December 16, 2025 Meeting

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 16, 2025

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, in the Community Room at Police Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City.

PRESENT:

Commissioner Tom Whittaker, President

Commissioner Madeline Romious, Vice President

Commissioner Scott Boswell, Treasurer

Commissioner Heather Hall, Member

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member

Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Stacey Graves, Chief of Police

 

This meeting was called to order at 9:30 a.m. by Commissioner Whittaker.  Supervisor Jennifer Miller and Administrative Assistant Pam Bear led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain John Jones provided the invocation.

1.         Guest Presentations.  Public Safety Director Lace Cline provided an update on behalf of the City.  She advised that the City Council recently amended the chronic nuisance ordinance as a result of problematic properties and recent parking lot shootings.  The amendment reduces the amount of chronic nuisance violations an address can have from seven to five incidents within 180 days.  Three violations within 30 days still applies.  Council also approved measures for swifter action on violent offenses.  Prior to the amendment, property owners had 30 days to abate a chronic nuisance violation.  If there is a violent offense, owners now have 10 days to abate those violations.  Additionally, reports can now come from KCPD, private licensed security, and the Multi-Disciplinary Public Safety Task Force, in addition to 911 calls for service. 

            Ms. Cline also spoke about the recently-introduced gas station drug ban.  This proposed ordinance would ban the retail sale and distribution of unregulated drugs, such as 7-OH.  The City has seen overdoses and deaths from these drugs.  The proposed ordinance would allow the City to suspend and revoke business licenses, and the business owners could be subject to criminal penalties such as jail time and fines.  For every day that the drugs are on the shelves, the business would face a daily violation.  Ms. Cline also spoke about the retail-area alcohol impact plan.  The Public Safety Task Force will make recommendations to area businesses to help deter nuisance problems and improve neighborhood stability.   

            Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson provided a year-end update.  During her first year in office, Prosecutor Johnson is proud of the strong collaboration between her office and the Department.  Prosecution referrals from law enforcement are up ten percent from last year.  Of over 5,000 referrals from KCPD, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has charged 73 percent of those cases.  The charging rate in 2024 was 67 percent.  The conviction rate was nearly 70 percent across all categories this year.  Specifically, the homicide conviction rate was 90 percent, which is up by approximately 10 percent last year.  This year, assaults have nearly an 80 percent conviction rate, motor vehicle thefts have a 75 percent conviction rate, and burglaries have a 72 percent conviction rate.  As of December 5, 2025, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office has held 2,377 defendants accountable via a guilty plea or verdict this year.

            Prosecutor Johnson spoke about the progress and positive results of SAVE KC.  They will be holding a mock call-in activity for members of the community to see how the process works. 

Commissioner Romious thanked Prosecutor Johnson and inquired as to what her major challenges were.  Prosecutor Johnson replied that she needs more prosecutors, and is working on developing a better relationship with defense lawyers.  The Treatment Court is important.  She noted that the math is not matching with the new county jail, as it will be at capacity when it opens.  She seeks $3.3 million for a diversion program.

Chief Graves and the Board thanked Prosecutor Johnson and Ms. Cline for their strong collaboration in bettering public safety across the City.    

2.         General Discussion from the Chief of Police.  Chief Stacey Graves echoes the strong collaboration between the Department, City, and prosecutors’ offices.  Chief Graves spoke about the decreases in violent crime this year compared to last.  She noted that all patrol divisions, with the exception of South Patrol Division, have seen a decrease in homicides this year.  Notably, Central Patrol homicides are down by approximately 25 percent, Metro Patrol homicides are down by 50 percent, and East Patrol homicides are down by 30 percent.  Chief Graves advised that Major Leslie Foreman will fill the vacant prosecutor liaison position.

Mayor Lucas left the meeting at 9:58 a.m.

Chief Graves spoke about the improvements in Department staffing.  At the end of 2024, the Department had 1,097 sworn law enforcement officers and 44 recruits.  KCPD is ending this year with 1,148 sworn law enforcement officers and 39 recruits.  Additionally, a new Academy class with up to 50 recruits will begin training on January 26, 2026.  The Department has requested funding for an additional 50 officers in the next budget cycle.

Chief Graves advised that at the end of 2024, the Department had 32 call takers.  As of today, the Department is staffed with 48 call takers, which is one over the 47 funded positions.  A new call taker class is slated to begin classroom training in January 2026, with potentially eight more candidates.  The Department also requested funding for additional call takers in the next budget cycle. 

Chief Graves stated that with progressive and innovative technology, new uniforms, equipment, and fleet, growing employment numbers, and strong community collaboration, KCPD is ready to welcome the world this coming year for FIFA World Cup 2026.  She is excited for the future of KCPD, and she thanked all members for their strong dedication to serving the citizens of Kansas City.  

