May 9, 2017, Meeting
MINUTES OF THE
BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS MEETING
TUESDAY, MAY 9, 2017
A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017, at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, Kansas City.
PRESENT:
Commissioner Leland M. Shurin, President
Commissioner Alvin Brooks, Vice President
Commissioner Angela Wasson-Hunt, Treasurer
Commissioner Michael C. Rader, Member
Mayor Sylvester “Sly” James, Jr., Member
Mr. David V. Kenner, Secretary/Attorney
EXCUSED:
Darryl Forté, Chief of Police
This meeting was called to order at 10:09 a.m. by Commissioner Shurin. Father Richard Rocha provided the invocation.
1. Awards and Commendations.
The Ceremonial Baton was presented to Former U.S. Attorney Tammy Dickinson for her outstanding partnership and dedication to the members of the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department. U.S. Attorney Dickinson has been a dedicated public servant her entire professional life. U.S. Attorney Dickinson’s legal career began in 1998 as an Assistant Jackson County Prosecutor. Rising through the ranks, U.S. Attorney Dickinson became the Eastern Jackson County Chief Trial Attorney in 2002. In 2013, she was appointed by President Obama to be the United States Attorney in the Western District of Missouri. Ms. Dickinson was an integral part of the KC NoVA governing board for her entire tenure as the U.S. Attorney. U.S. Attorney Dickinson always made the safety of the people of Kansas City her top priority. U.S. Attorney Dickinson will be greatly missed by all law enforcement in the Kansas City Metropolitan area.
The Meritorious Service Award was presented to Officer Nathan Magers, and Certificates of Appreciation were presented to Dale Duncan, Megan Duncan, Mitch Wheeler, Adam Magers, Jay Waldo, Walt Disney and Mike Kenny for their outstanding assistance to the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department with the Warriors Ascent Program. In 2014, co-founder Adam Magers of Warriors Ascent, and co-founder Dale Duncan of the Spencer Duncan Make it Count Foundation, approached KCPD with a program that provides assistance to first responders and military veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress. Three spots for KCPD members are guaranteed in each program session. Warriors Ascent has prevented many participants from attempting suicide, brought them out of depression, saved their marriage and family relationships, and brought back joy to their lives. Officer Nathan Magers encourages and supports fellow “warriors” throughout the program. Officer Magers’ encouragement has led to dozens of KCPD officers seeking the assistance that Warriors Ascent provides.
The Certificate of Commendation was presented to Sergeants Brian Karman and Conrad Stumpenhaus, and Officers Charles Chambers, Estevan DuQue, and Seth Pritchett for their quick, selfless actions and teamwork when they saved the life of a woman who had been shot, stabbed and had fallen out of a second-story window. At 1:15 p.m. on October 15, 2016, officers were called to a reported shooting in the 5000 block of East 41st Terrace. Sergeant Karman was flagged down by a neighbor and told that a woman was lying in a front yard of the dispatched address. The neighbor said that he tried to help the woman, but as he approached the house, a man who was inside told him to get back and threatened to shoot him through the window. Sergeant Karman quickly and safely took control of the situation and started directing responding units. Sergeant Stumpenhaus helped direct personnel to take positions around the target house and shut down traffic. While Sergeants Karman and Stumpenhaus and Officer DuQue provided cover, Officers Pritchett and Chambers were able to grab the unconscious woman and carry her to a nearby ambulance. The scene was able to be secured, and officers called an Operation 100. The suspect eventually came out of the house and was taken into custody. He is currently being held on $250,000 cash-only bond awaiting trial. Due to the immediate response and life-saving actions by the officers, the woman has recovered from her injuries.
2. Public Comments.
Crystal Stokes, sister of Ryan Stokes, provided a statement to the Board. Ms. Stokes explained the relationship she had with Ryan Stokes. Ms. Stokes expressed her concern about allegedly inaccurate statements about Ryan Stokes’ background.
Sean Speckman and Mary Gillespie expressed their concerns about the investigations pertaining to Toni Anderson’s disappearance and death. They requested that the Department be as transparent as possible during this investigation, and help find justice for Toni Anderson, and provide better communication.
