. Prosecutor Johnson also advised that murder charges have been filed in five homicides since last month. She noted that homicides are down from last year. To-date 2025, there have been 125 homicides. During this same time period last year, there were 135 homicides.
Prosecutor Johnson also spoke about the rising trend of copper thefts in the area. She advised that there has been a 3,000 percent increase in copper thefts since 2020, but her office has filed charges on 87 percent of those cases this year. Prosecutor Johnson discussed car break-ins, noting that items stolen from inside multiple cars can be aggregated to get to a $750 threshold necessary to file felony charges, but damage to multiple cars cannot. She recommended the law be changed to allow for such aggregation.
Prosecutor Johnson thanked the Department for their strong collaboration.
2. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves echoes the strong collaboration between the Department and the prosecutors’ offices. She advised that the 185th Entrant Officer Class (EOC) will graduate this Thursday, November 20, 2025. There are currently 32 KCPD recruits in this class that are expected to graduate. Chief Graves noted that the Department has appointed and reappointed 71 police officers this year. After this graduation, that number will increase to 103. She noted that she recently attended their final testing phase (situational training exercises) at the Academy, and was impressed by the instruction recruits are receiving. Academy staff will present at the January 2026 Board meeting.
Chief Graves advised that the 187th EOC is slated to begin training in January 2026. The goal for that class is 50 KCPD recruits. The 186th EOC will graduate from the Academy on March 12, 2026. There are currently 33 KCPD recruits in that class. She also noted that eight newly hired call takers began training this week.
3. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier congratulated Captain Jennifer Jones and Sergeant Bryan Jones on their upcoming retirements. Deputy Chief Niemeier introduced Captain Steve Miller. Captain Miller provided an overview of the Department’s Homicide Unit. The Homicide Unit investigates all reported cases of death, to include homicides, suicides, accidental deaths, suspicious deaths, and overdose deaths.
The Homicide Unit is comprised of the Missing Persons Squad and four Homicide Squads. The Missing Persons Squad is staffed with one Sergeant and seven detectives. The Missing Persons Squad investigates all non-homicidal deaths and missing persons. Each Homicide Squad is staffed with one Sergeant and six detectives. An investigative crime analyst is assigned to each Homicide Squad.
Captain Miller spoke about recent homicide trends. Domestic violence and robbery related homicides are up. The Department is also seeing homicide incidents with multiple shooters or multiple parties armed with firearms. Captain Miller spoke about the Department’s clearance rates over the years. He advised there are two ways to clear a case through the FBI Uniform Crime Reporting. Cases can be cleared through arrests and charges, or by exceptional means. The national average clearance rate typically fluctuates between 50-60 percent.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 125 homicides to-date 2025, compared to 135 homicides during this same time period in 2024. The Department has cleared 66 homicides that occurred this year, and an additional 27 homicides from previous years. The current clearance rate is 74 percent. There were five homicides during the month of October, and one homicide so far in November.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that as of November 16, 2025, there have been 368 non-fatal shootings year-to-date 2025, compared to 533 during the same time period in 2024. There were 28 non-fatal shootings in October 2025, compared to 40 in October 2024. There have been 20 non-fatal shootings so far in November 2025, compared to 17 during this same time frame in 2024.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that during the week of October 20, 2025, members of the Special Investigations Division participated in a City-wide, internet-based child enticement sting with state and local partners. During this operation, 79 arrests were made. Five of the arrests were tied to homicides, two were tied to non-fatal shootings, one involved a known gang member, and two involved individuals identified by SAVE KC. Additionally, 24 arrests were made by the Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force.
Deputy Chief Niemeier introduced Special Agent, K-9 Handler Tyree Koerner and K-9 Shiloh. Just this year, Special Agent Koener and K-9 Shiloh have conducted 230 evidentiary searches – 87 homicide related, 15 protective sweeps, and nine demonstrations. During those investigative searches, Shiloh has located 264 shell casings, 40 firearms, 34 intact ammunitions, seven trace bullet strikes, and four low-explosive devices. Since Shiloh started working in August 2019, through September 30, 2025, he has completed 1,305 evidentiary searches (463 homicide related), locating a total of 1,686 casings and projectiles, 322 firearms, 175 intact ammunitions, 45 trace evidence finds, and 33 low-explosive devices. Chief Graves presented the Chief’s Challenge Coin to Officer Koerner and K-9 Shiloh, for being an extraordinary resource to the Kansas City Police Department.
The Board commended the great work being done by members of the Investigations Bureau.
4. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph 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 October was 9 minutes and 17 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 October was 11 minutes and 45 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 officers issued 5,273 traffic citations during the month of October 2025, compared to 5,073 during the month of October 2024. Deputy Chief Mabin noted that over 1,100 of the October traffic citations were for speeding. Officers have issued 51,811 traffic citations year-to-date 2025, compared to 49,973 during the same time period in 2024.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers conducted multiple speed enforcement operations during the month. On October 14, 2025, traffic officers conducted enforcement on Southwest Trafficway, from 31st Street to 43rd Street. Officers made 55 stops, issued 55 citations or warnings for speeding, four citations for suspended licenses, and 34 citations or warnings for other violations. On October 3, 2025, traffic officers conducted speed enforcement in multiple school zones and interstates. In total, officers made over 180 stops and issued 230 citations or warnings.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers conducted a side show enforcement operation during the month of October with local partners. Officers made 68 traffic stops, issued 46 moving violation citations, 47 non-moving violation citations or warnings, and made 12 arrests for various offenses.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised there were 1,610 city-wide crashes in October 2025, compared to 1,602 in October 2024. There have been 15,072 city-wide crashes to-date 2025, compared to 14,759 crashes at this same time in 2024. Deputy Chief Mabin advised there have been 52 fatal crashes with 55 victims to-date 2025, compared to 73 fatal crashes with 82 victims during this same time period in 2024.
