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June 27, 2023 Meeting

Publish Date 06/27/2023

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, JUNE 27, 2023

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.

PRESENT:

Commissioner Cathy Dean, President

Commissioner Dawn Cramer, Vice President

Commissioner Tom Whittaker, Treasurer

Commissioner Mark Tolbert, Member

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member

Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Stacey Graves, Chief of Police

 

This meeting was called to order at 9:28 a.m. by Commissioner Dean.  Sergeant Michael Luster led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain Charles Oliver provided the invocation. 

  1. Awards and Commendations. Mr. Gary Mosby was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation for playing the bagpipes for the last 31 years at KCPD’s memorial services.  
  2. Guest Presentation. Sergeant Erica Oldham and Victoria Pickering, Metropolitan Organization to Counter Sexual Assault (MOCSA), presented on the Seek then Speak program.  Seek then Speak is an alternative reporting option for sexual assault survivors.  It is a self-guided, investigative interview that records critical information about their sexual assault.  Survivors can complete the report on their own time, whenever they are ready, and can provide as much, or as little information as they choose.   Seek then Speak allows survivors a way to report their trauma without having to tell their story multiple times.   Additionally, Seek then Speak also allows survivors to report their trauma without having to wait on an officer response.  The goal of Seek then Speak is to increase sexual assault reporting and increase the quality of cases submitted to prosecutors.  Currently, only 25 to 30 percent of sexual assaults are reported. 
  3. City Council Presentation. Councilwoman Melissa Robinson, Third District, presented on behalf of the City Council.  Councilwoman Robinson was just re-elected for her second Council term.    She spoke about the crime and violence problems in the City.  She reiterated that the City, KCPD, and the community must continue working together to address these issues.  Commissioner Dean added that the City has a great need for jail space; 90 percent of crime is committed by the same ten percent of the community.  Board members added that there needs to be a place to house repeat offenders and provide them with necessary resources.  Councilwoman Robinson added that the new jail space needs to include a mental health facility, substance abuse resources, and assistance with employment opportunities.  Councilwoman Robinson advised that she will request a review of City ordinances to assist with the narcotics and gun problems plaguing the City. 

The Board and Chief Graves thanked Councilwoman Robinson for her comments.  Chief Graves extended a call for action from the community, and encouraged a City-wide approach to reduce violent crime.  She spoke of the violent weekend Kansas City just had, and said it is absolutely unacceptable.  Community members should be concerned with the violence, and should take immediate action to better the City.  Chief Graves advised that is takes everyone to end the violence, and there should be a clear message that violence should not, and will not be accepted in Kansas City. 

Chief Graves spoke about the many initiatives the Department is participating in, such as Partners for Peace, weekly crime meetings, neighborhood walks, and risk terrain modeling.  She advised that the work of KCPD is not done, and the Department will continue to do all it can to end violent crime. 

Chief Graves spoke about the homicide scene from over the weekend.  She was made aware of the community’s concerns with the amount of time the victims’ bodies remained in the street during the initial crime scene investigation.  She apologized for this, and accepted responsibility.  She explained the crime scene process and all that it takes to make a complete case, in order to get justice for the victim, including six computerized scans, each of which takes 60-90 minutes, for a total of six hours.  Chief Graves realizes the effects this had on the victims’ loved ones, and assured that the Department will look into its processes in order to be most efficient. 

Mayor Lucas commended the initial response from the first officer on scene at Sunday’s homicide scene.  It was a very serious and challenging scene, and the officer handled it very professionally.  Mayor Lucas also commended the investigative personnel for their work on the case.  Mayor Lucas echoed Chief Graves’ call for action.  He encouraged community members to speak out for justice of victims and the safety of the City.   

  1. Investigations Bureau. Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz provided an update on monthly crime statistics.  He advised that to-date in 2023, there have been 97 homicides, compared to 73 at this same time in 2022; the five-year average of homicides for this same time period is 71.  The Department has cleared 32 homicides this year and 16 additional cases from previous years, totaling 48 homicides cleared to-date 2023.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised there have been 236 non-fatal shootings year-to-date, compared to 226 for this same time period in 2022.  There were 46 non-fatal shootings in May 2023, compared to 48 in May 2022.  Deputy Chief Ortiz presented statistics on suspect and victim characteristics for the month of May 2023. 

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Department recovered 206 firearms in May 2023, compared to 257 in May 2022.  The five-year average of recovered firearms for the month of April is 226.  The Department has recovered 943 firearms year-to-date 2023. 

