September 10, 2024 Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2024
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Dawn Cramer, President
Commissioner Tom Whittaker, Vice President
Commissioner Madeline Romious, Treasurer
Commissioner Ed Elder, Member
Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member
Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
Stacey Graves, Chief of Police
This meeting was called to order at 9:29 a.m. by Commissioner Cramer. Crime Analyst Demi Maddox led the Pledge of Allegiance. Chaplain John Jones provided the invocation.
Commissioner Cramer extended the Board’s condolences on the tragic loss of Kansas City local business owner and chef, Shaun Brady. Mr. Brady was killed by two juveniles outside of his Brookside restaurant, Brady & Fox, on August 28, 2024, after he tried to stop the suspects from breaking into a vehicle.
1. General Discussion from the Chief of Police. Chief Stacey Graves presented Police Athletic League (PAL) Board Co-President Christine Lentz with a Ceremonial Baton. Ms. Lentz has been a tireless advocate for the youth in Kansas City for the past 12 years. The Board thanked Ms. Lentz for making positive impacts with the youth in Kansas City.
Chief Graves advised that the Department continues efforts to reduce crime in the City, focusing on prevention, intervention, and enforcement. She thanked Department members for their tireless dedication. Chief Graves stated that the Department will be opening the East Patrol Division Detention Facility to expand resources. She spoke of the nationwide crime problem, and stated that offenders must face consequences for their actions. She thanked Mayor Lucas and the City Council for supporting the need for a new City jail.
2. Investigations Bureau. Major Martin Cobbinah and Captain Robert Schreiber presented on the Department’s Property Crimes Unit. The Property Crimes Unit investigates burglaries, vehicle thefts, theft from vehicles, property damage, economic crimes, shoplifting/stealing, cybercrimes, and animal abuse cases. The Property Crimes Unit has sergeants and detectives working at each division station. Detectives in the unit are tasked with identifying patterns of property crimes and suspects. Often times, property crimes are tied to other crimes.
Major Cobbinah and Captain Schreiber advised that they will be present during and after today’s meeting for anyone that would like to discuss concerns or questions related to property crimes in the City.
Deputy Chief Niemeier provided an update on crime statistics. He advised that to-date in 2024, there have been a total of 110 homicides, compared to 138 homicides during the same time period in 2023. The Department has cleared 53 homicides this year, plus an additional 19 homicides from previous years, totaling 72 solved homicides. The Department’s clearance rate is 65 percent.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there were 18 homicides that occurred in August 2024. Five of the August homicides occurred within the Central Patrol Division, six within the Metro Patrol Division, five within the East Patrol Division, one within the North Patrol Division, and one within the South Patrol Division. Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that of those 18 homicides in August, five were due to arguments, two were self-defense, one was drug-related, three were robberies, and the others remain unknown. A firearm was used in 16 of the August homicides and blunt objects were used in two. There have been an additional five homicides this month.
Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that as of September 5, 2024, there have been 430 non-fatal shootings this year, compared to 349 at this same time period in 2023. In August 2024, there were 51 non-fatal shootings, compared to 49 non-fatal shootings in August 2023.
Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about cases submitted for prosecution. In August 2024, there were 359 cases submitted for prosecution; there were 297 cases submitted to Jackson County, 30 to Clay County, and 32 to Platte County. Mayor Lucas asked for information on how many people are charged for property crimes.
Sergeant Damont Collins presented on the Department’s Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC). The RTCC is staffed with six members within the Law Enforcement Resource Center (LERC). Members of the RTCC listen to ongoing calls for service, triage calls, and gather background information for patrol officers responding to calls. RTCC has access to over 8,000 cameras and automated license plate readers around the City. Additionally, the RTCC monitors the ShotSpotter gunshot detection system.
In response to a question from Commissioner Whittaker, Sergeant Collins advised that ShotSpotter software is a very effective tool for officers. It immediately dispatches officers to accurate locations when automatic gunfire is detected (sound of shots) within the 3.2 square mile radius of the software.
Deputy Chief Niemeier stated that law enforcement is seeing an increase of ketamine being used to cut other narcotics. He advised that ketamine is resistant to Narcan, an over-the-counter drug that can reverse opioid overdose.
Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about the upcoming anniversary of the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001 (9/11). He spoke about the surge in people joining public safety careers as first responders following those events. He advised that 12 percent of the Department’s current members were employed on 9/11, having served 25+ years with the Department; an additional 18.5 percent of the Department’s current members were hired immediately following 9/11, having served 20-24 years with the Department.
Mayor Lucas noted that while homicides are down year-to-date, non-fatal shootings are up. Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that law enforcement continues to see a large number of shell casings at shooting scenes.
3. Patrol Bureau. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin spoke of the notable events within the Patrol Bureau in August 2024. 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 August was 8 minutes and 34 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 August was 11 minutes and six 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 have been 11,681 city-wide crashes year-to-date. During this time period in 2023, there were 12,437 city-wide crashes. There were 1,413 city-wide crashes in August 2024, compared to 1,673 city-wide crashes in July 2023.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that year-to-date, there have been 56 fatality crashes with 63 victims. During the same time period in 2023, there were 54 fatality crashes with 30 victims. There were six fatality crashes with eight victims in the month of August 2024.
Members of the Traffic Division held six DUI wolfpack enforcement operations in August, which resulted in 96 stops, 34 DUI arrests, and 106 total citations issued. Additionally, there were another 67 DUI arrests made by patrol divisions during the month of August.
Deputy Chief Mabin advised that patrol officers issued 5,369 traffic citations in August 2024, compared to 4,641 citations issued in August 2023. Year-to-date 2024, patrol officers have issued 40,204 citations, compared to 36,055 citations issued during the same time period in 2023.
Members of the Traffic Division held side show and street racing enforcement operations during the month of August. These activities resulted in 18 stops, seven citations for those observing/participating, and 13 other traffic violations. Nine vehicles eluded officers, and three vehicles were disabled with stop sticks.
Captain Abigail Martinez provided an update on the Department’s preparation for the 2026 World Cup. Six matches will be held on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium from June 16, 2026, through July 11, 2026. In addition to the matches, there will be a multi-day fan fest event and fan marches. The City will be put in the international spotlight, with increased national and international visitors. The Department will have to provide security at all of these activities, but will also have to assist with traffic escorts, security at team base camps, and increased attendance at entertainment venues across the City. The Department has been involved with regional planning committees in conjunction with the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC), FIFA, and local, state, and federal partners.
4. Administration Bureau. Major Dan Haley presented for Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz during his absence. Major Haley provided an update on Department staffing. He advised that as of August 31, 2024, Department strength was 1,651. For this time period, there were 1,086 sworn law enforcement personnel, 40 recruits, 520 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 221 total vacancies.
Major Haley advised that the 183rd Entrant Officer Class (EOC) will begin training on September 16, 2024, and will graduate from the Academy on April 10, 2025. Additionally, there are two current lateral classes (four total officers) that will be sworn-in on September 13, 2024, and September 20, 2024.
Major Haley advised that the Department hired four new members in the Communications Unit this month. He noted that there are nine additional people in the process for possible eligibility.
In response to a question regarding the Computer Voice Stress Analyzer (CVSA), Major Haley advised that non-sworn professional staff must complete the test as part of the background investigation during the hiring process. The CVSA analyzes the level of stress in the voice, which can help identify deception. Major Haley stated that is important that members of the Department have integrity, as they are privy to law enforcement sensitive information.
In response to a question regarding vacancies within the Communications Unit, Major Haley advised that call takers and dispatchers are among the toughest jobs on the Department. They are the first point of contact for those in need of emergency services. The stress of the job is challenging for a majority of people.
The Board discussed the possibility of the Department partnering with local colleges for a telecommunications program. Chief Graves advised that the Department would explore these options.
The Department will hold law enforcement testing on September 26, 2024, and October 19, 2024, at the Regional Police Academy. Major Haley advised that there are already 45 individuals signed up to participate in testing this month. The Department continues to hire for all positions. More information can be found at https://www.kcpd.org/careers/.
