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April 19, 2022 Meeting

Publish Date 04/19/2022

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, APRIL 19, 2022

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, April 19, 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 V. Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Richard C. Smith, Chief of Police

 

This meeting was called to order at 9:31 a.m. by Commissioner Tolbert.  Chief Richard Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Commissioner Tolbert provided the invocation. 

  1. City Council Presentation. Councilman Dan Fowler, 2nd District, was present on behalf of the City Council.  He spoke about the increasing response times and need for police officers in the Kansas City Northland.  He also discussed the importance of the Crime-Free Multi-Housing Program and its success in the Northland. 

            Councilman Fowler spoke about growth in the Northland, noting the increase of residence building permits, a 10-field soccer complex, recent groundbreaking for a new data center, and a large development project near I-435 and 152 Highway.  He stated that every city faces challenges, however, he is proud of the improvements and growth of this City. 

Councilman Fowler thanked Chief Smith for his leadership.  The Board thanked Councilman Fowler for his support during the budget process.

  1. Board Resolutions.   The Board adopted Board Resolution 22-01 in memory of former Commissioner Angela L. Wasson-Hunt.  The Board adopted Board Resolution 22-02 to express the Board’s sincere gratitude and genuine appreciation for Chief Richard C. Smith’s distinguished and tireless service and leadership to KCPD. 

Councilwoman Heather Hall presented Chief Smith with a proclamation and thanked him for his leadership and service.  A group of KCPD Retirees expressed their sincere thanks to Chief Smith for his leadership, and wished him well in retirement.

  1. Guest Presentations. Dr. Jennifer Prohaska, Ph.D and Sergeant Phillip DiMartino presented on the Tactical Longevity and Resiliency Project.  Sergeant DiMartino explained that resiliency training is important because during a time where the community demands more from officers than ever before, the exposure to trauma and high stress conditions that officers face each day result in the deterioration of resiliency skills.  This makes it far less likely that officers can maintain quality interactions with the public. 

Through this partnership with Dr. Prohaska, officers are learning to communicate with patience, compassion, and understanding.  Through this training, they are also more likely to adapt to the changing emotional needs of situations they face, preserve relationships with the community, be invested in monitoring themselves and their peers’ interactions with others, and withstand the stress and strain of the job with minimal negative changes. 

This project is currently in place and being taught to Department members.  Each field training officer completes the program with their probationary officers.  Chief Smith stated this training is extremely important because officers face approximately 80 traumatic situations per year; the average person experiences a critical traumatic experience 1.2 times in their lifetime.  The Board thanked Dr. Prohaska for her collaboration in this effort. 

President Tye Grant presented information regarding the Police Foundation of Kansas City.  The Police Foundation of Kansas City is formed by citizens with the focus to engage within the community and assist in reducing crime.  The Police Foundation generates funds for KCPD initiatives not fully supported by existing funding.

Mr. Grant spoke about the annual “A Call for Backup” Gala.  There were approximately 850 attendees at the event on February 25, 2022.  This year’s event generated over $1.7 million in donations for KCPD.  The funding is being used to purchase technology for the Crime Lab that will drastically reduce backlog and turn-around times for DNA. 

The Board thanked the Police Foundation for their continued support of the Department and the funding they provide. 

City Auditor Douglas Jones presented results from the Body-Worn Camera Audit.  The City Auditor’s Office reviewed 98 body-worn camera recordings.  Mr. Jones advised that most all videos were of good quality; however, some videos did not capture the entire call for service or officer-initiated activity as required by Department policy.

The City Auditor’s Office compared a statistically valid sample of dispatches in July 2021 and August 2021 to body-worn camera videos.  Approximately 20 percent of these dispatches did not have the expected body-worn camera footage, but the City Auditor also noted that by comparison Atlanta’s police department missed 40 percent of their videos.  Thus, for a new program, it is doing well.   The Department also requires officers to upload videos at the end of each shift.  Approximately seven percent of the body-camera videos were not uploaded in a timely manner. 

The City Auditor’s Office made recommendations to clarify and strengthen the body-worn camera policy and improve recording, classification, and handling of videos and monitoring of the program.  Deputy Chief Hicks advised that Department management agrees with these recommendations.

