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July 12, 2022 Meeting

Publish Date 07/12/2022

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, JULY 12, 2022

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, July 12, 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.  Civilian Cynthia Cascone led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Commissioner Tolbert provided the invocation. 

  1. City Council Presentation. Councilman Kevin O’Neill, 1st District At-Large, was present on behalf of the City Council.  He spoke about his support for the officers and his concerns with the current staffing levels and response times.  Councilman O’Neill also commended Chief Mabin’s leadership.  He encouraged dialogue between the Board and City Council to better serve the Kansas City community.  He also recommended an increase in the Department’s Social Worker Program.  He believes additional social works are needed to work the evening and overnight shifts.  The Board thanked Councilman O’Neill for his support, specifically during budget negotiations. 
  2. Guest Presentations.   Mr. Michael Keenan, Hood & Associates CPAs, P.C., was present to discuss the financial and compliance audit for the year ending April 30, 2022.  Mr. Keenan provided the Financial Statements, Single Audit Report, and the Required Communication and Management Letter to those in attendance at the meeting.  He noted that it was a “clean” audit.  Mr. Keenan said the audit revealed no illegal acts, difficulties or disagreements with management, and the firm had full access to books and records. 

Mr. Keenan advised that Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) recently issued the following statements, which may impact the Department’s financial reporting: GASB No. 87, GASB No. 91, GASB No. 92, GASB No. 94, GASB No. 96, and GASB No.  97.  Hood & Associates recommends management review these standards to determine the impact, if any, that these standards may have on the Department’s financial reporting.  Mr. Keenan expressed the auditing firm’s thanks for the opportunity to work with the Department.  He thanked the Fiscal Unit and staff for their assistance and full cooperation in conducting the audit.

            Mayor Lucas inquired about the Fiscal Year 2021-22 ending fund balance totaling $13,479,225.  Of that, $4.8 million are restricted funds for workers’ compensation and grants.  Major Derek McCollum and Budget Manager Kristine Reiter advised that the remaining $10.9 million includes special revenue funds from private alarm fees and private officer security licensing fees.  This is a fund balance that fluctuates year to year, and cannot be used for pay increases, Academy classes, etc.  Deputy Chief Niemeier explained that it is the Department’s goal to utilize all provided funding per fiscal year. 

            Deputy Chief Niemeier thanked the Fiscal Division Staff for their hard work and professionalism during the audit. 

  1. Crime Reporting/Gun Crime. Deputy Chief Mike Wood presented information

on monthly crime statistics.  He advised that to-date in 2022, there have been 79 homicides, compared to 79 at this same time in 2021; the five-year average of homicides for this same time period is 79.  The Department has cleared 27 homicides this year and 11 additional cases from previous years, totaling 38 total homicides cleared in 2022.

As of July 11, 2022, there have been 263 non-fatal shootings year-to-date, compared to 277 for this same time period in 2021.  There were 48 non-fatal shootings in June 2022, compared to 42 in June 2021.  Deputy Chief Wood presented statistics on suspect and victim characteristics for the month of June 2022.

Deputy Chief Wood advised that the Department recovered 212 firearms in June 2022, compared to 229 in June 2021.  The five-year average of recovered firearms for the month of June is 221.  The Department has recovered 1,105 firearms year-to-date 2022. 

            Deputy Chief Wood spoke about cases submitted for prosecution.  In June 2022, there were 271 cases submitted for prosecution; there were 232 cases submitted to Jackson County, 31 in Clay County, and eight in Platte County.  Deputy Chief Wood reported that 71 of those cases were filed, and 61 cases were declined.  All case declinations were in Jackson County, due to prosecutor discretion and insufficient evidence.

  1. Community Outreach. Major Marisa Barnes and Jen Johnson spoke about Camp Fury.  Camp Fury is a collaboration between the Girls Scouts of NE Kansas and NW Missouri, local female firefighters, and local female law enforcement personnel.  Camp Fury was held in Kansas City on June 12, 2022 through June 17, 2022.  This program is available to girls in 9th-12th grades.  Participants learned firefighting, police, and EMS skills, defensive tactics, physical activities such as ladder climbing and rappelling, and investigative techniques, all while being mentored by remarkable women in the same career field.  This program allows girls to grow more courageous, strong, confident and capable.  KCPD will also participate in Catching Fury, a one-day camp for younger girls. 

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.   

  1. Administration Bureau. Deputy Chief Michael Hicks provided an update on Department staffing.  As of June 30, 2022, Department strength was 1,681.  For this time period, there were 1,164 sworn law enforcement personnel and 517 career civilians.  There are currently 148 total vacancies. 

            In response to a question regarding retention programs, Deputy Chief Hicks advised that there are typically a lot of rules tied to bonuses.  He advised that the Department will explore those options, but he also emphasized the need for another pay adjustment.  He advised that the Department’s starting pay ranks in the middle of surrounding agencies; the Department needs to raise starting pay.  He believes applicants are going to agencies where the pay is higher.

