October 28, 2025 Meeting

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2025

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, October 28, 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.  Detective Jason Steinke led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain John McCann provided the invocation.  Mayor Lucas arrived at 9:33 a.m.

1.         Guest Presentations.  Mayor Lucas advised that Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson is unable to attend this month’s meeting.  Prosecutor Johnson asked that Mayor Lucas highlight that October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.  A lot of work is being done in the community to spread awareness, provide resources, and seek justice for domestic violence survivors. 

            Mr. Andy Arnold, the Department’s Lobbyist, spoke about a list of issues impacting or that could impact KCPD operations.  Mayor Lucas inquired about reform to the juvenile justice system.  The current system is antiquated, and the level of violent juvenile offenders in the City is concerning.  The Board would like to see changes to the certification process and heavier consequences for repeat offenders. 

2.         General Discussion from the Chief of Police.  In recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Chief Stacey Graves spoke about the work being done by KCPD to end the cycle of violence and hold abusers accountable.  Chief Graves spoke about the overall reduction of violent crime in Kansas City, but acknowledged that calls for police service continue to grow.  She stated that KCPD’s dedicated personnel working closely with partners and the community is making an impact, but there is still work to be done.       

Chief Graves spoke about Department strength.  As of September 30, 2025, there were 1,127 sworn law enforcement officers and 70 recruits.  The 185^th Entrant Officer Class (EOC) will graduate on November 20, 2025.  There are currently 35 KCPD recruits in this class that are expected to graduate.  With another class slated to begin training in January 2026, KCPD is working toward a goal to fill all funded law enforcement positions by May 2027.

Chief Graves spoke about the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Requested Budget.  She advised that the Department is working closely with the City Manager’s Office to manage budget constraints while continuing to provide a high level of public service. 

3.         Investigations Bureau.  Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier introduced Captain Jeff Weiler and Sergeant Andrew Uptegrove.  Captain Weiler and Sergeant Uptegrove provided an overview of the Regional Fusion Center.  The Regional Fusion Center facilitates the sharing of homeland security and crime-related information between Federal, State, Local, Tribal, and Territorial (SLTT) partners, as well as those from the private sector.  Missouri has three Fusion Centers, located in Kansas City, St. Louis and Jefferson City.  The one in Kansas City covers 2 states, 9 counties, and 115 municipalities.  They collaborate and create a shared view of homeland security and criminal threats within the region, producing and disseminating actionable intelligence in support of all crimes, hazards, and/or terrorism prevention.  Regional Fusion Center partners protect critical infrastructure and key resources, mitigate threats of school or workplace violence, and any violence involving the potential for mass casualties.  Sergeant Uptegrove also spoke about the preparation being done by the Regional Fusion Center for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 124 homicides to-date 2025, compared to 129 homicides during this same time period in 2024.  The Department has cleared 65 homicides that occurred this year, and an additional 26 homicides from previous years.  There were 12 homicides during the month of September, and an additional four so far in October. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that as of October 26, 2025, there have been 343 non-fatal shootings year-to-date 2025, compared to 506 during the same time period in 2024.  There were 28 non-fatal shootings in September 2025, compared to 61 in September 2024.  There have been 23 non-fatal shootings so far in October 2025, compared to 30 during this same time frame in 2024.   

4.         Patrol Bureau.  Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin introduced Captain Matthew Young.  Captain Young provided an overview of the KCPD SWAT Teams.  There are three SWAT Teams, each having one Captain, two Sergeants, and 12 tactical officers.  In preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, KCPD’s tactical squads completed additional training and evolved into, and are now recognized by the National Tactical Officers Association as a Tier 1 SWAT Team.  KCFD will provide medics for the SWAT Teams.  SWAT’s new command vehicle will arrive in six weeks, and a new Bearcat will arrive by January 31, 2026.  New SWAT officers must first serve in patrol for three years.  

