October 10, 2017, Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS MEETING
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10 , 2017
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Nathan Garrett, Vice-President
Commissioner Angela Wasson-Hunt, Treasurer
Commissioner Michael C. Rader, Member
Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr., Member
Mr. David V. Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
Richard C. Smith, Chief of Police
EXCUSED:
Commissioner Leland M. Shurin, President
This meeting was called to order at 10:02 a.m. by Commissioner Garrett. Commissioner Shurin had an excused absence. Officer Joseph Jrolf led the Pledge of Allegiance. Rabbi Herb Mandl provided the invocation.
1. Awards and Commendations. The Certificate of Appreciation was presented to FBI Special Agent Stacie Lane for her outstanding assistance to the Department, specifically the Training Division. Special Agent Lane’s childhood was wrought with trauma because of an abusive step-father. After many years of extreme violence, her step-father shot and killed her mother, and shot one of her mother’s coworkers. Her step-father went to prison and has since been paroled. Agent Lane disclosed her experiences to her friend, KCPD Officer and Academy Instructor Kimberlee Shaw-Ellis. In 2014, Special Agent Lane began courageously speaking to the Academy entrant officer classes about her childhood experiences. Numerous recruits have thanked Special Agent Lane and told her how profoundly they had been impacted by her story. Special Agent Lane’s story provides understanding to entrant officers of what domestic violence victims experience, so they will have increased empathy as officers.
The Life-Saving Award was presented to Sergeant Jason Quint for his actions in a life-or-death situation on the evening of May 24, 2017. Sergeant Quint was dispatched to a shooting in the 3200 block of Smart. Upon arrival, he saw two victims lying in front of a house in the yard; one of them suffering a gunshot wound to the lung. The gunshot wound caused a sucking chest wound, making it extremely hard for the man to breathe. Sergeant Quint used a plastic shopping back to create a seal around the wound, which allowed the victim’s lungs to fill completely. The victim’s condition instantly improved once he could take full breaths. Sergeant Quint lifted the seal on and off the wound, sealing and resealing it, to allow the victim to take breaths and allow blood to drain out so the lung didn’t fill with blood. Sergeant Quint continued the process until paramedics arrived on scene and took over. Due to Sergeant Quint’s quick action, the man survived.
The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Sergeant Ward Smith, and the Special Unit Citation was presented to the Firearms Training Section, for their dedication and commitment to their duties and significant actions that contribute to the accomplishment of Department goals. Beginning in 2007, the Firearms Training Section began tracking the qualification scores of every sworn member. Then in 2008, they began using the data to tailor their training to improve overall firearms training within the Department. They took the initiative to improve shooter proficiency Department-wide without being asked. The instructors worked diligently to improve performance, shooter confidence, positive interactions, and most importantly, decision-making capability during critical incidents. The primary failure rate of sworn members decreased by 328 percent, and secondary failures decreased by 850 percent, delivering major results from this data-driven approach. The tracking of individual scores helped the Firearms Training staff identify officers who needed additional help, and many Department members expressed how greatly the quality of interactions with the staff has improved.
The Certificate of Commendation was presented to Dispatcher Sarah Slentz for going above and beyond her regular dispatch duties, and bringing credit to herself and the Department. On the morning of April 5, 2017, a call from a woman came into KCPD’s dispatch center. The woman, who only gave her name, stated that she received a message saying her car had been found burned in the City. The dispatchers didn’t know what she was talking about, and advised her to contact the person who left her the note. Dispatcher Slentz became curious and started searching through fire department calls, stolen vehicle reports, and other sources, trying to find information that matched the woman who called. She eventually located the woman’s driver’s license, which listed an address in Osawatomie, Kansas. Then she located a call of a car fire at 84th and Park that had come in around 3:00 a.m. the same day. That car had a Kansas license plate. The officers on that call had requested Osawatomie Police contact the car’s owners. Dispatcher Slentz remembered the woman who called that morning had an Osawatomie address on her driver’s license, so she called the woman back and told her about the car. The woman became extremely emotional upon getting the news because she hadn’t been able to get ahold of her son, who was driving the car. The son had left the night before to meet up with a woman in Kansas City that he’d met online. Dispatcher Slentz advised the woman to file a missing person report with her local sheriff, and Kansas City Police could assist in locating him if needed. Later that morning, a dead body call came out in the 8100 block of Blue River Road. Dispatcher Slentz had a gut feeling it was the woman’s son because the body was located not far from where the burned car was found. She contacted the sergeant on scene and summarized what had transpired that morning, in case the two incidents were related. Dispatcher Slentz provided officers with identifiers of the woman’s missing son, and police on scene were able to identify the man as the woman’s son who was missing from Osawatomie. Dispatcher Slentz did all of this while continuing to handle the regular daily radio and dispatching activities for Metro Patrol Division. Two men, a woman and a juvenile were charged with murder within a few weeks of the incidents.