In response to a question from Mayor Lucas regarding the Blue Light Initiative, Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers are activating blue lights in hot spot areas around the City. The Department is currently working on a policy for this initiative.
5. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of October 31, 2025, Department strength was 1,734. For this time period, there were 1,119 sworn law enforcement personnel, 70 police officer candidates (recruits), 540 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 155 total vacancies. Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the 185th Entrant Officer Class will graduate this Thursday, November 20, 2025. There are 32 KCPD recruits that will graduate and begin their field training assignments over the weekend.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that Human Resources is currently processing 17 lateral candidates. Additionally, there are 36 pending candidates for the 187th EOC that will begin training on January 26, 2026. Deputy Chief Ortiz advised the Department held law enforcement testing on November 15, 2025. There were 40 participants, and 34 of the participants passed the physical abilities test. These candidates will move forward to the next steps in the hiring process. The next law enforcement testing session will be held on December 10, 2025, at the Regional Police Academy.
Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Employment Unit has 71 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process. The next call taker graduation will occur on December 19, 2025. 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 during the month of October, the Police Crime Lab processed 3,726 items, 96 crime scenes, and 1,646 firearms related to 1,647 cases. They also attended eight events with over 400 attendees.
Commissioner Heather Hall thanked the Employment Section for their participation in the Employment Community Forum at the Woodneath Library Center on November 1, 2025. The panel consisted of Sergeant Gordon Herndon, Clay County Prosecutor Zachary Thompson, Councilman Nathan Willett, and Kansas City Public Schools Educator Eva Santiago.
6. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Derek McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2025-06. A memorandum dated November 10, 2025, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the General Fund, Police Grants Fund, and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 4-1 in favor, with Mayor Lucas voting Nay.
b. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2025-26. A memorandum dated November 10, 2025, was presented recommending approval of a $1,500,000 adjustment within the Liability Self-Retention Fund to the Contractual Services – Settlements Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Hall, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the $1,500,000 adjustment within the Liability Self-Retention Fund to the Contractual Services – Settlements Fund. The vote was 4-1 in favor, with Mayor Lucas voting Nay.
c. Adjustments to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2025-26. A memorandum dated November 10, 2025, was presented recommending approval of a $550,000 adjustment within the Federal Seizure & Forfeiture Fund to the Capital Outlay – Police Equipment Fund. This adjustment will fund body armor and uniforms.
A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the $550,000 adjustment within the Federal Seizure & Forfeiture Fund to the Capital Outlay – Police Equipment Fund. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
d. Bid No. 2022-2, Installation of Law Enforcement Emergency Equipment. A memorandum dated November 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval of a one-year renewal of a sole source contract with KA-Comm Inc., for installation of law enforcement emergency equipment, at a total expenditure of $1,178,610.62. The award contract period is December 1, 2025, through November 30, 2026. This is the final renewal period.
A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve to approve a one-year renewal contract with KA-Comm Inc., for installation of law enforcement emergency equipment, at a total expenditure of $1,178,610.62. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
7. Chief’s Office Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Ryan Mills presented the following consent agenda item:
a. Project 1474: Leave Without Pay
A motion was made by Commissioner Hall, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve Project 1474, Leave Without Pay, as presented. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
8. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert announced that Tamy Gallagher is retiring from the Department after 40 years of service. Ms. Gallagher has served as the Manager of the Private Officer Licensing Unit since 2011. The Board congratulated Manager Gallagher on her retirement.
Mr. Weinert advised that Kayla Kemp started employment this week in the Office of General Counsel as an Associate General Counsel.
9. Public Comments. Erich Noll expressed his appreciation for the Department and its members. Mr. Noll expressed concern with how he has been treated by an officer. Sergeant Andrew Henry met privately with Mr. Noll to discuss his concerns.
Ron Hunt expressed his appreciation for the Department and its members. He would like for there to be a cap on lawsuit settlements to prevent future budget constraints.
10. 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 meetings on October 28, 2025. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
11. Secretary/Attorney David Kenner. Mr. Kenner expressed his thanks for the good work being done by the Department, and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
12. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas thanked the Media Unit for their public messaging. He also commended the Employment Unit for their recruitment efforts. He noted that the Department is taking intentional steps toward a better future for the City, through collaboration with local partners and prosecutors.
13. Commissioner Heather Hall. Commissioner Hall echoed Mayor Lucas’ comments, commending the Department for their collaborative efforts.
14. Commissioner Scott Boswell. Commissioner Boswell commended the Department’s efforts to reduce and solve crime in the City. He spoke about the current litigation environment, and stated that we all must work together to make improvements.
15. Commissioner Madeline Romious. Commissioner Romious introduced Reverend Rocky Walker of Friendship Baptist Church, and thanked him for attending today’s meeting.
16. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker thanked everyone for their participation in today’s meeting. He also thanked the Media Unit for their public communication.
17. 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 25-02
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:
December 16, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
January 27, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
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.
A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:33 a.m., as provided in the following resolution. Following a roll call, the vote was 5-0 in favor.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, notice of the board meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners was given on December 24, 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, November 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:
Mayor Quinton Lucas - Aye
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, November 18, 2025:
1) Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to approve the application for continued employment of Reserve Sergeant Jeffrey Duer. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session minutes on October 28, 2025. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
3) Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Mayor Lucas, at 12:56 p.m., the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 12:56 p.m.