Mr. Jones added that City Council recently passed Ordinance 220216 to establish the Community Policing and Prevention (CP&P) Fund.  This ordinance requires the City Auditor’s Office to conduct an audit of the Department’s use of the CP&P funds.  The City Auditor’s Office will also audit the Department’s recruiting efforts and hiring processes as outlined in the Annual Audit Plan for Fiscal Year 2023. 

  1. Crime Reporting/Gun Crime. Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin presented information

on monthly crime statistics.  He advised that to-date 2022, there have been 46 homicides, compared to 45 at this same time in 2021; the five-year average of homicides for this same time period is 41.  The Department has cleared 23 homicides this year.

In regard to recent media coverage, Deputy Chief Mabin advised that the Cold Case Unit has not been disbanded.  Detectives from the Unit have been temporarily reassigned to the overnight shift due to staffing shortages.  He explained that the Department will continue investigating cold cases.  Deputy Chief Mabin anticipates the temporary reassignment will last until Fall 2022, when the Academy graduates an additional 20 recruits.

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that on April 12, 2022, there were four homicides within a 24-hour period; there were a total of nine homicides that same week.  He pleaded for the community’s help, and asked that witnesses come forward.  He explained that individuals can anonymously provide tips through the Crime Stoppers TIPS Hotline. 

As of April 18, 2022, there have been 125 non-fatal shootings year-to-date, compared to 127 for this same time period in 2021.  In March 2022, there were 36 non-fatal shootings, compared to 35 in March 2021.  Deputy Chief Mabin presented statistics on suspect and victim characteristics for the month of March 2022.

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that the Department recovered 211 firearms in March 2022, compared to 205 in March 2021.  The five-year average of recovered firearms for this same time period is 214.  The Department has recovered 570 firearms year-to-date 2022. 

            Deputy Chief Mabin spoke about cases submitted for prosecution.  In March 2022, there were 357 cases submitted for prosecution; there were 316 cases submitted to Jackson County, 26 in Clay County, and 15 in Platte County.  Deputy Chief Mabin reported that 124 of those cases were filed, and 203 cases were declined.

            Deputy Chief Mabin recognized work done by the Homicide Unit in the last month.  In March 2022, detectives responded to nine homicide scenes and 15 scenes involving suicide, accidental deaths, and natural deaths.  In March 2022, homicide detectives cleared ten cases with criminal charges; six of these cases were from this year.  He thanked the Homicide Unit detectives for their hard work and dedication.

  1. Community Outreach. KCPD Social Worker Supervisor Tamara McIntosh provided an overview of the Department’s Social Services Program.  She advised the pilot program started in 2016 with one social worker.  In 2017, an additional six social workers were added.  Supervisor McIntosh thanked the generous donations and Chief Smith for their support in the Social Worker Program.  East Patrol Social Worker Kevin Wilson shared comments from patrol officers expressing their appreciation for the Department social workers.  Commissioner Dean thanked the social workers and stated that the Department needs more of them.

In Deputy Chief Karen True’s absence, Major Stacey Graves presented a slideshow of photographs from events that KCPD was involved in this month.  Major Graves advised that the Department’s Impact Squads have been temporarily reassigned to answer emergency calls for service due to staffing shortages. 

Officer Terrence Brown and Sergeant Bryan Jones presented on the Traffic Division’s Wheel School.  Officer Brown discussed the general requirements to become a police motorcycle instructor and the requirements to successfully pass motorcycle school.  To become a certified instructor, members must be assigned to the Traffic Enforcement Unit for a minimum of two years, complete a two-week certification class at an accredited institution, and must be able to perfectly demonstrate intermediate and advanced motorcycle maneuvers to the student using proper clutch, throttle, and rear brake control.    

Officer Brown provided examples of exercises students attending the motorcycle school must pass upon completion of the course.  This course teaches riders how to control their motorcycles at different speeds and maneuver obstacles.  Motorcycles are utilized in traffic enforcement and control, escorts, parades, etc.  Major Graves added that this is an extremely tough class.  In response to a question, Officer Brown advised that 10 out of 15 students successfully graduated the last wheel school. 