John Sharp, Awards Committee Chair for the South Kansas City Alliance, advised that on Tuesday, May 30th, at 7:30 a.m., the South Kansas City Alliance will hold their 2nd Annual Awards Breakfast at Avila University. Mr. Sharp stated that Chief Darryl Forté and Officer Jonathan Munyan will be receiving awards for their outstanding public safety and service to the community.
3. Councilperson Alissia Canady.
Councilperson Canady expressed her concern about the ongoing gun violence in the community. Councilperson Canady stated that provisions need to be made to support officers dealing with the ongoing violence and to equip residents that are living amongst the violence, to address it and affect it properly.
Councilperson Canady thanked the Board for scheduling three public forums that will allow community members to express their thoughts and ideas during the selection process for the new Chief of Police.
4. Chief Darryl Forté.
Acting Chief David Zimmerman spoke for Chief Darryl Forté in his absence. Acting Chief Zimmerman stated that the Department is aware of the ongoing violence in the City of which Councilperson Canady spoke. Acting Chief Zimmerman advised that the Department is currently working on plans to reduce the violence. Acting Chief Zimmerman also stated that Deputy Chief Kuehl will provide a formal presentation at the June Board meeting, detailing all aspects of the Body Camera Project.
In response to a question, Acting Chief Zimmerman reported that of the $9.2 million in federal forfeiture money that the Department has received, $7.7 million was used to purchase fixed assets (calculated at cost), including Tasers, bomb suits, robots, and vehicles.
Acting Chief Zimmerman advised that the Senate passed House Bill 4, which defunds DUI checkpoints; all the Bill permits are wolfpacks, which are not nearly as effective. If the Department continues these checkpoints, it would have to pay officers overtime. The Department cannot simply reassign officers, as they have other duties. Acting Chief Zimmerman said this will impact the Department’s ability to do DUI Enforcement. Mayor James stressed the importance of documenting the before and after results, to determine how much the Bill has affected the Department’s DUI Enforcement.
5. City Architect’s Report.
Mr. Eric Bosch stated that the finishing touches, such as furniture and computers, are being installed in the new North Patrol Station. Mr. Bosch advised the Board that the ribbon cutting is estimated to occur in the middle of June. Frank Swanson created a piece of granite art that will be displayed at the new station, using the City’s 1% for art program. Mr. Bosch also advised that the old North Patrol station has been listed for sale.
6. Board of Parks and Recreation.
Jean Paul Chaurand, President of the Board of Parks and Recreation, provided the Board with a Mayor’s Nights Summer Youth Programming presentation. Mr. Chaurand advised that the Mayor’s Nights Summer Program is a 12 week program for 8-18 year olds. The program offers Club KC, Night Hoops, Night Kicks, and Night Nets. Mr. Chaurand stated that in past years, the Department has provided security at these events. Due to the increase in costs to provide security services, Mr. Chaurand requested that the Department partner with the Parks and Recreation Department to provide security for this program at a minimal cost. Mayor James suggested that the Parks and Recreation Department look at alternative options to help assist with the program’s security needs. Using a third party security vendor may enable the Parks and Recreation Department to pay the officers’ off-duty rate. If the City contracts directly with the Police Department, overtime rates must be paid. According to Mayor James, training civilian mentors to provide a lower level of security and only using the adequate amount of police officers for the higher level of security also will reduce security costs.
7. Approval of minutes.
A motion was made by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt with a second by Mayor James, to approve the minutes of the open meetings on April 11, 2017, April 25, 2017, and May 1, 2017. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
8. Executive Services Bureau.
Deputy Chief Patty Higgins presented the following items for Board approval:
a. Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) Award. A memorandum dated April 25, 2017, was presented to recommend acceptance of the DARE Award in the amount of $244,764.00 for the period of January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2017. In response to a question, Major Stewart noted that data has been gathered by the State regarding the effectiveness of the DARE program. Additionally, during summer months, DARE officers supplement the services provided by PAL officers.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Wasson-Hunt, to accept the DARE Award in the amount of $244,764.00. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
b. 2017 MCSAP Grant Award (17-CMV-MC-008). A memorandum dated April 25, 2017, was presented to recommend acceptance of the 2017 Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) Award in the amount of $1,240,677.06 (85% federal $1,054,575.50 and 15% local match $186,101.56).
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Brooks, to accept the 2017 MCSAP Grant Award in the amount of $1,240,677.06. The vote was 5-0 in favor.