            The Board discussed recruitment possibilities in military communities, minority communities, and universities.  Commissioner Tolbert stated that the Department needs to consider enhancing recruitment efforts within Kansas City, in order to have true community policing success.  Chief Mabin stated that while recruitment is important, the Department has to retain its current employees by making it an attractive career.  It was noted that New York City lost 2,100 officers this year.

            Deputy Chief Hicks advised that the Crime Lab is almost fully staffed; it currently has only five vacancies.  At this time last year, there were 11 vacancies.  This increase in personnel greatly assists investigations.  Deputy Chief Hicks also advised that increased staffing has helped get the Property & Evidence Warehouse inventory under control. 

            Sergeant Thomas Clark provided an update on the Department’s Summer College Internship Program.  This program provides students with a projected minimum of 145 hours of internship credit, exposure to civilian and law enforcement careers within KCPD, training and real-life exposure, and is a gateway into KCPD.  This program allows KCPD the opportunity to showcase the Department, cultivate relationships with students and universities to set up pathways for graduate careers, and evaluate potential employees to fill vacancies.

            Interns are selected based on successful completion of a CJIS background check and fingerprinting, substance abuse screening, interview with KCPD commanders, current enrollment in a college or university degree program.  This summer, the Department had ten college interns from eight different colleges and universities.  Some of the interns were present and shared their experiences from the program.  They shared that, based on their experiences, the media doesn’t always share an accurate representation of what really happened.  They enjoyed seeing “the other side” of law enforcement that isn’t shown in the media.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept the Audit Report provided by Hood & Associates CPAs, P.C.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Executive Services Bureau. Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier presented the following items for Board approval:
  2. Hexagon Annual Maintenance Renewal.  A memorandum dated June 28, 2022, was presented to recommend renewal of the annual Hexagon maintenance contract in the amount of $404,749.20.  Hexagon is the vendor for the Department’s Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the annual Hexagon maintenance contract renewal in the amount of $404,749.20.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Computer Workstation Equipment. A memorandum dated June 30, 2022, was presented to recommend approval for the purchase of 246 computer workstations from Dell, utilizing the State of Missouri NASPO Value Point Contract, at a total cost of $498,086.04.  These computers are necessary to remain CJIS compliant by 2026.  This purchase is funded through OneIT.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the purchase of 246 computer workstations from Dell, utilizing the State of Missouri NASPO Value Point Contract, at a total cost of $498,086.04.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

  1. Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Initiative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) #G22MW0003A.  A memorandum dated June 28, 2022, was presented to recommend acceptance of the Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Initiative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) #G22MW0003A in the amount of $407,073.00.  The award period is January 1, 2022 through December 31, 2023.  This award is 100 percent federally funded, and provides funding to combat the manufacture, sale, and use of illegal drugs.  This award funds the salary and benefits for one detective, one civilian supervisor, one civilian analyst, and one call taker/dispatcher.  In addition, this funds vehicle lease, fuel, and travel expenses for this program.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to accept Midwest HIDTA Investigative Support Center Initiative Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) #G22MW0003A in the amount of $407,073.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

Deputy Chief Niemeier spoke about Officer Tyler Moss’ recovery after suffering a gunshot wound to the head while on-duty in July 2020.  Deputy Chief Niemeier shared videos of Officer Moss’ participation in a rehabilitation program, and his miraculous recovery. 

  1. Professional Development and Research Bureau. Acting Deputy Chief Paul Luster presented the Basic Training Class Summary for June 2022.  He advised that the 174th Entrant Officer Class will graduate on August 18, 2022.  There are 18 KCPD recruits and eight recruits from outside agencies in this class.  The 175th Entrant Officer Class began training on May 16, 2022, and will graduate on November 22, 2022.  There are 17 KCPD recruits and 12 recruits from outside agencies in this class.  Acting Deputy Chief Luster advised that a group of three lateral officers began training last week, and a university hybrid class started yesterday.  

            Acting Deputy Chief Luster provided an update on the Youth Services Division.  He provided a list of upcoming events that Youth Services personnel are participating in. 

  1. Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Holly Dodge presented the June 2022 Private Officers Licensing Unit Monthly Summary.  In June 2022, there were 43 private officer license suspensions, two license denials, and one license revocation.

            Ms. Dodge presented the following Private Officer Licensing Appeal:

  1. Private Officer License Appeal of Juan E. Ramos. A memorandum dated May 26, 2022, was presented to recommend the denial of the unarmed private security license of Juan E. Ramos.  The basis for the denial is outlined in Title 17 of the Code of State Regulations Section 10-2.050(3)(H), which stipulates in part, “each applicant applying for a license under these provisions must be of good moral character by having no felony convictions, misdemeanor convictions, or city ordinance violations, which have as an essential element of fraud, dishonesty, an act of violence, bribery, illegal drug use, sexual misconduct, and other similar acts constituting moral turpitude.”  On July 23, 2010, Mr. Ramos was convicted on two misdemeanor charges, consisting of one count of possession of marijuana and one count of driving under the influence.  He was also convicted of one felony charge for possession of cocaine.  The charges occurred in Johnson County, Kansas. 

