June 17, 2025 Meeting

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              

                                                          MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, JUNE 17, 2025

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, June 17, 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 Dawn Cramer, Member

Mr. David Kenner, Secretary/Attorney

Stacey Graves, Chief of Police

ABSENT:

Mayor Quinton Lucas, Member

 

This meeting was called to order at 9:29 a.m. by Commissioner Whittaker.  Detective Anthony Halford led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain Shane Stamm provided the invocation.  Mayor Lucas was absent.   

1.         Guest Presentations.  Sherri-Jo Stowell and Faith Goodrich of Sworn Impact presented on the Constitutional Policing training they are currently teaching at the Academy.  They noted that the Department is doing good work, the Office of Community Complaints is doing well, and individual officers are stellar.  The goal for this training aligns with Chief Graves’ mission to improve perceptions of policing in the community.  The training is very interactive and includes instruction on different de-escalation techniques.  Chief Graves thanked the Police Foundation of Kansas City for providing funding for this training.   

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson spoke about exceptional work being done by Property Crimes detectives.  Five of the six individuals believed to be involved in hundreds of metro business burglaries have been charged.  Prosecutor Johnson advised that an individual was charged yesterday for their involvement in another string of burglaries.

Prosecutor Johnson advised that in the Jackson County portion of Kansas City, non-fatal shootings are down 46 percent year-to-date, and homicides are down eight percent year-to-date.  She noted that it was a rough weekend with violent crime and there’s still a lot of work to do, but it is encouraging to see the numbers down.  

Prosecutor Johnson advised that she, Captain Johnie Failer, and Molly Manske with the Mattie Rhodes Center will be presenting at the National District Attorney Association Conference on July 14, 2025.  The group will be presenting on the SAVE KC initiative to prosecuting attorneys from throughout the entire country.   

Prosecutor Johnson advised that in May 2025, the Jackson County Prosecutor’s Office received 370 cases in May 2025 and filed charges on 275 of them; 168 of the cases continue to be under review.   

2.         General Discussion from the Chief of Police.  Chief Stacey Graves spoke about the busy weekend in Kansas City.  This past weekend, officers prepared for and ensured community safety at several events such as the Boulevardia Festival, the ‘No Kings’ Protest on the Plaza with approximately 3,500 peaceful protesters, a Kansas City Royals game, and a Kansas City Current game.  Chief Graves also advised that Officers Sprinkle, Hall, and Matrane participated in the Kansas City Metropolitan Crime Commission’s Annual Guns N Hoses boxing competition, to raise funds for the Surviving Spouse and Family Endowment Fund (SAFE) for First Responders.  Commissioner Whittaker and Chief Graves recognized the Police Athletic League (PAL) Boxing Team. 

3.         Investigations Bureau.  Major Martin Cobbinah presented for Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier in his absence.  Major Cobbinah introduced Captain Chase Moraczewski of the Assault Unit.  The Assault Unit is made up of three Assault Squads and the Generalist Squad.  The Generalist Squad is responsible for the initial stages of investigations that occur during the overnight hours.  They respond to crime scenes, interview victims/witnesses, and apply for and execute search warrants, as necessary.  Cases handled by the Generalist Squad detectives during overnight hours are then handed over to the proper unit for follow-up and presentation to the prosecutor.  The Assault Unit investigates all misdemeanor and felony assaults, terroristic threats of violence, and Blair’s Law violations.

            Captain Moraczewski advised that prior to January 2025, there were only two Assault Squads.  With the third Assault Squad added on January 26, 2026, and the great relationship they have built with the new prosecutor, the Assault Unit has already filed 57 percent more cases this year than last year.  The additional squad has enhanced the Unit’s coverage throughout the shifts and their ability to provide better customer service to both patrol personnel and violent crime victims and witnesses.  The Peregrine system has been helpful.      

Major Cobbinah advised that there have been 74 homicides to-date 2025, compared to 68 homicides during this same time period in 2024.  Major Cobbinah advised that there were 16 homicides that occurred in May 2025.  He also advised that as of June 16, 2025, there have been 155 non-fatal shootings year-to-date 2025, compared to 281 during the same time period in 2024.  There were 30 non-fatal shootings in May 2025, compared to 52 in May 2024. 

4.         Patrol Bureau.  Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin spoke of the notable events within the Patrol Bureau in May 2025.  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 May was 8 minutes and 28 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 May was 10 minutes and 44 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.  He noted that six officers and one sergeant are on footbeat downtown, in the Crossroads area, and in the River Market.