            Deputy Chief Ortiz spoke about cases submitted for prosecution.  In May 2023, there were 208 cases submitted for prosecution; there were 178 cases submitted to Jackson County, 22 to Clay County, seven to Platte County, and one to Cass County.  He reported that charges were filed in 123 cases in May 2023, and 76 cases were declined.  A majority of the case declinations were due to insufficient evidence or prosecutor discretion.  Investigations personnel continue to work with local prosecutors to prepare a solid case file.  In response to a question from Commissioner Cramer, Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that a majority of the case declinations included suspects with past criminal records.  Commissioner Cramer advised that it would be helpful to see statistics on repeat offenders.  Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that they would work on those numbers for future Board reports. 

  1. Patrol Bureau. Major Ryan Mills presented for Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin in his absence.  Major Mills presented monthly statistics for the Patrol Bureau.  Major Mills advised that the median response time for Priority 10 calls (also known as Priority 1) for the month of May was 8.35 minutes; 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 February was 10.67 minutes; 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. 

            Major Mills advised that the average 911 hold time for May 2023 was 60 seconds, compared to 46 seconds last month.  Commissioner Dean advised that the Department needs a plan because this has become a huge public concern.  Major Mills advised that the Department is currently conducting a staffing allocation study to most effectively deploy members where they are most needed.  Additionally, the Patrol Bureau will be switching to an 11-hour work plan beginning on January 1, 2024, to better assist with staffing needs. 

Major Mills noted that the Department received approximately 23,000 more calls for service this month compared to last.  Chief Graves added that she has also requested a complete review of the Communications Unit to identify areas for improvement.  The Department has implemented other ways to free up officers, such as online reporting.

Major Mills presented the Traffic Summary for May 2023.  He advised that there were 1,770 crashes in May 2023.  There have been 7,612 crashes year-to-date 2023.  There have been 28 fatal traffic crashes year-to-date 2023, with 32 total fatal crash victims.  During this same time frame last year, there had been 36 fatal crashes, with 39 total fatal crash victims.  Major Mills advised that 75 percent of this year’s fatal crash victims have been males, and 50 percent of fatal crash victims were not wearing a seatbelt.

Major Mills advised that the Department held eight Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Wolf Pack enforcement activities during May 2023.  These enforcement activities resulted in 68 total stops, 29 DUI arrests, and 118 total citations.  In response to a question regarding wolfpacks versus checkpoints, Major Mills advised that wolfpacks are require less manpower and are mobile.  Chief Graves added that the State no longer funds DUI checkpoints anymore. 

Sergeant Andrew Gore presented the monthly Community Engagement Division report highlighted the Patrol Bureau Member Showcases of the Month, Captain Joshua Gasper.  In the middle of the night while returning to the East Patrol Division Station after a call for service, Captain Gasper saw a home on fire.  He immediately radioed for the Fire Department, and entered into the home alone.  He saw two people that advised one more person was still in the home.  With the fire growing larger, he went room-to-room looking for that person until the Fire Department arrived.  Everyone survived due to Captain Gasper’s heroic efforts. 

Sergeant Gore presented a video slideshow of events that Community Engagement Division personnel were involved in this past month, such as the Teens in Transition Program, the Police Athletic League, the community walks, active shooter and tourniquet training at local LGBTQ+ bars.  He commended the work of the Department’s social workers for responding to all of the recent crime scenes and providing resources to those who need it most. 

  1. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier provided an update on Department staffing.  He advised that as of May 31, 2023, Department strength was 1,641.  For this time period, there were 1,111 sworn law enforcement personnel, 29 recruits, 496 professional staff, and five Board members.  He advised that the Department has started hiring members for the next Academy class.  One person has been hired and started working, and there are 13 pending offers.  There are 22 people still in various stages of the hiring process.   The Department will hold law enforcement testing on June 29, 2023, and July 29, 2023, at the Regional Police Academy.   

            In response to a question, Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the first portion of law enforcement testing is a standardized written exam that tests how you would react in certain situations.  The second portion of the testing is a physical ability test (PAT) where applicants run through a timed obstacle course that includes jumping through a window, stairs, push-ups, and dragging a life-sized dummy doll.  If you do not pass on the first try, you are allowed to test again.

                        Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department hired nine people for the Communications Unit this past month.  There are no pending job offers at this time, but there are 23 applicants in various stages of the hiring process. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department is accepting applications for Detention Facility Officers (DFOs).  This position is for 18+ years of age.  Starting salary for DFOs is $3,282/month.  More information can be found at https://careers.kcpd.org.