  1. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Michael Hicks provided an update on Department staffing.  As of March 31, 2022, Department strength was 1,690.  For this time period, there were 1,157 sworn law enforcement personnel, 508 career civilians, 20 police officer candidates, and five Board members.  There are currently 21 probationary police officers that will complete their break-in period in May, and 19 recruits expected to graduate the Academy in August. Deputy Chief Hicks advised that long-time Department member civilian Chandra Armstrong unexpectedly passed away.
  2. Executive Services Bureau. Captain Lionel Colon and Supervisor Tamara Bazzle gave a presentation on the Communications Unit.  Ms. Bazzle advised that the Communications Unit has 110 authorized positions.  The Unit is currently staffed with 35 emergency service call takers, 37 dispatchers, two switchboard operators, nine shift supervisors, one training supervisor, and two Unit commanders; there are an additional four call takers and two dispatchers in training.

            Call takers answer incoming emergency and non-emergency telephone calls, and interview callers to determine the need for service.  Ms. Bazzle explained that this is an independent position that is very fast-paced, highly stressful, and intense.  These members must think quickly, use good judgment, and have good communication skills.  Training for this position consists of five weeks of classroom training and a minimum of seven weeks of on-the-job training.

            In 2021, call takers answered 998,431 calls; 537,574 of these calls were emergencies, while 460,863 were considered non-emergency.  On average, call takers handle approximately 70 to 125 calls per day, per call taker.  Call takers have handled over 220,000 calls this year, as of April 1, 2022.  Ms. Bazzle shared redacted recordings of incoming calls handled by call takers.

The dispatcher position is also a very fast-paced, high stress, intense, and independent position.  Dispatchers prioritize calls for service and dispatch appropriate units to respond.  They also handle various requests from officers.  Dispatchers are required to update all relevant information and officers locations at all times.  This is required for officer safety.  This position requires members to have the ability to multi-task, quick thinking, use good judgment, and have clear and effective communication.  Training for the dispatcher position is also done in two phases; the first phase is four weeks of class room training and the second phase is 12 weeks of on-the-job training.  Ms. Bazzle shared redacted recordings of dispatch air tapes.   

Ms. Bazzle advised that there are currently 20 vacancies in the Communications Unit.  Applications are down considerably.  In 2020, Ms. Bazzle received over 220 applications for these positions.  In 2021, she received 73 applications.  To-date 2022, she has only received 25 applications.  As a result of the vacancies in 2021, members of the Unit worked approximately 10,000 hours of mandatory overtime.  She encouraged anyone 18-years or older interested in these positions to apply.  Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, and must be able to pass a job simulation, reading exam, computer voice stress analyzer (CVSA), background check, psychological exam, and drug screening.

In response to a question from Commissioner Dean, Ms. Bazzle advised that a majority of the Unit’s members prefer the 10-hour shift rather than the 8-hour shift.  However, since there are staffing shortages, members are working 12-hour shifts.  Ms. Bazzle advised that the Unit is always strategizing to make improvements within the Unit.  She invited the Board members to visit the Communications Unit.  

In Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier’s absence, Major McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:

  1. 2022 COMBAT Commission Law Enforcement School Based Initiative Cooperative Agreement.  A memorandum dated April 4, 2022, was presented to recommend acceptance of the 2022 COMBAT Commission Law Enforcement School Based Initiative (f/k/a D.A.R.E) in the amount of $300,000, for the period of January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022.  This funding will be utilized for continued growth of school outreach programs.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept the 2022 COMBAT Commission Law Enforcement School Based Initiative Cooperative Agreement and award in the amount of $300,000.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Police Foundation Donation for DNA Robots and Crime Scene Scanner.  A memorandum dated April 5, 2022, was presented to recommend acceptance of a donation from the Police Foundation of Kansas City in the amount of $209,717.44, for the purchase of two EZ2 Connect FX robots, one Hamilton ID STARlet robot, and one crime scene laser scanner.  The robots and scanner will upgrade technology and improve efficiency by decreasing the turnaround time to complete DNA testing.  This donation will cover half of the total cost of the project. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept the donation from the Police Foundation of Kansas City in the amount of $209,717.44, for the purchase of DNA robots and scanner.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Police Foundation Laboratory Equipment.  A memorandum dated April 7, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of the sole source purchase of three DNA robots and one laser scanner from Life Technologies and Leica Geosystems, Inc., at a total expenditure of $419,343.88.  This expenditure is funded by a donation in the amount of $209,717.44 from the Police Foundation of Kansas City and a city funding match.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase of three DNA robots and one laser scanner at a total cost of $419,343.88.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. FLIR/Camera ARS Systems Upgrade.  A memorandum dated April 7, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of the sole source purchase of one FLIR/Camera System through Teledyne Flir, at a total expenditure of $640,905.00.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase of one FLIR/Camera System through Teledyne Flir, at a total expenditure of $640,905.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Network Core Switch Replacement.  A memorandum dated April 6, 2022, as presented to recommend approval for the purchase of the network core switches replacement from ConvergeOne, at a total cost of $206,844.86, utilizing the City of Kansas City, Missouri Contract EV2420A.    

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase of the network core switches replacement from ConvergeOne, at a total cost of $206,844.86, utilizing the City of Kansas City, Missouri Contract EV2420A.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.      

  1. Excess Worker’s Compensation Coverage EV1943.  A memorandum dated March 29, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of a renewal of the excess worker’s compensation insurance coverage with Lockton Companies through the City of Kansas City, Missouri Contract EV1943, for a total expenditure of $174,454.00, for the period of May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve a renewal of the excess worker’s compensation insurance coverage with Lockton Companies through the City of Kansas City, Missouri Contract EV1943, for a total expenditure of $174,454.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            In response to a question, Major McCollum explained that the Department needs excess coverage due to the nature of risk involved in law enforcement.  He added that worker’s compensation is handled through the Human Resources Division.

  1. Blanket Building & Property Insurance EV1943.  A memorandum dated March 29, 2022, was presented to recommend approval of a renewal of blanket building and property insurance coverage with Lockton Companies through the City of Kansas City, Missouri contract EV1943, for a total expenditure of $273,795.00, for the period of May 1, 2022 through April 30, 2023. 

            In response to a question, Major McCollum explained that the buildings that the Department utilizes are property of the City; however, the Department is responsible for covering the property inside the facilities. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve a renewal of blanket building and property insurance coverage with Lockton Companies through the City of Kansas City, Missouri contract EV1943, for a total expenditure of $273,795.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Helicopter Engine 1750-hour Overhaul.  A memorandum dated April 6, 2022, was presented to recommend approval to complete payment for a helicopter engine #CAE83711 overhaul at a total cost of $128,565.49.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the helicopter engine overhaul at a total cost of $128,565.49.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Adoption of Fiscal Year 2022-23 Budget.  A memorandum dated April 1, 2022, was presented to recommend the adoption of the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget.  The total budget from appropriations from all sources is $268,915,126.00, compared to $256,773,275.00 for Fiscal Year 2021-22.  The Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget recognizes appropriations of $248,243,956.00 from the City and $20,671,170.00 from other sources.

            A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Dean, to adopt the Fiscal Year 2022-23 budget as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2022-23.  A memorandum dated April 7, 2022, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers.  This transfer will affect the General Fund and the American Rescue Plan Act Fund 120.

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

  1. Final Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2021-22.  A memorandum dated April 16, 2022, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers.  This transfer will affect the General Fund, Public Safety Sales Tax Fund, Police Drug Enforcement Fund, Police Grants Fund, Special Services Special Revenue Fund, and Grants Special Revenue Fund.

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

  1. Professional Development and Research Bureau. Deputy Chief Mike Wood presented the Basic Training Class Summary for March 2022.  He advised that the 174th Entrant Officer Class is in their 11th week of training; they will graduate on August 18, 2022.  There are 19 KCPD recruits and eight recruits from outside agencies in this class.  A new class of approximately 25 KCPD recruits is expected to begin training on May 16, 2022.