Commissioner Shurin stated that the Department has received the following amounts in federal grant funding for the last few years: $5,252,608 in 2014, $5,633,537 in 2015, and $4,806,574 in 2016.
9. Professional Development and Research Bureau.
Major Wayne Stewart spoke for Deputy Chief Bob Kuehl in his absence. Major Stewart presented the Academy Class Summary for May 2017. Major Stewart advised that graduation for the 159th Entrant Officer Class will be held on May 18, 2017. An error on the Academy Class Summary was found in the 160th Entrant Officer Class Race/Ethnicity Chart in the Resignation summary; it should read zero (0) Asian Males.
Due to the high number of resignations dealing with physical conditioning, Mayor James suggested that the Department establish a preparation program for recruits to attend one month prior to the start of their academy class. Mayor James stated that in this program, recruits should complete daily workouts and exercises to prepare and strengthen them for the challenges they will face at the Academy. Major Stewart informed the Board that according to POST, the hiring challenges that KCPD is facing is a problem all over the nation.
Commissioner Wasson-Hunt left the meeting at 11:59 a.m.
Major Stewart requested Board approval for the following consent agenda item:
a. Project #912: Outside Agency Lateral Transfer
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Shurin, to approve the consent agenda item. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
10. Investigations Bureau.
Deputy Chief Cheryl Rose presented the Board with the Investigations Bureau reports for April 2017.
Deputy Chief Rose said that to-date in 2017, there have been 38 homicides, compared to 34 at this time last year. Deputy Chief Rose advised that President Trump’s Proposed Budget cuts the Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP) by 95%. The ONDCP funds the High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Program. The Proposed Budget would eliminate the HIDTA Program, which would decimate the Department’s Drug Enforcement Unit and Street Crimes section.
Due to the continual increase of drive-by shootings, the Board members and Department are looking for ways reduce the number of drive-by shootings. Commissioner Shurin commended the hard work reported in the April Investigations Bureau Report.
11. Administration Bureau.
Deputy Chief Oakman presented the Regional Criminalistics Division monthly statistics for May 2017. Deputy Chief Oakman advised that as of today at 11:00 a.m., the Department’s new Computer Aid Dispatch System went online. This new system is not compatible with the records management system. The new RMS System will go online in January 2018.
12. Patrol Bureau.
Acting Deputy Chief Scott Glaeser presented the Monthly Offense Summary dated March 2017. Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser stated that the Department is continuously working to reduce the violent crimes in the City. Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser said license plate readers are very valuable in intelligence gathering, and by the end of the year the Department will have three or four times the amount of license plate readers around the City. Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser said that in addition to the license plate readers, the Department currently has access to approximately 1,300-1,400 security cameras around the City. By the end of the year, the Department will have access to approximately 2,000 security cameras.
Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser presented the Traffic Summary for the month of March 2017. He advised there have been 34 fatalities to date this year, there were 18 at this time last year. Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser advised that the speed limit on US-71, the stretch of Bannister Road to 75th Street, has been increased to 65 mph. The Patrol Bureau has started to monitor this area to determine if there are a reduced number of wrecks.
Acting Deputy Chief Glaeser presented the Executive Summary dated April 2017. He advised that the Calls Received Section was left blank because of a problem with the numbers.
13. Office of General Counsel.
General Counsel Virginia Murray stated she had nothing for discussion at this time.
14. Professional Standards Division.
Captain Lionel Colon spoke for Major David Bosworth in his absence. Captain Colon presented the OCC Investigations Summary dated May 3, 2017. Captain Colon also presented the following Private Officer License appeal:
a. Private Officer License Appeal, Timothy J. Coffer. A memorandum dated April 11, 2017, recommended the denial of the armed private security license of Mr. Timothy J. Coffer. The basis for the revocation is outlined in Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations 10-2.050, Section (3) (P) stipulating, “Being terminated from or resigning under investigation of a threat of discharge from the department shall make an individual ineligible for a license.” Mr. Coffer was terminated from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department on August 23, 2005.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Commissioner Brooks, to deny the appeal of Timothy J. Coffer. The vote was 4-0 in favor.
15. Human Resources.
Director Meredith Rund presented the Personnel Summary dated May 4, 2017. For this time period, Department strength is 1,294 law enforcement and 509 civilians.