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that members of the Traffic Division issued 4,778 traffic citations in May 2025, compared to 6,793 in May 2024. He advised there were 1,667 citywide crashes in May 2025, compared to 1,765 citywide crashes in May 2024.  There have been 7,232 citywide crashes to-date 2025, compared to 7,168 crashes at this same time in 2024. 

Deputy Chief Mabin advised that there have been 24 fatal crashes with 26 victims to-date 2025, compared to 39 fatal crashes with 44 victims during this same time period in 2024.  There were six fatal crashes during the month of May.

Members of the Traffic Division held seven DUI wolfpack enforcement operations in May, which resulted in 96 stops, 22 DUI arrests, and 83 total citations issued.  The Parking Control Section has received 6,553 calls for service to-date 2025, compared to 3,762 calls for service at this same time in 2024.  Deputy Chief Mabin noted that the Parking Control Section has received 1,750 parking complaints from 3-1-1 already this year.  Parking Control Officers also provide traffic control at large events throughout the City.  Parking tickets are up 38 percent from last year. 

5.         Administration Bureau.   Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz introduced Rob Blehm, Supervisor of the Employee Wellness Section.  Supervisor Blehm advised that the Employee Wellness Section was established in 2017.  He noted that Chief Graves allocated additional resources to the Wellness Unit following events in 2020.  The five pillars of the Wellness Unit are physical health, mental health, financial health, social health, and spiritual health.  The Wellness Unit is currently staffed with one Supervisor and three Wellness Specialists.  The Peer Support Team, Critical Incident Debriefing, and 15 Department Chaplains are also integrated within the Wellness Unit.  This year, there have been approximately 150 contacts per month with individual members.

            In the future, the Wellness Unit would like to continue improving morale, retention, and recruitment.  The Wellness Unit would also like to expand and create a centralized location for services.  Chief Graves and the Board thanked the Wellness Unit for all the support they provide for Department members and their families.

Deputy Chief Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing.  He advised that as of May 31, 2025, Department strength was 1,715.  For this time period, there were 1,107 sworn law enforcement personnel, 80 police officer candidates (recruits), 523 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 174 total vacancies.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Employment Unit has 84 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process.  Additionally, there are two pending job offers.  There are currently seven new call takers in training.  They will graduate on July 9, 2025.  The strong surge in career interest within the Communications Unit has come after City Council announced pay increases for the Unit. 

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that 20 summer interns started with the Department on June 9, 2025.  The summer interns were present at the meeting. The Department will also be holding a fall internship beginning on September 2, 2025.  There are already four candidates enrolled in the fall internship, and the Department is still accepting applications. 

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Department held law enforcement testing on June 12, 2025, with 42 candidates passing the physical agility test.  The Department will hold additional law enforcement testing sessions on July 26, 2025, August 20, 2025, and September 20, 2025, at the Regional Police Academy.  The Department continues to hire for all positions. More information on open positions can be found at https://kcpolice.org/careers/. 

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

a.         Budget Transfers for Fiscal Year 2025-06.  A memorandum dated June 4 2025, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers.  This transfer will affect the Police Grants Fund and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.    

            A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the budget transfers as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            b.         Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2025-26.  A memorandum dated June 12, 2025, was presented recommending approval of an adjustment in the amount of $800,000 from the Donations Fund to the Police Foundation of Kansas City – Police Equipment and Travel & Education Funds.    

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve an adjustment in the amount of $800,000, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

c.         Bid No. 2024-0013, Glock G45MOS6 Weapons.  A memorandum dated June 4, 2025, was presented recommending approval to purchase 350 Glock G45MOS6 weapons from GT Distributors, at an anticipated cost of $292,628.00.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the purchase of 350 Glock G45MOS6 weapons from GT Distributors, at an anticipated cost of $292,628.00.   The vote was 4-0 in favor.

            d.         2025 Midwest HIDTA Metro Task Force Agreement.  A memorandum dated June 3, 2025, was presented recommending acceptance of the 2025 Midwest HIDTA Metro Task Force Agreement in the amount of $1,105,945.  The award period is January 1, 2025, through December 31, 2026.  It is the 28^th year of funding.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to accept the 2025 Midwest HIDTA Metro Task Force Agreement in the amount of $1,105,945.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.   

            e.         Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Project – River Market to Plaza Corridor.  A memorandum dated June 11, 2025, was presented recommending approval to purchase ALPR cameras from Electronic Technology, Inc., at a total cost of $646,351.47, utilizing funds donated by the Police Foundation of Kansas City.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Cramer, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the purchase of ALPR cameras from Electronic Technology, Inc., at a total cost of $646,351.47, utilizing funds donated by the Police Foundation of Kansas City. The vote was 4-0 in favor.