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the 177th EOC will graduate from the Academy on August 3, 2023, the 178th EOC will graduate on November 12, 2023.   The 179th EOC will begin training on July 23, 2023, and the 180th EOC will begin training on October 30, 2023.    

Deputy Chief Niemeier congratulated Retired Major Paul Luster on being named the next Chief of Police in Saint Joseph, Missouri.  Chief Luster was sworn-in on June 26, 2022.  Deputy Chief Niemeier introduced the Department’s summer interns.  The interns are excited to see the many units of the Department and enjoy going on ride-alongs. 

Commissioner Cramer inquired about potential retention bonuses for members, to help with staffing levels.  She requested the Department look at ways to improve staffing.  In response to a question from Commissioner Tolbert, Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that polygraphs are given to applicants for sworn positions.  The computerized voice stress analysis (CVSA) test is given to civilian positions.  The Board requested additional information about the Department's polygraph test be presented at the next meeting. 

  1. Executive Services Bureau. Major Gregory Williams presented for Deputy Chief Derek McCollum in his absence.  Assistant Manager Tamara Bazzle provided an update on the Communications Unit.  Ms. Bazzle advised that the Communications Unit is currently staffed with 23 call takers and seven call taker trainees, 35 dispatchers and three dispatcher trainees, two switchboard operators, eight shift supervisors, one assistant manager, and two captains.  There are currently 28 vacancies within the Communications Unit.  To assist with staffing, the Department is utilizing eight independent contractors and four Department members that are assigned to different units.  These members formerly worked in the Communications Unit, or work for other local agencies.  There is currently one additional independent contractor in the hiring process. 

            Ms. Bazzle advised that call taker training consists of five weeks in the classroom learning geography and the 911 system.  Call taker trainees then participate in a 14-week on-the-floor training with another call taker.  Dispatcher training consists of four weeks in the classroom, and 16 weeks of on-the-floor training with another dispatcher.  All Communications Unit members must begin their careers as a call taker before becoming a dispatcher because there are basic fundamentals you must learn before dispatching. 

            To-date 2023, the Communications Unit has received more than 447,000 calls for service; 209,000 of those calls were for non-emergency services.  The Communications Unit has averaged 616.33 calls per hour, or 14,791.93 calls per day this year.  Last month there were 21,900 abandoned calls which have to be returned.  There is new auto-return call software that will be operational in August. 

In response to a question, Major Williams advised that Kansas City’s 911 system is managed by the Mid-America Regional Council (MARC).  All calls come into KCPD whether the need is for fire, police, emergency medical services (EMS), or other non-emergency services.  A KCPD call taker will screen and route the call to the appropriate service.  The Board discussed that the extra seconds it takes to transfer a call are critical in emergency situations.  Major Williams discussed a potential solution within the MARC 911 system that could allow the Department to separate from KCFD’s emergency line.  For example, instead of waiting for a call taker, a caller could immediately press #1 for police, press #2 for fire, press #3 for EMS, or press #4 for non-emergencies.  The Board agreed that this option would benefit those in need of emergency services in Kansas City.  Major Williams advised he can call for an emergency meeting with MARC to discuss this possible solution.

            Ms. Bazzle provided additional information on the Communications Unit minimum staffing requirements.  The call volume requires 7-8 call takers and 7-8 dispatchers on duty at all times.  Due to staffing levels, there are often overtime needs to fill these shifts.  Another challenge the Communications Unit faces is competition from other agencies.  Other agencies and organizations start at a higher salary and/or offer sign-on bonuses.  Starting pay in the KCPD Communications Unit is $20.48/hour.  Communications Unit personnel regularly attend recruiting events to increase applicants.

            To work in the Communications Unit, you must be 18+ years old, have a high school diploma or GED, ability to pass a job simulation test, and ability to pass a reading comprehension test.    Candidates must also submit to a Computerized Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) test, background check, psychological exam, and physical exam which includes a drug test.  Those interested in a career should apply at www.KCPD.org, or call 816-234-5400. 

            Chief Graves commended the work of the Communications Unit, and told them to stay encouraged.  They are valued members of the Department, and have the support of the Chief and the Board.  The Board thanked Ms. Bazzle for her 21 years of service in the Communications Unit.  Commissioner Whittaker noted that the Communications Unit is losing more members than are hired. 

            Chief Graves and Deputy Chief Ortiz left the meeting at 11:50 a.m., to attend a press conference with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office. 