Deputy Chief Wood provided an update on the Youth Services Unit.  He advised that 894 youth attended activities at the Police Athletic League (PAL) in March.  The PAL Center provided approximately 50 meals per day to attendees.  Deputy Chief Wood welcomed Sergeant Naomi Fabian to the PAL Center.  Sergeant Fabian is filling the sergeant position vacancy that opened when Captain Torrance (Dion) Rentie was promoted. 

Deputy Chief Wood advised that the D.A.R.E. curriculum is being taught in 26 classes throughout 12 different schools.  There were three D.A.R.E. graduations in March 2022.

Deputy Chief Wood presented the following items for the consent agenda:

  1. Project 1301: Police Radio Communications
  2. Project 1382: Licensed Private Officers
  3. Project 1400: Residency Requirements

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to

approve Project 1301, Police Radio Communications, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve Project 1382, Licensed Private Officers, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            Mayor Lucas requested an open discussion regarding Project 1400, Residency Requirements.  Mayor Lucas expressed his concerns with adding Johnson and Wyandotte Counties in Kansas to the Department’s residency policy.  Commissioners Dean, Cramer, and Wagner spoke in favor of expanding the residency requirement to the two counties in Kansas in order to enhance diversity recruitment efforts.  Chief Smith added that he has heard from several employees that this will also increase member retention.  He believes that someone working one block away from state line will have a much better connection to Kansas City than someone commuting 30 miles from St. Joseph, Missouri.  Mayor Lucas stated that while he will oppose this policy change, he does not understand why this proposal does not include other counties in Kansas, such as Leavenworth and Miami.

            The Board also discussed the guideline in the residency policy regarding temporary permission to reside outside of the residency requirement.  As written, these requests are submitted through the member’s chain of command with final approval by the Chief of Police.  Commissioner Tolbert believes this type of request should be approved by the Board, rather than the Chief of Police.  Deputy Chief Wood stated that a majority of these requests are because of members temporarily residing with family while transitioning between homes (the most common example is the short period of time between selling and purchasing a new home).

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to amend Project 1400, Residency Requirements, as follows: “II (B) (2) - 30 (air) miles of the nearest Kansas City, Missouri city limit/state line within Wyandotte or Johnson County, Kansas.”  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve Project 1400, Residency Requirements, as amended.  The vote was 4-1 in favor.  Commissioners Tolbert, Dean, Cramer, and Wagner voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Nay.

Deputy Chief Wood thanked Chief Smith for his friendship and long-time career with KCPD, and wished him well in retirement.

  1. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Holly Dodge presented the March 2022 Private Officers Licensing Unit Monthly Summary.  In March 2022, there were 55 private officer license suspensions, two license denials, and one license revocation.
  2. Office of Community Complaints (OCC). Director Merrell Bennekin advised that there is an error in his report, so he will revise and present the statistics at next month’s meeting.

Senior Legal Analyst Karen Williams presented the OCC Annual Report for 2021.  The OCC received 216 total complaints in 2021, compared to 236 in 2020.  The five-year average of complaints received totals 245.  A majority of the complaints filed are against members with tenure of four years or less.  Ms. Williams noted that 82.6 percent of complaints are against members in the Patrol Division.  In 2021, the Department received 239,374 calls for service, compared to 239,811 in 2020.  Department members conducted 101,828 self-initiated activities in 2021, compared to 95,708 in 2020. 

Of the 216 received complaints, 117 were forwarded to IAU for investigation, and the remaining 99 were non-investigative and handled by OCC.  In 2021, improper procedure made up 54 percent of the complaints, improper member conduct made up 35 percent, excessive use of force made up ten percent, discourtesy made up nine percent, harassment made up nine percent, and bias-based policing made up two percent.  IAU returned 113 complaints in 2021, and 64 of them had full and complete investigations resulting in 11 sustained findings, 21 not sustained findings, and 32 exonerated findings.  The remaining 49 complaints consisted of two withdrawn complaints, 18 closed for non-cooperation, and 29 closed for other reasons. 

