Skip to main content

September 27, 2022 Meeting

Publish Date 09/27/2022

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 2022

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, September 27, 2022, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.

 

PRESENT:

Commissioner Mark Tolbert, President

Commissioner Cathy Dean, Vice President

Commissioner Don Wagner, Treasurer

Commissioner Dawn Cramer, Member

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member

Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Joseph Mabin, Chief of Police

 

This meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Commissioner Tolbert.  Detective Alex Lepper led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain Brenda Smith provided the invocation. 

  1. Awards and Commendations. The Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Erin Seyfrid and David Meyers for their donation of two Dutch Shepherd puppies, Raven and Josie, to the Department’s K9 Unit. 

            The Certificate of Appreciation was presented to Joy Marie Chamberland for her continued support and fundraising for the Department. 

  1. City Council Presentation. Councilman Lee Barnes, 5th District At-Large, was present on behalf of the City Council.  Councilman Barnes stated that he has continuously voted to increase the Department’s budget and supported an increase of officers.  However, he expressed concern about certain Department members blaming the City Council for low staffing levels.  He stated that the Council was falsely tagged as defunding the police.  He believes the Department and City need to work together to better the community and prevent crime.  He thanked Chief Mabin and City/Department Liaison Captain Danny Graves for their increased community with City Council. 

            Councilman Barnes stated that it is time for the Department to be locally controlled.  He believes that departments and units at the City and Department can be merged to decrease expenses.  Councilman Barnes also expressed concern with proposed legislation to increase police funding in Kansas City to 25 percent of the City’s general revenue. 

Commissioner Tolbert spoke about the Department of Justice (DOJ) Civil Rights Division investigating the Department’s employment practices.  Commissioner Tolbert advised that the Board welcomes the DOJ and will take this investigation very seriously.  He said the Board will provide public updates when able. 

  1. Crime Reporting/Gun Crime. Captain Nathan Simecek, Property Crimes Division, spoke about the recent Property Crimes Unit reorganization.  Traditionally, the Property Crimes Unit has investigated property crime offenses in a generalized manner based off of geographical patrol divisions.  However, due to staffing issues and national research, the Property Crimes Division will now investigate property crimes in a specialized manner.  Captain Simecek advised that the new specialized approach will allow for easier identification of crime patterns and prolific offenders who are responsible for committing the bulk of the City’s property crimes, more evenly distributes the workload, and detectives may experience greater work satisfaction thus reducing turnover and improving retention.  The new Property Crimes Sections will be as follows: Auto Crimes Section, Burglary Section, Stealing Section, and Economic Crimes Section. 

            Deputy Chief Mike Wood provided an update on monthly crime statistics.  He advised that to-date in 2022, there have been 120 homicides, compared to 111 at this same time in 2021; the five-year average of homicides for this same time period is 116.  The Department has cleared 45 homicides this year and 12 additional cases from previous years, totaling 57 total homicides cleared in 2022.

As of September 26, 2022, there have been 408 non-fatal shootings year-to-date, compared to 386 for this same time period in 2021.  There were 62 non-fatal shootings in August 2022, compared to 46 in August 2021.  Deputy Chief Wood presented statistics on suspect and victim characteristics for the month of August 2022.

Deputy Chief Wood advised that the Department recovered 254 firearms in August 2022, compared to 229 in August 2021.  The five-year average of recovered firearms for the month of August is 226.  The Department has recovered 1,797 firearms year-to-date 2022. 

            Deputy Chief Wood spoke about cases submitted for prosecution.  In August 2022, there were 249 cases submitted for prosecution; there were 216 cases submitted to Jackson County, 26 in Clay County, and seven in Platte County.  Deputy Chief Wood reported that 102 of those cases were filed, and 157 cases were declined.  He noted that a majority of the declinations were at the Prosecutor’s discretion, with citing “no nexus to violence”. 

  1. Community Outreach. Officers Douglas Davidson and Jordan Infranca, DUI Section, provided an update on Mothers Against Drunk Driving’s Saturation Saturday event that was held on August 27, 2022.  Agencies from Missouri, Kansas, and Oklahoma participated in the event, including 308 officers from KCPD, Kansas City, Kansas Police Department, Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) Troop A, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, Platte County Sheriff’s Office, and various Saint Louis, Missouri agencies.  On August 27, 2022, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) recorded one fatality crash, 35 total crashes, 122 DWI arrests, 62 drug arrests, 16 suspected marijuana impairment arrests, 15 DRE evaluations, 1,213 traffic citations issued, 65 seat belt citations issued, 45 felony arrests, and 162 in-custody arrests.  KCPD and MSHP Troop A led the event in DUIs with 12 each. 

            Officers Davidson and Infranca spoke about the Department’s new SoToxa Oral Fluid Mobile Drug Testing Machine.  This new device provides rapid roadside results in less than five minutes, and tests for amphetamines, benzodiazepines, cannabis (THC), cocaine, methamphetamines, and opiates.  The results are non-evidentiary, and is used similarly to a portable breath test.  This device can detect drug use in the past twelve hours.  In response to a question, officers advised that one device costs approximately $6,000.  The Department currently has one, but has requested two additional devices from MODOT. 