The Board took a recess at 10:16 a.m., and resumed at 10:24 a.m.
2. Public Comments. Mr. Bill Allen, a 40-year Kansas City resident, spoke about the increase of motor vehicle fatalities throughout the City and nation. Mr. Allen asked the Department to set an example to residents of the City, by not speeding on the roadways in non-emergency situations.
3. Councilperson Alissia Canady. Councilperson Canady spoke about the rise in the number of homicides throughout the City and the 34 percent of homicides cleared at the Prosecutor’s Office. Councilperson Canady stated that the only justice families’ of homicide victims get is when officers solve their case. Councilperson Canady referred to the Matrix Staffing Study, and stated that more homicide detectives are needed on the Department. Councilperson Canady stated that Chief Smith has provided good conversation and has made himself available in the community. Councilperson Canady believes that the Department has been very proactive and responsive to the violent crime in the City, but needs to be more responsive to the community issues. For example, when dealing with black male victims, officers need to deal with special issues such as ego and shame. Councilperson Canady wants the same focus on these victims as on the Highway 71 and Trail murders. She stated that there is a legitimate need for more patrol officers. She also stated that the community needs to come together with the Department, providing witness information and details, to assist in problem-solving with cases.
4. Chief Richard C. Smith. Chief Richard Smith stated that two remaining Meet & Greets with the Chief are scheduled for today at North Patrol and tomorrow at East Patrol. Chief Smith advised that he and Deputy Chief Oakman will attend the Major City Chiefs’ Conference on October 19-24, 2017, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He advised that discussions have begun about updating the major Department technological systems, such as in-car cameras and computers, E-ticketing machines, and the portable radio system, as many of the systems’ life spans are coming to an end.
5. Approval of minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, with a second by Commissioner Rader, to approve the minutes of the open meeting on September 12, 2017. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
6. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Patty Higgins provided an update on the Communications Unit. Deputy Chief Higgins introduced seven individuals that are in the current call-taker class, four individuals that are in the mentoring program, Supervisor Jeane Fracassa, and Captain Darrel Bergquist. These individuals were commended for their efforts in restoring the Communications Unit. Deputy Chief Higgins advised that the next call-taker class will begin on October 16, 2017. She also advised that 490 hours of overtime was worked by part-time employees, employees from other units, and supervisors. The assistance from these individuals reduced the overtime of call-takers and dispatchers in the Communications Unit by 18 percent. Captain Bergquist met with the Public Safety Committee last week regarding the current staffing and budget concerns. The Department is requesting the increase of 21 call-takers and dispatchers in the upcoming budget decision. Deputy Chief Higgins advised that the average hold time for 911 calls has increased from 26 seconds in August to 30 seconds.