3.         Investigations Bureau.  Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier provided a monthly update on the Investigations Bureau.  He advised that there have been 132 homicides to-date 2025, compared to 143 homicides during this same time period in 2024.  The Department has cleared 71 homicides that occurred this year, and an additional 27 homicides from previous years.  The current clearance rate is 75 percent.  There were four homicides during the month of November, and four homicides so far in December. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that as of December 14, 2025, there have been 379 non-fatal shootings year-to-date 2025, compared to 556 during the same time period in 2024.  There were 24 non-fatal shootings in November 2025, compared to 28 in November 2024. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier congratulated all of the retirees and upcoming promotions.  He wished everyone a happy holiday season. 

4.         Patrol Bureau.  Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin introduced Sergeant Andrew Gore, and Officers William Edwards and John Timmermeyer.  These members provided an update on the Community Action Network (CAN) Centers.  CAN Centers are community-based hubs where police and community partners work together to solve neighborhood problems and improve quality of life.  There are three CAN Centers in Kansas City.  The Westside CAN Center is located at 2038 Jefferson Street, and it has been open for 30 years.  The Ivanhoe CAN Center is located at 3700 Woodland Avenue, and the recently opened Eastside CAN Center is located at 3021 Prospect Avenue. The CAN Centers are  not Department property and inadequate maintenance has been a serious problem; the spaces are small.  Commissioner Romious applauds the presentation. She is troubled by the maintenance and space problems.

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that there is a new squad to cover the entertainment district.

Deputy Chief Mabin presented monthly statistics for the Patrol Bureau.  He advised that the median response time for Priority 10 calls (also known as Priority 1) for the month of November was 8 minutes and 52 seconds; the Department’s Priority 10 response time goal is 7.50 minutes.  The Priority 20 (also known as Priority 2) response time for the month of November was 11 minutes and 36 seconds; the Department’s Priority 20 response time goal is 9.00 minutes.  The response time is the amount of time from when the call is created until an officer arrives on scene. 

Deputy Chief Mabin advised there have been 56 fatal crashes with 62 victims to-date 2025, compared to 77 fatal crashes with 86 victims during this same time period in 2024.  He noted that 24 of the fatalities in 2025 have been pedestrians.  There were 18 pedestrian fatalities in all of 2024.

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers issued 4,587 traffic citations during the month of November 2025, compared to 4,187 during the month of November 2024.  The Department has issued 56,398 traffic citations year-to-date 2025, compared to 54,160 citations during this same time period in 2024.  He noted that nearly 70 percent of the traffic citations issued in November 2025 were for hazardous moving violations. 

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that officers conducted a speed enforcement operation on November 5, 2025, on interstates and in school zones.  During the operation, they stopped 146 vehicles and issued 219 citations.  On November 14, 2025, officers conducted a side show enforcement operation.  They disrupted three side shows, made 49 vehicle stops, made five arrests, recovered two firearms, towed nine vehicles, and issued numerous citations.  On November 20, 2025, traffic officers conducted another traffic enforcement operation on major highways and thoroughfares.  In total, officers made over 166 stops and issued over 200 citations.   

5.         Administration Bureau.   Major Jonathan Patton presented for Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz in his absence.  Major Patton provided an update on Department staffing.  He advised that as of November 30, 2025, Department strength was 1,735.  For this time period, there were 1,148 sworn law enforcement personnel, 39 police officer candidates (recruits), 553 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 144 total vacancies. 

Major Patton advised that the Employment Unit is currently processing 14 lateral candidates.  Additionally, there are 31 pending candidates for the 187^th EOC that will begin training on January 26, 2026; 13 candidates have already been confirmed. 

Major Patton advised that the Employment Unit has 44 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process.  There are six candidates confirmed to begin classroom training on December 29, 2025.  The next call taker graduation will occur on December 19, 2025.  The Department continues to hire for all positions. More information on open positions can be found at https://kcpolice.org/careers/. 

Major Patton advised that KCPD’s Spring Internship will begin on February 3, 2026.  There are 11 students already enrolled in the program.  Major Patton congratulated the 33 members that made the Sergeant’s Promotional List last week.  Major Patton also advised that the next law enforcement testing sessions will be held on January 24, 2026, February 12, 2026, and March 14, 2026, at the Regional Police Academy.  Major Patton advised that on November 18, 2025, 18 individuals graduated from the South Patrol Division Citizens Police Academy.  He thanked Civilian Angela McCune and the Academy Staff for the work with the Citizens Police Academy. 

Major Patton advised that during the month of November, the Police Crime Lab processed 2,734 items, 83 crime scenes, and 852 firearms.  They also hosted five tours with 65+ participants.      

6.         Executive Services Bureau.    Deputy Chief Derek McCollum presented the following items for Board approval:

a.         2025 COMBAT Jackson County Drug Tax Unit Agreement.  A memorandum dated December 5, 2025, was presented recommending acceptance of the 2025 Community Backed Anti-Crime Tax (COMBAT) Jackson County Drug Tax Unit award in the amount of $3,982,251.00.  The award period is January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025.   