This appeal was previously presented for consideration at the Board meeting on June 28, 2022.  The Board requested that Mr. Ramos submit reference letters from past and potential employers.  To-date, Mr. Ramos has not responded to the Board’s request.

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

  1. Public Comments. Kayla Edmond spoke about the death of her son following his participation in KCPD’s pre-employment Physical Abilities Test (PAT).  Ms. Edmond requested changes to the program including, but not limited to: 1) submission of a physical exam by a medical professional, prior to testing, 2) body temperature checks, before and after testing, and 3) heart rate monitoring during the test.  She requested these changes be implemented in her son’s name.  The Board offered their condolences and advised they would consider changes to the testing.

Sheryl Ferguson invited the Board and members of the public to join her event on July 23, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., at Community Christian Church, 4601 Main Street.  This event is being held to discuss race relations in Kansas City, and provides community members with an opportunity to ask questions regarding race and culture.

Retired Police Officer Gary Knapp shared his idea to hire retired police officers as substitute teachers in local schools.  Officer Knapp’s idea comes from the increase in school shootings and an officer’s ability and training to quickly react to those threats.  The Board requested Officer Knapp put together a formal presentation on this topic, and present more in depth at a future meeting.

Ron Hunt talked about the need for increased recruitment efforts.  He believes social media is the best place to recruit candidates.  He also believes that women recruiters would be more effective. 

  1. Secretary/Attorney David Kenner. Mr. Kenner presented two proposed Board Resolutions for consideration: Board Resolution 22-03: Liability Self-Retention General Fund Subsidiary Account Not Waiver of Sovereign Immunity, and Board Resolution 22-04: Residency.  General Counsel Dodge provided copies titled “Option A” for consideration, that included suggested changes by Board members.

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve Board Resolution 22-03: Liability Self-Retention General Fund Subsidiary Account Not Waiver of Sovereign Immunity, Option A, as presented. The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Dean, with a second by Commissioner Wagner, to approve Board Resolution 22-04: Residency, Option A, as presented.  The vote was 4-1 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Dean voted Aye, Commissioner Tolbert voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Wagner voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Nay. 

  1. Recap from Chief Joseph Mabin. Chief Mabin spoke about recent command staff meetings since becoming Interim Chief.  These meetings are being held to address violent crime in Kansas City.  Chief Mabin spoke about the KC360 pilot program, which is currently taking place in the Oak Park and Sante Fe neighborhoods.  KC360 is modeled after a program in Omaha, Nebraska, which experienced a 74 percent decrease in gun violence from 2008 to 2018.  Currently, investigative personnel are gathering data on violent crime in those two neighborhoods.  Once data is provided, community partners will intervene and engage with resources.  These partners include KC Common Good, Mattie Rhodes, and AdHoc.

In addition to KC360, Chief Mabin advised that the Department is working with the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office and Missouri Probation & Parole to participate in the Custom Notifications program.  This program targets individuals at risk for perpetuating or becoming victims of violent crime.  This intervention provides these individuals with the resources needed to keep their life on track and avoid violent crime.

Chief Mabin advised that the Department’s patrol impact squads have been re-deployed in violent crime hot spot areas throughout the City, in addition to handling calls for service.  He also advised that the weekly shoot review meetings will also cover “shoot at” incidents where gunfire is reported, but no one was struck. 

Chief Mabin discussed a recent shooting in the Westport Entertainment District.  Deputy Chief Mike Wood advised that KCPD is investigating the aggravated assaults, and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the officer-involved shooting.     

  1. Mayor Quinton Lucas. Mayor Lucas spoke about recent discussions surrounding a new jail.  He advised there has been a strong interest in the City having a joint detention center with Jackson County.  These discussions are still in the preliminary stages.  He added that City arrests are still being transported and housed in Vernon County, Missouri. 
  2. Commissioner Mark Tolbert. Commissioner Tolbert advised that he will be holding a meeting with Chief Mabin and local clergy members on July 28, 2022.  The goal for this meeting is to enhance the Department’s Chaplain Program.
  3. 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:

 

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.

 

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 Mayor Lucas, and by vote indicated below, to adjourn the open meeting at 12:00 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, July 12, 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, July 12, 2022:

The Board went into closed session at 12:23 p.m. 

1)         Following a motion by Commissioner Dean and a second by Commissioner Wagner, the Board voted to approve the application for continued employment of Sergeant David Kissee.  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 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.

3)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Dean, 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 2:25 p.m.