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 September was 8 minutes and 56 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 September was 11 minutes and 31 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 there were 1,580 city-wide crashes in September 2025, compared to 1,476 in September 2024.  There have been 13,462 city-wide crashes to-date 2025, compared to 13,157 crashes at this same time in 2024.     Deputy Chief Mabin advised there have been 47 fatal crashes with 50 victims to-date 2025, compared to 63 fatal crashes with 71 victims during this same time period in 2024.  Officers issued a total of 5,207 traffic citations in September 2025, compared to 4,696 in September 2024. 

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers conducted school-zone enforcement operations on September 12, 2025, near multiple schools around the City.  Officers made 69 traffic stops and issued 98 citations.  They also issued 20 warnings for non-moving violations. 

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers conducted a side show enforcement operation on September 27, 2025.  Officers made 17 traffic stops, issued six moving violation citations, four non-moving violation citations.  Seven individuals refused to stop for officers.  Deputy Chief Mabin noted that there weren’t as many participants at the sideshow as there were in previous months. 

Officers also conducted a seat belt enforcement operation on September 30, 2025.  They strategically placed officers where they could identify drivers and passengers not wearing seatbelts.  Marked officers would then stop those vehicles identified.  They conducted 246 traffic stops and issued 253 seat belt citations or warnings.  They also issued 119 citations or warnings for other violations. 

5.         Administration Bureau.   Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing.  He advised that as of September 30, 2025, Department strength was 1,741.  For this time period, there were 1,127 sworn law enforcement personnel, 70 police officer candidates (recruits), 539 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 148 total vacancies.  He advised that Human Resources is currently processing 19 lateral candidates.  Additionally, there are 30 pending candidates for the 187^th EOC that will begin training on January 26, 2026.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Employment Unit has multiple candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process.  Additionally, there are five pending job offers, and two applicants will begin training on November 10, 2025.  A group of five call takers will graduate from classroom training on October 30, 2025.

The Department will hold law enforcement testing sessions on November 15, 2025, and December 10, 2025, at the Regional Police Academy.  Deputy Chief Ortiz noted that 31 candidates passed the testing held on October 16, 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 September, the Police Crime Lab processed 3,623 items, 86 crime scenes, and 947 firearms related to 509 cases.  They also provided two facility tours with 14 participants. 

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 October 17, 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 Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve the budget transfers as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

b.         Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2025-26.  A memorandum dated October 17, 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 Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve the $1,500,000 adjustment within the Liability Self-Retention Fund to the Contractual Services – Settlements Fund.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

c.         CBRNE/Clandestine Lab Equipment.  A memorandum dated September 15, 2025, was presented recommending approval to purchase chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, and explosive (CBRNE) personal protective equipment from Speartac Solutions dba ABM Supply, at a total cost of $279,143.10, utilizing FY24 UASI funds.   This equipment will ensure readiness for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to purchase CBRNE personal protective equipment from ABM Supply, at a total cost of $279,143.10.   The vote was 4-0 in favor.

d.         Bank Pledgee Agreement Form.  A memorandum dated October 15, 2025, was presented recommending approval of necessary changes to the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston’s bank pledgee agreement form and resolutions, due to recent personnel changes. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve to approve the necessary changes to the banking documents at the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston, including all resolutions contained therein.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            e.         Night Vision Equipment Donation.  A memorandum dated October 14, 2025, was presented recommending approval to accept the donation of night vision equipment donated by the ATF.  This equipment is valued at $143,600.00. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Hall, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to accept the night vision equipment donation from the ATF, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            f.          FY2025 COPS Safer Outcomes Grant Award.  A memorandum dated October 20, 2025, was presented recommending acceptance of the FY2025 COPS Safer Outcomes grant award in the amount of $498,835.  The award period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027, and will be used to fund the virtual reality-based de-escalation training for officers.   