The race of members who are the subject of sustained, not-sustained, and exonerated complaints were broken down as follows: 17 White males, 20 White females, 48 Black males, 43 Black females, four Hispanic males, one Hispanic female, and four others.  The majority of complainants are ages 35 to 49.  Ms. Williams noted the non-cooperation rate dropped from approximately 50 percent to just 18 percent.  She attributed this reduction to IAB using telephone conferences during the COVID-19 protocols instead of in-person meetings.

Ms. Williams spoke about the implementation of the OCC website in 2021.  She advised that this resource has been a huge benefit to the OCC.  She advised that this resource provides a very simple way for individuals to file and track complaints. 

  1. Public Comments. Nancy Simons spoke about her support for the Police Athletic League and other youth initiatives.  She stated that the City needs more places like this for the youth.  She spoke of the need for organizations to work together to reduce violent crime in the youth community.

Ron Hunt expressed his support for youth support programs such as ArtsTech Teens in Transition and the Police Athletic League.  He would like increased funding in the Department’s budget for youth programs.

B-Leh Oz congratulated Chief Smith on his retirement and thanked him for his leadership.  Ms. Oz congratulated Deputy Chief Mabin on being selected as the Interim Chief of Police. 

Steve Young expressed his frustrations with public comments being moved towards the end of the open session agenda.  He explained that people should not have to take off work to sit through the entire meeting in order to be heard by the Board.

  1. Recap from Chief Richard Smith. Chief Smith thanked the men and women of the Department, the Board, and his family for their support during his tenure as Chief.  He thanked the Department members for their continuous hard work and dedication in protecting the City, and thanked them for a memorable career.
  2. Approval of minutes. A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the minutes of the open session meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners on March 22, 2022.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 
  3. Secretary/Attorney David Kenner. Mr. Kenner thanked Chief Smith for his wonderful leadership, and congratulated him on his retirement.
  4. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas thanked Chief Smith for his 34+ years of service to the City, and congratulated him on his retirement.
  5. Commissioner Dawn Cramer. Commissioner Cramer stated that it was an honor and pleasure to work together with Chief Smith, and complemented his leadership.
  6. Commissioner Don Wagner. Commissioner Wagner thanked Chief Smith for his leadership during unprecedented times, and wished him well in retirement.
  7. Commissioner Cathy Dean. Commissioner Dean thanked Chief Smith for his service.  She advised that she will miss his wise counsel and knowledge of the Department.
  8. Commissioner Mark Tolbert. Commissioner Tolbert congratulated Chief Smith on his retirement.  
  9. Scheduled meetings. The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:

 

Special Meeting:

 

Friday, April 22, 2022, 9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

This is a ceremony being held to swear in Joseph Mabin as Interim Chief of Police.  Judge Kevin Harrell will administer the Oath of Office.

 

Board Disciplinary Hearing:

 

BOPC 21-02

May 13, 2022, 9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

Regular Meetings:

 

May 24, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

June 28, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

July 12, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

August 23, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

September 27, 2022, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

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.

 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn the open meeting at 12:55 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 January 31, 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, April 19, 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, April 19, 2022:

The Board went into closed session at 1:10 p.m. 

1)         Following a motion by Commissioner Wagner and a second by Commissioner Cramer, the Board voted to approve certain settlement authority in connection with the claim by Charles Jones, et al. vs. Taylor Hall, et al., in an amount not to exceed $___.[1]  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 Commissioner Dean and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the applications for continued employment of Detective Barry Berglund, Detention Officer Renae Kendrick, and Police Officer Alexander Cruz. 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)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed meetings on March 22, 2022, and March 25, 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.

4)         At 2:24 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.

5)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the final payout of Chief Richard Smith’s salary and benefits to include accrued sick and vacation time through August 31, 2022, which amount totals $274,926.84.  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.

6)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Commissioner Wagner, the Board voted to increase Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin’s salary by 25% when he becomes Interim Chief on April 22, 2022 from $11,155 per month to $13,944 per month, and to pay him at the end of 2022 for any then accrued vacation days not taken in 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.

7)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Commissioner Tolbert, 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 3:04 p.m.

 

[1] The amount is redacted under § 610.021(1), R.S.Mo., because no final disposition of the matter has occurred.