            Major Stacey Graves spoke about National Faith & Blue.  Major Graves presented a video on the Faith & Blue Organization.  KCPD Community Interaction Officers and Chaplains have been working with National Faith & Blue for over a year, and have coordinated events across the City to bring together police and faith-based communities.  National Faith & Blue Weekend is October 7-10.  Events such as prayer breakfasts, health fairs, and tailgates will be held at various churches across the City each day.

Deputy Chief Karen True presented a slideshow of photographs from events that KCPD was involved in this month, and provided a list of upcoming events.   Deputy Chief True provided traffic statistics and 911 calls for service for the month of August.

  1. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Michael Hicks provided an update on Department staffing.  As of August 31, 2022, Department strength was 1,669.  For this time period, there were 1,131 sworn law enforcement personnel, 20 recruits, and 518 career civilians.  There are currently 205 total vacancies.  Deputy Chief Hicks advised that at this same time period in 2021, KCPD had 28 fewer employees; 16 of which were sworn law enforcement. 

            Deputy Chief Hicks advised that there are 16 recruits expected to graduate on November 8, 2022, and a new Academy class will begin on October 17, 2022.  The Department hopes to have 25 to 30 recruits in the October class.  Deputy Chief Hicks advised that the Department recently raised the starting salary for recruits.  The Department will soon offer up to $6,500 educational cost-reimbursement incentive for hybrid/lateral transfers. 

            The Board discussed sign-on and retention bonuses.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that it would cost the Department approximately $13.5 million if they offered $8,000 retention bonuses to each employee; it would be $9.1 million if the bonuses were offered to only sworn law enforcement.  Mayor Lucas advised that funds from attrition and salary savings should be used to pay the employees that stay.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the $6,500 hybrid/later incentive will come from salary savings.  The Department has also seen a huge increase in overtime due to staffing shortages, so overtime is also funded by salary savings.  Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Fiscal Unit continues to monitor funds, and will re-evaluate bonuses throughout the Fiscal Year.

Deputy Chief Hicks provided an update on the Information Services Division.  He advised that the Information Services Division was underfunded by approximately $3 million.  He advised that the Department’s radio system is a critical need, and the Department does not have the funding for new radios.  The Board recommended that the Department request additional funds from the City for the purchase.  Mayor Lucas advised that the funding was not made available for the radio purchase.   

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department would like to purchase radios from Motorola.  Motorola has offered a 10-year lease-to-purchase option.  However, the Department is not allowed to enter into a multi-year lease because they cannot commit to future funding.    He reiterated that this is an emergent need, and a crisis will occur if the Department does not have the funding for new radios.  

  1. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier presented the following items for Board approval:
  2. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2022-23.  A memorandum dated September 16, 2022, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers.  This transfer will affect the General Fund, Community Policing and Prevention Fund, Police Grants Fund, and Grants Special Revenue Fund.

            A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Dean, to approve the budget transfers as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2022-23.  A memorandum dated September 15, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of a transfer in the amount $1,500,000 from the Unappropriated Fund Balance of the Liability Self-Retention Fund to the Contractual Services – Settlements account in the Liability Self-Retention Fund. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve the special revenue account adjustment in the amount of $1,500,000, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2022-23. A memorandum dated September 14, 2022, was presented to recommend approval to increase current year appropriations in the DARE and JACO Drug Tax Unit Fund in order to replace DARE vehicles, and that the sum of $151,007 is appropriated from the Unappropriated Fund Balance of the DARE and JACO Drug Tax Unit Fund to the Capital Outlay – Motor Vehicles Fund in the DARE and JACO Tax Unit Fund.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve the special revenue account adjustment in the amount of $151,007, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Radio Tower Backup Batteries Replacement. A memorandum dated September 14, 2022, was presented to recommend approval to purchase replacement batteries for four radio tower sites from Ash Battery Systems, at a total cost of $254,528.73.  Ash Battery Systems is the sole source provider in the Midwest of these replacement batteries.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase of four replacement batteries from Ash Battery Systems, at a total cost of $254,528.73.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

Commissioner Tolbert requested that the Department look into solar packages for future purchases.

  1. Bid No. 2023-14, 2023 Model Year Police SUVs. A memorandum dated September 14, 2022, was presented to recommend approval to purchase thirty-nine (39) new 2023 model year police SUVs from Shawnee Mission Ford, at a total cost of $1,643,538.   

            A motion was made by Commissioner Wagner, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase thirty-nine (39) 2023 police SUVs from Shawnee Mission Ford, at a total cost of $1,643,538.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Missouri Western Interdiction and Narcotics (MOWIN) Task Force Subaward.  A memorandum date September 13, 2022, was presented to recommend acceptance of the MOWIN Task Force Subward in the amount of $237,221.46, for the period of July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept the MOWIN Task Force Subaward in the amount of $237,221.46.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

            Captains Joshua Heinen, Captain Joshua Gasper, and Christina Hunt presented on Special Olympics of Missouri.  They spoke about the Department’s involvement in Special Olympics events such as the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Tip-A-Cop, and Polar Plunge.  The Polar Plunge will be held January 27-28, 2023.  Shaquana Lowry, member of the Special Olympics Athlete Leadership Program, spoke about what Special Olympics means to her. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier and Officer Malcolm Whitelaw presented a video of Sergeant Bobbie King’s recent flight with the Air Force Thunderbirds.  Sergeant King was recently named winner of the Air Force’s Hometown Hero Award for her off-duty apprehension of a homicide suspect.