5. Executive Services Bureau. Major Joshua Heinen presented for Deputy Chief Derek McCollum in his absence. Major Heinen presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated August 28, 2024, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers. This transfer will affect the Police Grants Fund and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the budget transfers as presented. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
b. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2024-25. A memorandum dated August 26, 2024, was presented to recommend an adjustment in the amount of $3,301.00 within the Special Services Fund for purchases related to private officer licenses.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Elder, to approve the special adjustment of $3,301.00, for purchases related to private officer licenses. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
c. ShotSpotter Service Agreement. A memorandum dated August 29, 2024, was presented to recommend a one-year renewal for the ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection System (dba SoundThinking as of April 2023), at a cost of $209,326.00. This is a five percent increase from the previous agreement. The contract period will run from October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the one-year renewal contract with SoundThinking for the gunshot detection system, at a cost of $209,329.00. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
d. Security Liability Bond Purchase. A memorandum dated August 16, 2024, was presented to recommend approval to purchase a security liability bond for workers’ compensation from Lockton Companies, at an annual premium of $37,150.00. It was determined that an annual premium for the security liability bond is more financially manageable than funding an escrow account required to meet the $3,715,000 security requirement.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the purchase of a security liability bond from Lockton Companies, at an annual premium of $37,150.00. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
e. Shoal Creek Unite Fiber Networks. A memorandum dated August 28, 2024, was presented to recommend approval to replace the AT&T circuit with Unite Fiber, to provide a circuit failover that is not currently available with AT&T and will increase network bandwidth. The Unite Fiber ring has already been run to the Shoal Creek facility, but requires additional work to bring it into the building and connect to the network. The Unite Fiber connection would eliminate the AT&T monthly circuit charge, and Unite Fiber is provided at no cost to the Department due to the City of Kansas City, Missouri agreement.
The City of Kansas City, Missouri – Office of Emergency Management has already engaged Unite Fiber for this replacement, totaling $355,488.00. The City has agreed to pay half of the cost, and the Department has agreed to pay the remaining cost of $177,744.00.
A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the replacement of the AT&T circuit with Unite Fiber, at a cost of $177,744.00. The vote was 4-0 in favor; Commissioner Romious abstained.
f. 2024-2025 Traffic Services Grant Awards. A memorandum dated August 30, 2024, was presented to recommend acceptance of six Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) Highway Safety and Traffic Division awards, for the period of October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025. These awards including $787,419.68 in Federal funding and a local match of $115,615.00, totaling $903,034.68. The Department has been receiving these awards from MODOT since 1982. The awards will provide salary, benefits, overtime, training, and equipment to increase compliance with traffic laws and reduce fatalities related to traffic law violations.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept the 2024-2025 Traffic Services Grant Awards from MODOT, in the amount of $903,034.68. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
In response to a question from Mayor Lucas regarding staffing in the Communications Unit, Major Greg Williams advised that the hiring process in the Communications Unit has changed over the past year. Adjustments were made to the training program, and the Department is seeing better results. Major Williams noted that in January 2020, the training program success rate was four percent. After changes were made, the Department is seeing a 92 percent success rate.
Major Williams advised that the Department continues to explore ways to reduce the 911 hold time, but stated that the best way to solve the problem is to fully staff the Unit.
6. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert presented the following private officer license appeals:
a. Private Officer License Appeal: Nicole M. Meis. A memorandum dated August 26, 2024, was presented recommending denial of the unarmed private security license of Nicole M. Meis. The Lenexa, Kansas Police Department terminated Meis from employment in June 2024 for posting images on Snapchat that were described as “poor decision making.” On July 31, 2024, Meis applied for an unarmed private security license. On August 12, 2024, the Private Officers Licensing Unit denied Meis’ application pursuant to the Code of State Regulations, 17 CSR 10-2.050(3)(O), which states that an individual terminated from a law enforcement agency is ineligible for a private security license. On August 19, 2024, Meis appealed this decision.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to uphold the decision of the Private Officers Licensing Unit to deny the unarmed private security license of Nicole M. Meis. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
b. Private Officer License Appeal: Ethan J. Salinas. A memorandum dated August 30, 2024, was presented recommended denial of the unarmed private security license of Ethan J. Salinas. In July 2024, Salinas resigned from the Lenexa, Kansas Police Department in lieu of termination, after he failed to follow a directive to not speak about an incident with another employee. On July 23, 2024, Salinas applied for an unarmed private security license. On July 25, 2024, the Private Officers Licensing Unit denied Salinas’ application pursuant to the Code of State Regulations, 17 CSR 10-2.050(3)(O), which states that an individual who resigns from a law enforcement agency in lieu of termination is ineligible for a private security license. On August 22, 2024, Salinas appealed this decision.