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to accept the FY2025 COPS Safer Outcomes grant award in the amount of $498,835.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

7.         Chief’s Office Executive Officer.  Deputy Chief Ryan Mills presented the following consent agenda item:

a.         Project 1507: Extra (E) Time, Personal Leave (Y) Time, Quality (Q) Time, and Religious Holiday Time

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve Project 1507, Extra (E) Time, Personal Leave (Y) Time, Quality (Q) Time, and Religious Holiday Time, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

8.         Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert presented the following private officer license appeal:

a.         Private Officer License Appeal: Dakota M. Tebeest.   A memorandum dated September 19, 2025, was presented recommending the denial of the unarmed private security license of Dakota M. Tebeest.  On September 9, 2025, Tebeest resigned from the Lansing, Kansas Police Department, where he was under investigation. The regulations governing private officers, 17 CSR 10-2.050(3)(O) state that an applicant for a private security license who has resigned while under investigation or threat of discharge from a law enforcement agency shall be ineligible for a license.

A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to deny the unarmed private security license of Dakota M. Tebeest.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

9.         Office of Community Complaints.  Legal Analyst Diane Mozzicato advised that Director Merrell Bennekin, Senior Legal Analyst Karen Williams, and Legal Analyst Stephanie Hamilton are currently attending the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement (NACOLE) Annual Conference in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 

Ms. Mozzicato presented the quarterly statistics for the Office of Community Complaints (OCC).   Ms. Mozzicato advised that the OCC has received 294 complaints year-to-date 2024, an eight percent increase from the same time period in 2024.  The OCC submitted 97 complaints for formal investigation by the Internal Affairs Unit.  The OCC has handled 55 non-investigative complaints.  Year-to-date 2025, the OCC reviewed and rendered the following recommendations on 107 complaints: 17 not sustained, 17 exonerated, six sustained, one withdrawn by complainant, 26 terminated due to non-cooperation, and 40 administratively closed.

10.       Public Comments.  Steve Young, Winifred Jamieson, Eboney Allmon, Doug Shafer, and Rachel Thomas expressed their discontent with the continued employment of Officer Blayne Newton. 

Ron Hunt stated that he supports the Department and all the work they are doing in the community.  However, he cannot support misuse and abuse of authority.  Mr. Hunt encouraged the Department to get rid of the “bad apples.” 

11.       Approval of Minutes.  A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meetings on September 23, 2025, and October 14, 2025.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

12.       Secretary/Attorney David Kenner.  Mr. Kenner advised that the Department’s Lobbyist Agreement with Arnold & Associates has reached the end of its term.  The Board remains satisfied with Mr. Arnold’s services.  The one-year renewal includes a payment increase of $3,000. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve the one-year renewal agreement with Arnold & Associates for lobbyist services.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            Mr. Kenner presented Board Resolution 25-04, Chief of Police’s Spending Authority, for consideration.  He noted that the current purchasing and contract approval limits have not increased since 2009, and the purchasing power of these amounts has diminished in subsequent years.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Hall, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve Board Resolution 25-04, Chief of Police’s Spending Authority, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            Mr. Kenner advised that today is National First Responders Day.  He thanked Department members for their service and commended the work done every day.  Mr. Kenner wished everyone a safe and Happy Halloween. 

13.       Commissioner Heather Hall.  Commissioner Hall commended the progress and teamwork being done every day by Department members.      

14.       Commissioner Scott Boswell.  Commissioner Boswell commended the Department’s efforts building community trust and the positive reputation with state and local partners. 

15.       Commissioner Madeline Romious.  Commissioner Romious thanked everyone for the informative meeting.  She is proud of the work the Department is doing.  Commissioner Romious thanked the public commenters for sharing their testimony.  She advised that while the Board cannot provide an immediate response, their comments do not go unnoticed.      

16.       Commissioner Tom Whittaker.  Commissioner Whittaker stated that the Department must continue focusing on its crime strategy and lean into growing its resources.  An increase of staff paired with innovative technology is illustrated by positive results.  He commended the work being done by the Department, but stated there is still work to be done.  He wished everyone a Happy National First Responders Day. 

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:

 

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.

 

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 Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:48 a.m., 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 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, October 28, 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 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, October 28, 2025:

The Board went into closed session at 12:03 p.m.  Mayor Lucas left the open meeting pursuant to an excused absence at 10:24 a.m., but rejoined the closed meeting at 12:07 p.m.

1)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to approve the duty-related disability retirement of ______.[1] 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 Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Boswell, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session minutes on September 23, 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 Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Boswell, at 1:12 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 1:12 p.m.