Deputy Chief Higgins presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Bid No. 2017-3: New 2018 Model Year Ford Police Pursuit Vehicles. A memorandum dated September 28, 2017, was presented to recommend approval of the purchase of (30) 2018 Ford SUV’s at a cost of $27,739.00, per vehicle, from Shawnee Mission Ford. The total anticipated expenditure for all vehicles will be $832,170.00.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the purchase of (30) 2018 Ford SUV’s from Shawnee Mission Ford, with a total anticipated expenditure of $832,170.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
b. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2017-18. A memorandum dated September 27, 2017, was presented to recommend approval of budget transfers. This budget transfer will affect the General Fund, Police Drug Enforcement Fund, and the Police Grants Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Mayor James, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
c. FY 2018-19 Requested Budget. A memorandum dated September 27, 2017, was presented to recommend the approval of forwarding FY 2018-19 Requested Budget to the City for consideration.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, with a second by Commissioner Rader, to approve the forwarding of FY 2018-19 Requested Budget to the City for consideration. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
d. 2017-18 Traffic Services Grants. A memorandum dated September 18, 2017, was presented to recommend acceptance of five 2017-18 Traffic Services Grants, totaling $440,950.00. This is a renewal of previous grants that have been awarded to the Department annually since 1982, and reimburses overtime, equipment, and training used in completing five traffic projects throughout the grant period. The purpose is to reduce traffic violations. The following projects included in this grant are: Impaired Driving Enforcement, Youth Alcohol Project, Hazardous Moving Violations, Occupant Protection, and Advance Crash Investigation.
A motion was made by Mayor James, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to approve the acceptance of five 2017-18 Traffic Services Grants, totaling $440,950.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
7. Professional Development and Research Bureau. Deputy Chief Bob Kuehl presented the Academy Class Summary for October 2017. Deputy Chief Kuehl advised that the 162nd Entrant Officer Class will begin on October 17, 2017. He also advised that the class will consist of 30 KCPD recruits, and 16 recruits from outside agencies.
Deputy Chief Kuehl requested Board approval for the following consent agenda items:
a. Project #1025: Property Seizure and Forfeiture
b. Project #795: Towing/Protective Custody of Vehicles and Contents
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Mayor James, to approve the consent agenda items as presented. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
Deputy Chief Kuehl provided an update on the Matrix Staffing Study recommendations regarding the Professional Development and Research Bureau, which consists of the Training Division and the Research and Development Division. Deputy Chief Kuehl explained that Matrix Consulting Group suggested that the Department should evaluate its training to ensure efficiency and relevancy of instruction. Deputy Chief Kuehl advised that the academy training duration is reviewed and evaluated on a regular basis to ensure efficiency and effectiveness. The content, quality and quantity of the training material are also evaluated consistently using a variety of sources, including feedback from internal and external stakeholders. MCG’s second recommendation was to continue the Department’s in-service training agenda. The Department agrees with this recommendation, as the mandated in-service training is well-intentioned, robust, and targets areas which mitigate increased risk to the Department. Another recommendation was to realign PAL and DARE within the Patrol Bureau. The Department believes that these two entities are primarily educational initiatives, and should remain assigned to the Training Division.
Captain Lonnie Price explained the organizational chart of the Research and Development Division. MCG recommended replacing the sergeant in the Research and Development Division with a civilian supervising analyst, and replacing the captain with a civilian management analyst. Since civilian analysts are already a part of the Research and Development Division, the Department believes it is important to keep law enforcement professionals embedded in the process at a supervisory and command level because of their knowledgeable and tenured experiences. The final MCG recommendation for the Professional Development and Research Bureau is to create two additional civilian positions in the Research and Development Division. The Department believes that these two positions are not needed at this time because the roles suggested for the two additional positions are already being fulfilled by current staff.
8. Investigations Bureau. Major Greg Volker spoke for Deputy Chief Cheryl Rose in her absence. Major Volker presented the Board with the Investigations Bureau reports for September 2017. Major Volker advised that to-date in 2017, there have been 113 homicides, compared to 94 at this time last year. He also advised that there have been 361 drive-by shootings to-date this year, compared to 279 at this time last year.
9. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Karl Oakman presented the Regional Criminalistics Division monthly statistics for October 2017. Deputy Chief Oakman thanked Director Meredith Rund and the Human Resources Division for their continual dedication to their duties and for going above and beyond to streamline the Department’s hiring process. Deputy Chief Oakman advised that the KCPD Career Center at Metro Tech High School is expected to begin in January 2018.
10. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief David Zimmerman presented the Monthly Offense Summary dated August 2017. Deputy Chief Zimmerman stated that part one crimes and part one violent crimes throughout the City are trending upward. Deputy Chief Zimmerman stated that each division, and the Department as a whole, have benefited from the weekly crime meetings because of the increased communication between divisions. These meetings are held every week in the Chief’s Conference Room with the Chief, Deputy Chiefs, Division Commanders, and other various staff. In response to a question, Deputy Chief Zimmerman advised that ATM thefts around the City have increased.
Deputy Chief Zimmerman presented the Traffic Summary for the month of September 2017. Deputy Chief Zimmerman explained that the Department’s e-ticketing machines are approximately ten years old, and are near the end of their life span. The Department is looking into other technology opportunities to make the issuance of tickets more efficient, such as the use of cell phones to write tickets. New technology, however, may cost about $1,000,000. Deputy Chief Zimmerman advised there have been 79 fatalities to date this year, there were 57 at this time last year. Deputy Chief Zimmerman explained that not wearing a seatbelt and driving at a high rate of speed are the most common factors in motor vehicle fatalities.
11. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Virginia Murray stated she had nothing for discussion at this time.
12. Human Resources. Director Meredith Rund presented the Personnel Summary dated October 5, 2017. For this time period, Department strength is 1,300 law enforcement and 514 civilians.
Director Rund advised that she is scheduling a meeting with Mr. Jim Pyle of the Police Retirement System, to discuss the impact of retired officers not contributing to civilian retirement.
13. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 99. Sergeant Brad Lemon advised that later this evening, Connecting Kansas City will meet with students and parents of Crispus Attucks Elementary School. The attending students get a chance to spend the evening at the school, building relationships with officers from the Police Athletic League.
Sergeant Lemon also advised that the FOP has put together a free college program for members and their families wanting to attend up to 60 hours of college courses. The FOP also has a college program for members and their families, that provides them the opportunity to get their undergrad degree at a highly reduced rate.
14. Scheduled meetings.
The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Regular Meetings:
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.
January 23, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
February 13, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
March 20, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
April 10, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
May 8, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
June 12, 2018, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
15. Secretary/Attorney David Kenner. A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to renew the contract with Andy Arnold, the Department Lobbyist, at a cost of $4,200 per month. The vote was 4-0 in favor. After the vote, Mayor James requested that the Board looks at options, including an RFP, before the next renewal occurs.
16. Commissioner Michael Rader. Commissioner Rader thanked Men United in Christ for their interest and involvement in the Board meetings and in the community.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn its open meeting at 11:30 a.m. and reconvene in closed session as provided in the following resolution. Following a roll call, the vote was 4-0 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, October 10, 2017, 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 Angela Wasson-Hunt – Aye
Commissioner Michael C. Rader – Aye
Commissioner Nathan Garrett – 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 October 10, 2017:
Commissioner Shurin had an excused absence. Mayor James left the meeting at 12:12 p.m.
1) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Garrett, the Board voted to approve duty-related disability retirements of Police Officers xxxx and yyyy1. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, and Commissioner Garrett voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, the Board voted to approve payments of attorneys’ fees in excess of $125,000 in the aggregate for Patrick McInerney and his prior law firm of Dentons US LLP, and his current firm of Spencer Fane LLP. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, and Commissioner Garrett voted Aye.
[1] Name redacted for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
3) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session of the Board of Police Commissioners on September 12, 2017. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, and Commissioner Garrett voted Aye.
4) Following a motion by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, with a second by Commissioner Rader, the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss labor negotiations. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, and Commissioner Garrett voted Aye.
5) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Wasson-Hunt voted Aye, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, and Commissioner Garrett voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 12:55 p.m.
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President
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Secretary/Attorney
Board of Police Commissioner Minutes