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that the Department’s Request Budget for Fiscal Year 2024 is due to the City on October 18, 2022.

  1. Professional Development and Research Bureau. Acting Deputy Chief Paul Luster presented the Basic Training Class Summary for August 2022.  He advised that the 174th Entrant Officer Class graduated on August 18, 2022; 18 officers have now started their break-in probationary period.  The 175th Entrant Officer Class began training on May 16, 2022, and will graduate on November 18, 2022.  There are 16 KCPD recruits and 13 recruits from outside agencies in this class.  Acting Deputy Chief Luster spoke about the Department’s hybrid program for lateral transfers.  The Academy recently completed an audit of the program and added three hours to the curriculum.  There is currently one hybrid lateral from the University of Central Missouri in the 175th Entrant Officer Class.

            Acting Deputy Chief Luster provided an update on the Youth Services Unit.  He provided a list of upcoming events that the Youth Services Unit personnel will be involved in.  Acting Deputy Chief Luster advised that Sergeant Douglas “Skip” Cox, previously assigned to the Police Athletic League (PAL), recently retired.  The PAL Board has since hired Retired Sergeant Cox as the Director.  Acting Deputy Chief Luster thanked Retired Sergeant Cox for his continued service to PAL.

  1. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Holly Dodge presented the August 2022 Private Officers Licensing Unit Monthly Summary.  In August 2022, there were 41 private officer license suspensions, 11 license denials, and one license revocation.
  2. Office of Community Complaints. Director Merrell Bennekin introduced individuals interning at the Office of Community Complaints.
  3. Public Comments. Crystal Ohanmi expressed concerns with cars being constantly ticketed in her neighborhood.  General Counsel Dodge and Director Merrell Bennekin met with Ms. Ohanmi to discuss her concerns.

Ron Hunt stated that the next Chief of Police should be a female.  He spoke about an upcoming event that he is hosting on October 15th.  He invited the Board and Department members to attend.

  1. Recap from Chief Joseph Mabin. Chief Mabin announced that Deputy Chief Mike Wood will be retiring at the end of the month.  He advised that Deputy Chief Wood has served on the Department for 32 years, with assignments in the Patrol Bureau, Tactical Enforcement Teams, and Investigations Bureau.  He thanked Deputy Chief Wood for his service, and wished him well in his retirement.

Chief Mabin spoke about the DOJ investigation into the Department’s employment practices.  He stressed the importance of people being treated fairly and impartially.  He advised that since he began his career 22 years ago, he strives to make the Department a safe, inclusive, and great place to work.  Chief Mabin welcomes the DOJ, and stated that the Department will be fully cooperative with their investigation.   

  1. Approval of Minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the open session minutes from the Board meeting on August 23, 2022.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.
  2. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas thanked Chief Mabin for his comments surrounding the DOJ investigation.  He advised that conversations around next fiscal year’s budget have started.
  3. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer spoke of the importance of the DOJ investigation.  She thanked Deputy Chief Wood for his service.
  4. Commissioner Don Wagner. Commissioner Wagner echoed the DOJ investigation comments, and wished Deputy Chief Wood well in his retirement. 
  5. Commissioner Cathy Dean. Commissioner Dean thanked Deputy Chief Wood for his service, and wished him well in his retirement.
  6. Commissioner Mark Tolbert. Commissioner Tolbert congratulated Deputy Chief Wood on his retirement.  He thanked Chief Mabin for being open and welcoming of the DOJ investigation.  He advised that a look from the outside is always a good thing.   
  7. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:

 

Board Disciplinary Hearing:

 

BOPC 21-02

February 24, 2023, 9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

Regular Meetings:

 

October 25, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

November 15, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

December 13, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

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

 

February 21, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

March 28, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

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

 

May 23, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

June 27, 2023, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn the open meeting at 12:44 p.m. and reconvene in closed session 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 December 20, 2021, 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 27, 2022, 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:

Mayor Quinton Lucas                                                 -           Aye

Commissioner Dawn Cramer                                     -           Aye

Commissioner Don Wagner                                       -           Aye

            Commissioner Cathy Dean                                         -           Aye

Commissioner Mark Tolbert                                       -           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 27, 2022:

The Board went into closed session at 12:54 p.m. 

1)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the applications for continued employment of Police Officer Candace Crockett and Police Officer Joe Smith.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

2)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Dean, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed Board meeting on August 23, 2022.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

3)         At 1:29 p.m., following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Dean, the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss personnel matters.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

4)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

            The Board adjourned at 3:25 p.m.