Director Rund gave a presentation on Officer Recruitment. Director Rund advised that the Employment Unit is currently staffed with one full-time sworn member assigned as a Recruiter, two non-sworn human resources specialists holding the positions of Employment Coordinator and Testing Coordinator, one sergeant, one captain, three background investigators, and one polygrapher. Every 30 days, a sworn member is placed on special assignment to assist with recruitment. Director Rund believes that the recruiter position should continue to be held by a sworn member of the Department because a sworn member can relate to the law enforcement experience and share their police story with potential recruits. Director Rund advised that the Department recruiters are highly-engaged individuals that offer an advanced skill set in recruitment. The Department Recruiter is responsible for attending career fairs, colleges, community group meetings, and military bases to maximize outreach efforts and build relationships throughout the community to connect with potential applicants. Unfortunately, the Department does not have adequate resources to recruit at historically African-American colleges.
Director Rund also stated that she has scheduled a meeting with Major Stewart to discuss a plan to prepare incoming recruits and get them KCPD ready.
16. Office of Community Complaints.
Director Merrell Bennekin said he had nothing for discussion at this time.
17. Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 99.
Sergeant Brad Lemon said he had nothing for discussion at this time.
18. Secretary/Attorney David V. Kenner.
Mr. David Kenner thanked Sarah Boyd, Sergeant Kari Thompson, and Captain Stacey Graves for their efforts to inform Brookside community members (and correct certain misunderstandings) on the Nextdoor app about an incident that occurred in the area.
19. Commissioner Michael C. Rader.
Commissioner Rader thanked Major Mike Wood for providing the Boards with updates with KC NoVA.
20. Commissioner Leland M. Shurin.
Commissioner Shurin thanked all officers of the Department for all of the hard work and dedication put in to making Kansas City a safe place. Commissioner Shurin also thanked the Friends of the Mounted Patrol for donating a horse, Lincoln, to the Department.
21. Scheduled meetings.
The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:
Special Closed Meeting:
Tuesday, June 13, 2017, at Shaffer-Lombardo-Shurin, 2001 Wyandotte, Kansas City.
This is a special closed meeting being held to discuss personnel matters.
Regular Meetings 2017:
June 13, 2017
July 11, 2017
August 15, 2017
September 12, 2017
October 10, 2017
November 14, 2017
December 12, 2017
The meetings listed above will be held at 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.
A motion was made by Commissioner Rader, with a second by Mayor James, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn its open meeting at 1:08 p.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, May 9, 2017, at KCPD Headquarters, 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 Leland M. Shurin – Aye
Commissioner Alvin L. Brooks – Aye
Commissioner Michael C. Rader – 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 May 9, 2017:
Mayor James and Commissioner Wasson-Hunt had an excused absence.
1) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader and a second by Commissioner Brooks, the Board voted to approve the applications for continued employment of Police Officer Charles Chambers and Detective Ray Lenoir, and the duty-related disability retirement of Police Officer xxxx[1]. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Brooks voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
2) Following a motion by Commissioner Rader and a second by Commissioner Brooks, the Board voted to approve RFP No. 2017-18 Lease of Vehicles for Covert Operations. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Brooks voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
3) Following a motion by Commissioner Brooks and a second by Commissioners Rader, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed meetings of the Board of Police Commissioners on April 11, 2017, April 17, 2017, and April 25, 2017. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
4) Following a motion by Commissioner Brooks and a second by Commissioners Rader, the Board voted to approve the Memorandum of Agreement with the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 99, and the Memorandum of Agreement with the KCPD Commanders Lodge No. 102, Fraternal Order of Police. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
5) Following a motion by Commissioner Brooks and a second by Commissioner Rader, the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss personnel matters. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, Commissioner Brooks voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
6) Following a motion by Commissioner Brooks and a second by Commissioner Rader, the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn. The vote was 3-0 in favor. The vote was 3-0 in favor. Following polling, Commissioner Rader voted Aye, and Commissioner Brooks voted Aye, and Commissioner Shurin voted Aye.
The Board adjourned at 2:00 p.m.
[1] Name redacted for privacy and confidentiality reasons.
_____________________
President
_____________________
Secretary/Attorney
Board of Police Commissioners Minutes