            A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Tolbert, to call an emergency meeting with MARC to discuss the re-structure of the 911 system.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

            Major Williams presented the following items for Board approval:

  1. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2023-24.  A memorandum dated June 23, 2023, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers.  This transfer will affect the General Fund, Police Grants Fund, and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.  

            Mayor Lucas expressed concern with transferring money from personal services to contractual services.  He spoke about last month’s conversation regarding items that the Department could transfer responsibilities back to the City, such as utilities and waste management services.  Major Williams that the City’s waste management contract only provides for residential services, not commercial.  Mayor Lucas suggested the Department continue looking for ways to piggy-back off of the City’s contracts for services.   

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the budget transfers as presented.  The vote was 4-1 in favor, with Mayor Lucas voting Nay.

  1. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2023-24.  A memorandum dated June 16, 2023, was presented to recommend approval of an appropriation in the amount of $150,000 from the JACO 911 Tax Revenue Fund to the Communications Unit Minor Equipment Fund.  The Department received funding from Jackson County to purchase a Jupiter Wall to be used in the Communications Unit.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the appropriation of $150,000, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2023-24.  A memorandum dated June 16, 2023, was presented to recommend approval of an appropriation in the amount of $65,000 from the Private Donations Fund to the Police Foundation of Kansas City Contract Fund, the Community Engagement Division Contract Fund, and the Community Engagement Minor Equipment Fund.  The Department received a $50,000 donation from Walmart to be used for Community Engagement, and the Department received a $15,000 donation from the Police Foundation of Kansas City to be used for wellness contractual services.  

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the appropriation of $65,000, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Jupiter Video System Replacement Request.  A memorandum dated June 13, 2023, was presented to recommend the approval to replace the Jupiter Video System in the Communications Unit, at an anticipated cost of $149,073.36.  The products and replacement will be through Electronic Technology Inc., with pricing based on KCRPC Contract #93.  The funding for replacement was reimbursed by Jackson County 911 tax funds.   

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the replacement of the Jupiter Video System, at a total cost of $149,073.36.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. NICHE Record Management Data Base Upgrade.  A memorandum dated June 13, 2023, was presented to recommend approval to purchase an upgrade of the Niche SQL server database management software from Software House International, at a cost of $179,355.96.  The upgrade purchase will utilize OneIT funds and the State of Missouri Price Vendor Contract #CT220337001. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Tolbert, to approve the purchase of the Niche SQL server database management system from Software House International, at a cost of $179,355.96.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Microsoft Enterprise Agreement (EA).  A memorandum dated June 13, 2023, was presented to recommend approval to renew the Department’s Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with Insight, at a cost of $398,178.55.  This renewal is combined with the overall Kansas City, Missouri renewal utilizing the State of Missouri contract #CT170315004.  Microsoft Enterprise affords the Department with the ability to support members with a software infrastructure that can maintain all users on the same versions of Microsoft software.  The agreement is assessed once a year, and the premium will be adjusted based on the actual number of licenses deployed. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the renewal of the Department’s Microsoft Enterprise Agreement with Insight, at a cost of $398,178.55.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            In response to a question, Budget Manager Kristine Reiter advised that KCPD will pay its own portion of the Enterprise Agreement, and the City will pay for their own licenses. 

  1. 2023 MCSAP 23-CMV-MC-003.  A memorandum dated June 16, 2023, was presented to recommend acceptance of the 2023 MCSAP award contract 23-CMV-MC-003 in the amount of $1,320,762.00, for the period of July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.  This award is 95 percent federally funding, and a five percent local match.  This is the 27th year of funding, and will be used for personnel, overtime, equipment, travel and training for the Commercial Vehicle Inspection Section within the Traffic Division. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Tolbert, to accept the 2023 MCSAP award contract in the amount of $1,320,762.00, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

  1. Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Initiative Memorandum of Understanding #G23MW0003A.  A memorandum dated June 9, 2023, was presented to recommend acceptance of the Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Initiative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) #G23MW0003A in the amount of $418,408.00.  The award period is January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2024, and is 100 percent federally funded.  This is the 26th year of funding, and will be used for personnel and travel expenses for one detective, one civilian supervisor, one civilian analyst, and one call taker/dispatcher.   