A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to deny the unarmed private security license of Ethan J. Salinas. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
7. Public Comments. Fred Gambino spoke about the violent crime spree in his neighborhood in the 300 Block of West Meyer Boulevard. He advised this crime has increased over the last year. He expressed concerns with the justice system, lack of police officers, and violence in the City. He urged the Board to request that Governor Parson send the National Guard and Missouri State Highway Patrol to Kansas City, to supplement patrol until the Department can fix the staffing shortage.
Maurisa Banks spoke about the increased property crime in her neighborhood in the Crossroads Art District. She understands that staffing is a concern for the Department, but demanded that the juveniles be held accountable.
Jill Cuckson, small business owner in the Crossroads Art District, spoke about the ongoing crime. She expressed frustrations with the governance of the Department. She believes it should be a requirement that Board members have a background in law enforcement. She demanded that the Department request aid from Governor Parson.
Doug Winter, Vice President of the Meriwether Company which owns Parlor Kansas City in the Crossroads District, spoke about the increase in property crimes in the area. He advised that cars are being broken into at an alarming rate, and it is affecting business in the area. He also spoke about armed suspects and the fear they are causing amongst the community. He understands that the Department is severely understaffed, but this is an urgent matter. He requested that the Board ask Governor Parson to hire private security and the National Guard to assist with enforcement activities. He demanded the Board and Department act swiftly in resolving this problem.
Ron Hunt expressed his thanks to the Department for their community engagement efforts. He believes the Department should request aid from the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. He stated that crime committed by juveniles is out of control, and we must find a way to hold the parents accountable.
Commissioner Cramer thanked the speakers for their comments. She stated that the Department is working hard to identify suspects and building complete case files for prosecution.
8. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on August 20, 2024. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
9. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas thanked the speakers for their public comments. He shares their concern for these urgent problems. Mayor Lucas also spoke about the Department’s improved community connections. He commended the Department for their hard work and dedication to public service. Mayor Lucas advised that City Council recently passed a $16 million ordinance to restore the Headquarters 8th floor jail, with a projected opening prior to the 2026 World Cup. The new space will have 144 beds.
Mayor Lucas left the meeting at 12:28 p.m.
10. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker thanked the speakers for their comments, in person and by email. He stated that while there is still much work to be done, we can’t lose sight of the progress that is being made. He commended Department members for their dedication to public safety.
11. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer thanked the speakers for their comments, and thanked everyone in the Department for their hard work. She stated that the Board agrees that there needs to be consequences for those that commit crime in the City.
12. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Disciplinary Hearing:
BOPC 24-05
January 24, 2025, 9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
*Disciplinary Hearings are closed under Section 590.502(6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.
Regular Meetings:
October 29, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
November 19, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
December 17, 2024, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
January 14, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
February 25, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
March 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
April 15, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
May 13, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
June 17, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Whittaker, with a second by Commissioner Romious, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 12:31 p.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 January 10, 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, September 10, 2024, 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 Ed Elder - Aye
Commissioner Madeline Romious - Aye
Commissioner Tom Whittaker - Aye
Commissioner Dawn Cramer - 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, September 10, 2024:
The Board went into closed session at 12:50 p.m. Mayor Lucas rejoined the meeting.
1) Following a motion by Commissioner Elder and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the applications for continued employment of Reserve Captain Carl Abraham and Reserve Police Officer Candace Crockett. The vote was 5-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Elder voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
Commissioner Elder left the meeting at 1:45 p.m.
2) Following a motion by Commissioner Romious, and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed Board meeting on August 20, 2024. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
3) Following a motion by Commissioner Whittaker and a second by Commissioner Romious, at 1:48 p.m., the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn. The vote was 4-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 1:48 p.