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to accept the 2025 COMBAT Jackson County Drug Tax Unit award in the amount of $3,982,251.00.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.   

b.         2025 COMBAT Law Enforcement School Based Initiative (LESBI).  A memorandum dated December 4, 2025, was presented recommending acceptance of the 2025 COMBAT Law Enforcement School Based Initiative (formerly known as D.A.R.E.), in the amount of $225,000.00.  The award period is January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to accept the 2025 COMBAT Law Enforcement School Based Initiative award in the amount of $225,000.00.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

c.         Bid No. 2023-11, Ballistic Protection Vest Renewal.  A memorandum dated December 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval of a one-year contract renewal with Ed Roehr Safety Products for ballistic protection vests, at a total expenditure of $572,013.00.     

A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve a one-year contract renewal with Ed Roehr Safety Products for ballistic protection vests, at a total expenditure of $572,013.00.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

7.         Chief’s Office Executive Officer.  Deputy Chief Ryan Mills congratulated Research and Development Division Sergeant Kevin Zoellner on his upcoming promotion to Captain.  Deputy Chief Mills presented the following consent agenda items:

a.         Project #1380: Contact with Foreign Nationals

            b.         Project #1470: Secondary Employment

c.         Project #1492: Persons with Mental Health Disorder, Alcohol Abuse, and/or Drug Abuse

            d.         Project #1498: Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)

            e.         Project #1505: Uniform Regulations

            A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve Project 1380, Contact with Foreign Nationals, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve Project 1470, Secondary Employment, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve Project 1492, Persons with Mental Health Disorder, Alcohol Abuse, and/or Drug Abuse, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve Project 1498, Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS), as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve Project 1505, Uniform Regulations, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

8.         Office of Community Complaints.  Director Merrell Bennekin advised he will provide the Office of Community Complaints (OCC) 2025 Year-End Report at the January 2026 Board meeting.  Mr. Bennekin congratulated all the retirees and promotions.  He thanked the Board, Command Staff, and Department members for their collaboration.  Commissioner Whittaker thanked Mr. Bennekin for the OCC’s involvement in the community throughout the year.   

9.         Public Comments.  Rachel Thomas expressed her discontent with the continued employment of Officer Blayne Newton. 

10.       Approval of Minutes.  A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on November 18, 2025.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

11.       Secretary/Attorney David Kenner.  Mr. Kenner commended the efforts of the Department, the decrease in crime over the year, and the increase in staffing.  He wished everyone a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. 

12.       Commissioner Heather Hall.  Commissioner Hall echoed Mr. Kenner’s comments, and stated she is grateful to serve on the Board.       

13.       Commissioner Scott Boswell.  Commissioner Boswell also echoed Mr. Kenner’s and Commissioner Hall’s comments.  He also spoke about the Drones as First Responders Program and the impressive technology.    

14.       Commissioner Madeline Romious.  Commissioner Romious commended the Department for being progressive and innovative.  She congratulated all members being promoted in the coming weeks.  She wished everyone a blessed holiday season.   

15.       Commissioner Tom Whittaker.  Commissioner Whittaker echoed the comments made by other Board members.  He encouraged more hard work by Department members in the New Year. 

16.       Scheduled meetings.  The Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri has scheduled the following meetings:

 

Disciplinary Hearings:

 

BOPC 24-05

THIS HEARING HAS BEEN CONTINUED FROM ITS CURRENT SETTING OF JANUARY 24, 2025, AND WILL BE RESET FOR A FUTURE DATE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD.

 

BOPC 25-02

January 23, 2026, 9:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

*Disciplinary Hearings are closed under Section 590.502(6) of the Revised Statutes of Missouri. 

 

Regular Meetings:

 

December 16, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

January 27, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

February 24, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

March 24, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

April 21, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

May 12, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

June 23, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

July 14, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

August 25, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

September 22, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

October 13, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

November 17, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

December 15, 2026, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:00 a.m., 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 December 24, 2024, 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, December 16, 2025, at KCPD Headquarters, 1125 Locust Street, Kansas City, for the purpose of discussing personnel matters, labor negotiations, and litigation matters.

The following Commissioners were present and voted to go into closed session as follows:

Commissioner Heather Hall                                       -           Aye

Commissioner Scott Boswell                                      -           Aye

Commissioner Madeline Romious                              -           Aye

Commissioner Tom Whittaker                                    -           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, December 16, 2025:

Mayor Lucas was absent at the beginning of closed session, but rejoined at 11:55 a.m.

1)         Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the duty-related disability retirement of ______.[1]  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

2)         Following a motion by Commissioner Romious, and a second by Mayor Lucas, the Board voted to approve the Letter of Understanding with the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge 99. The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

3)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session minutes on November 18, 2025, and the minutes of the Litigation Committee on November 21, 2025.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

4)         Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second my Commissioner Romious, at 12:05 p.m., the Board voted to go into special closed session to discuss personnel matters. The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

5)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Hall, the Board voted to allow Chief Graves to roll over 21.5 vacation days from 2025 to 2026.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

6)         Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Hall, at 12:29 p.m., the Board voted to come out of special closed session and adjourn.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.  Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, Commissioner Boswell voted Aye, Commissioner Hall voted Aye, and Mayor Lucas voted Aye.

            The Board adjourned at 12:29 p.m.