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Tolbert, to accept the Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Initiative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) #G23MW0003A in the amount of $418,408.00, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

  1. 2023 COMBAT Jackson County Drug Tax Unit Agreement. A

memorandum dated June 13, 2023, was presented to recommend acceptance of the 2023 COMBAT Jackson County Drug Tax Unit award in the amount of $3,342,311.00.  The award period is January 1, 2023, through December 31, 2023.  This funding provides undercover and civilian support personnel to supplement duties of others assigned to the Special Investigations Division and the Police Crime Lab. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Tolbert, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to accept the 2023 COMBAT Jackson County Drug Tax Unit award in the amount of $3,342,311.00, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.        

  1. Chief’s Executive Officer. Deputy Chief Steven Young advised that he will provide an update on the Department’s new Recruitment and Retention Committee. 
  2. Office of General Counsel. The Board welcomed the new General Counsel, Nathan Weinert, to the Department. 

Mr. Weinert presented the following Private Officer Licensing Unit recommendations:

  1. Private Officer License Denial: James C. Russell. A memorandum dated June 9, 2023, was presented recommending the denial of the unarmed private security license of James C. Russell.  The basis for the denial is outlined in Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations Section 10-2.050(3)(O), which states, “an applicant may be denied if the applicant has provided other facts of actions which demonstrate that the applicant is unsuitable or ineligible for license.”  Mr. Russell denial was due to inappropriate actions and behavior (13 complaints) towards females while working at a Home Depot.  Mr. Russell also violated an order of protection related to these complaints. 

A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to uphold the Private Officer Licensing Unit’s decision and deny the unarmed private security license of James C. Russell.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Private Officer License Denial: Jermel L. Covington. A memorandum dated June 9, 2023, was presented recommending the denial of the unarmed private security license of Jermel L. Covington.  The basis for the denial is outlined in Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations Section 10-2.050(3)(O), which states, “an applicant may be denied if the applicant has provided other facts of actions which demonstrate that the applicant is unsuitable or ineligible for license.”  Mr. Covington was arrested in December 2022 and charged with three counts of Assault by Intimidation during an incident at a local Applebee’s. 

A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to uphold the Private Officer Licensing Unit’s decision and deny the unarmed private security license of James C. Russell.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Office of Community Complaints. Director Merrell Bennekin advised that he will provide the 2023 mid-year report at the July Board meeting.  In response to a question related to reporting, Mr. Bennekin advised that the distinction between complaints received “online” versus “on the web” is that “online” complaints are submitted via email and “on the web” complaints are submitted via the Office of Community Complaints’ website. 
  2. Public Comments. Rachel Thomas with KC LEAP spoke about officer-involved shootings in Kansas City.  She called for the immediate termination of Officer Blayne Newton, and alleges that Officer Newton has a racial bias and continuously uses excessive force.  

Chris Young with KC LEAP said his heart goes out of the victims’ families impacted by the violent weekend in Kansas City, and that his heart also goes out to all the families impacted by officer-involved shootings.  He expressed dissatisfaction with the Missouri Attorney General’s request to reverse Former Officer DeValkenaere’s criminal charges, related to the officer-involved shooting death of Cameron Lamb.  He also called for the immediate termination of Officer Blayne Newton. 

            Deputy Chief Ortiz returned to the meeting at 12:42 p.m.

Desmound Logan thanked KCPD for their work the last several violent weeks in Kansas City.  He called for the community to come together in an effort to reduce violent crimes.  He spoke about the need to get offenders off the street, the need for people to speak up and cooperate with investigations, and the need for increased protection from potential retaliation. 

Ron Hunt requested that the Board engage in conversation with the public commenters.  He also commended Chief Graves and command staff for the work they are doing in the City.  He spoke about the importance of youth programs, such as the Police Athletic League.  Mr. Hunt also expressed the urgent need for a detention center in Kansas City.  Mr. Hunt expressed dissatisfaction with the crime scene over the weekend; he advised that the victims’ bodies were on the street for far too long.  Lastly, he spoke about Department liability and stated that taxpayers shouldn’t have to pay for these lawsuits. 

Commissioner Cramer thanked Mr. Logan and Mr. Hunt for being active in the community.

John Sharp spoke about homicides in Kansas City.  He believes the TIPS Hotline and $25,000 reward would be more effective if the Department added language for victim re-location.  He advised that the State of Missouri provides funding to the City for victim re-location.  He also thanked the Department for their media release about the dangers of celebratory gunfire.

            Chief Graves returned to the meeting at 12:52 p.m.

Stan Morgan with Good Trouble spoke about the violence and reoccurring problems in Kansas City over the years.  Mr. Morgan stated he met with Investigations personnel recently and had a very informative meeting.  He would like to continue these meetings and include patrol officers in them. 