7.         Chief’s Office Executive Officer.  Deputy Chief Steve Young presented the following consent agenda item:

            a.         Project 1456: Response to Community Complaints

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve Project 1456, Response to Community Complaints, as presented.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

8.         Office of General Counsel. General Counsel Nathan Weinert presented the following private officer license appeal:

a.         Private Officer License Appeal: Anthony T. Kerr McGee.   A memorandum dated May 30, 2025, was presented recommending the denial of the unarmed private security license of Anthony T. Kerr McGee.  Kerr McGee was charged in Independence Municipal Court with assault on a law enforcement officer, and subsequently pled guilty to disorderly conduct. In his application for a private officer license, Kerr McGee claimed the case had been dismissed, when he had been found guilty on a different charge. Kerr’s actions violated the applicable regulations, including 17 CSR 10-2.050(3)(G) and (N),

A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to deny the unarmed private security license of Anthony T. Kerr McGee.  The vote was 4-0 in favor. 

9.         Public Comments.  Ron Hunt spoke about the crime rate and his appreciation for the Department’s response.  He believes there has been much improvement between the Department and community within the last few years.  He thanked the Department for its involvement with the youth in the community. 

10.       Approval of Minutes.  A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Cramer, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on May 27, 2024.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.

11.       Mr. David Kenner.  Mr. Kenner advised he walked through the ‘No Kings’ protest on the Plaza on June 14, 2025, that it was a peaceful event, and a remarkable job was done by the officers.

12.       Commissioner Dawn Cramer.  Commissioner Cramer commended the Department’s preparedness in providing security for all of the events that occurred in the City over the weekend. 

13.       Commissioner Scott Boswell.  Commissioner Boswell echoed Commissioner Cramer’s comments regarding the Department’s detailed planning for events throughout the City.  He also commended the investigative work leading to five arrests and charges filed on property crimes in the Waldo neighborhood. 

14.       Commissioner Madeline Romious.  Commissioner Romious thanked the Department for all of the information shared during the meeting.  She encouraged people to watch the Board’s monthly meetings to learn about the efforts being made in the City.  She also thanked Sworn Impact for their presentation and training. 

15.       Commissioner Tom Whittaker.  Commissioner Whittaker spoke about the collaboration between the Department, its partners, and the community.  He thanked the Police Foundation of Kansas City for all the support they provide.    

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

 

Audit Committee Meeting:

 

June 24, 2025, 10:00 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

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

THIS HEARING HAS BEEN CONTINUED FROM ITS CURRENT SETTING OF MARCH 7, 2025, AND WILL BE RESET FOR A FUTURE DATE TO BE DETERMINED BY THE BOARD.

 

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

 

Regular Meetings:

 

July 29, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

August 19, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

September 23, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

October 28, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

November 18, 2025, 9:30 a.m., at KCPD Headquarters, Community Room, 1125 Locust, Kansas City.

 

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

 

A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 10:56 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 June 5, 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, June 17, 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 Scott Boswell                                      -           Aye

Commissioner Madeline Romious                              -           Aye

Commissioner Tom Whittaker                                    -           Aye

Commissioner Dawn Cramer                                     -           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, June 17, 2025:

The Board went into closed session at 11:15 a.m.  Mayor Lucas was not in attendance.

1)         Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Cramer, the Board voted to approve the duty-related disability retirement of ______.[1]  The vote was 4-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Commissioner Boswell voted Aye. 

2)         Following a motion by Commissioner Romious and a second by Commissioner Boswell, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session minutes on May 27, 2025.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Commissioner Boswell voted Aye. 

3)         Following a motion by Commissioner Boswell and a second by Commissioner Cramer, the Board voted to come out of closed session and adjourn.  The vote was 4-0 in favor.   Following polling, Commissioner Whittaker voted Aye, Commissioner Cramer voted Aye, Commissioner Romious voted Aye, and Commissioner Boswell voted Aye. 

            The Board adjourned at 12:03 p.m.