Scott Myers with Good Trouble spoke about the need to increase minority officers, an urgent call for gun reform, the need for an independent review board of the Department, and access to mental health care in the City. 

  1. Recap from Chief Stacey Graves. Chief Graves provided an update on the press conference that was just held.  She advised that Prosecutor Jean Peters-Baker just filed additional charges against the suspect in the mass shooting incident outside of the Klymax Lounge on June 25, 2023.  The additional charges include two counts of murder and armed criminal action.   
  2. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Whittaker, to approve the open session minutes from the Board meeting on May 23, 2023.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.
  3. Mr. David Kenner. Mr. Kenner advised that the Board recently established a Governance Committee.  Committee members include Mr. Kenner, Commissioner Dean, Commissioner Whittaker, and Jenny Atterbury from KCPD’s General Counsel’s Office.  The Committee is currently completing the City’s Governance Risk Assessment Survey and creating Board bylaws.  The bylaws will be presented for full Board approval at the July Board meeting. 

            Mr. Kenner wished everyone a Happy Pride Month, and reminded everyone that KCPD is here to serve and protect all communities.  He also called for everyone’s help in coming together united to address causes of crime in Kansas City. 

  1. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas commended the Department for their hard work and hopes that people in the community see it.  He urged community members to get on board in creating a safer Kansas City.     
  2. Commissioner Mark Tolbert. Commissioner Tolbert commended Commissioner Dean on leading her first meeting as Board President.  In response to Mr. Hunt’s request for the Board to engage with the public commenters, Commissioner Tolbert advised that sometimes people can become combative, so he chooses to listen instead of responding. 
  3. Commissioner Tom Whittaker. Commissioner Whittaker advised that the Audit Committee met last week to review the draft annual audit and financial statements.  The auditors issued a clean opinion.  The auditors will present the audit to the full Board at the July Board meeting. 

            In response to a previous comment about the culture of violence, Commissioner Whittaker advised that cultures are created over time.  Therefore, the reduction of violent crime will happen over time.  He encouraged the Department to stay the course and continue efforts to reduce violent crime in the City. 

            He also thanked Chief Graves acknowledging the community’s concerns with the victims lying in the street.  The Department has learned from this incident. 

  1. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer thanked the Chief, Department members, and community partners for their work towards a safer Kansas City.  She stressed the importance for all to feel safe and treated equally in our City, and the need to everyone to work together towards a common goal.   
  2. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:

 

Board Disciplinary Hearings:

 

BOPC 23-03

Friday, September 8, 2023

9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

BOPC 21-02

Friday, December 1, 2023

9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

BOPC 23-04

THIS MEETING HAS BEEN CONTINUED FROM ITS CURRENT SETTING OF APRIL 28, 2023, AND WILL BE RESCHEDULED FOR A FUTURE DATE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD.

 

*Discipline hearings are closed under Section 590.502.3(6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri.

 

Regular Meetings:

 

July 25, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

August 22, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

September 26, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

October 31, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

November 14, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

December 12, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

A motion was made by Commissioner Tolbert, with a second by Mayor Lucas, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 1:10 p.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 May 27, 2022, 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, June 27, 2023, 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 Mark Tolbert                                       -           Aye

Commissioner Tom Whittaker                                    -           Aye

            Commissioner Dawn Cramer                                     -           Aye

Commissioner Cathy Dean                                         -           Aye

Mayor Quinton Lucas                                                 -           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, June 27, 2023:

The Board went into closed session at 1:18 pm.

1)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Tolbert, the Board voted to authorize up to an additional $250,000 in legal defense fees for the case of Chazmine English, et al. v. Eric DeValkenaere, et al. The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

2)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Whittaker, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the case of Xavier Peters v. Police Officer Marco Olivas, et al., in an amount not to exceed $___.[1]  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

3)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Tolbert, the Board voted to grant the non-duty related disability retirement application of ___________.[2]  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

4)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas, and a second by Commissioner Tolbert, the Board voted to approve the applications for continued employment of Reserve Sergeant Rufus Evans and Sergeant Deborah Randol.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

5)         Following a motion by Commissioner Tolbert and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed Board meeting on May 23, 2023.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

6)         Following a motion by Commissioner Tolbert and a second by Mayor Lucas, at 3:21 p.m., the Board voted to go out of closed session and adjourn.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

            The Board adjourned at 3:21 p.m.