September 23, 2025 Meeting

MINUTES OF THE

BOARD OF POLICE COMMISSIONERS

TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025

 

 

A meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners of Kansas City, Missouri was held on Tuesday, September 23, 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.  Sergeant Joseph Rizzo led the Pledge of Allegiance.  Chaplain Johnny Jones provided the invocation.

1.         Board Resolution 25-03. Board Resolution 25-03 was presented to Dawn M. Cramer, to express the Board’s sincere gratitude and genuine appreciation for her leadership, counsel and tireless service to KCPD and the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and the Board’s sorrow at her retirement from the Board in July, 2025. 

2.         Guest Presentations.  Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway spoke about her public safety priorities in her new position and opportunities for partnership.   Hanaway become Missouri’s first woman Attorney General on September 8, 2025.  Attorney General Hanaway advised that fighting crime is her number one priority.  She advised that she will be increasing the talent in the Missouri Attorney General’s Office and plans to expand the Kansas City office.  She advised that her office will be starting a project to help curb homelessness and provide resources to those in Missouri.  Attorney General Hanaway stated that she is looking forward to forming an effective partnership with KCPD and the Board. 

Jackson County Prosecutor Melesa Johnson provided a monthly update.  She advised that her office is averaging a 61 percent charge rate, compared to a 41 percent charge rate earlier this year.  She noted that her office reached an 80 percent charge rate this spring.  Additionally, the guilty plea rate is 65 percent and trial conviction rate is 99 percent, thus fewer criminals on the streets.  There are currently 1,103 cases under review at the Prosecutor’s Office. 

Prosecutor Johnson advised that she toured the almost-complete, new Jackson County Detention Center.  The new detention center is expected to open in a few months.  She noted that at the time of the opening, the detention center will already be over capacity. 

Prosecutor Johnson spoke about Domestic Violence Awareness Month in October.  She thanked Captain Hewitt and his staff for all the work they do to bring justice and resources for domestic violence victims. 

3.         General Discussion from the Chief of Police.  Chief Stacey Graves announced that Major Ryan Mills will be promoted to Deputy Chief on September 28, 2025.  Mills will serve as the Chief’s Office Executive Officer, a current vacancy due to Deputy Chief Steve Young’s retirement. 

Chief Graves spoke about the Blue Light Initiative.  Blue lights on patrol vehicles will enhance visibility of officers in the community.  The lights are steady-burning and do not signify an emergency. 

Chief Graves spoke about Department strength.  As of August 31, 2025, there were 1,130 sworn law enforcement officers and 71 recruits.  The 185^th Entrant Officer Class (EOC) will graduate on November 20, 2025.  There are currently 38 KCPD recruits in this class that are expected to graduate.  Additionally, on September 12, 2025, four new call takers graduated from classroom training.   

4.         Investigations Bureau.  Deputy Chief Doug Niemeier congratulated Sergeant Rizzo on his upcoming retirement.  Deputy Chief Niemeier congratulated Ryan Mills on his upcoming promotion to Deputy Chief. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier introduced Captain Ed Lamport and Sergeant Jason Cramblit.  Captain Lamport and Sergeant Cramblit provided an overview of the Drug Enforcement Unit.  There are six detectives and one sergeant in the Drug Enforcement 1810 Squad.  These members provide an on-call detective for notifications and assisting field officers at scenes.  They conduct interviews and interrogations of subjects under investigation for narcotics possession and investigation of overdoses.  Sergeant Cramblit advised that in all of 2024, there were 335 reported overdoses and 174 of them were fatal.  To-date 2025, there have been 222 reported overdoses and 93 of them have been fatal. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that there have been 117 homicides to-date 2025, compared to 117 homicides during this same time period in 2024.  The Department has cleared 58 homicides that occurred this year, and an additional 23 homicides from previous years.  There are 15 homicide cases pending review at the Prosecutor’s Office.   There were 11 homicides during the month of August, and an additional nine so far in September. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier advised that as of September 21, 2025, there have been 312 non-fatal shootings year-to-date 2025, compared to 463 during the same time period in 2024.  There were 50 non-fatal shootings in August 2025, compared to 51 in August 2024. 

Deputy Chief Niemeier congratulated Detective Brad Bailey on being awarded the Gang Investigator of the Year by the Missouri Chapter of the Midwest Gang Investigators Association (MGIA). 

5.         Patrol Bureau.  Deputy Chief Joseph 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 August was 8 minutes and 57 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 August was 11 minutes and 16 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 that there have been 45 fatal crashes with 48 victims to-date 2025, compared to 56 fatal crashes with 63 victims during this same time period in 2024.  There were 1,545 city-wide crashes in August 2025, compared to 1,413 in August 2024.   There have been 11,882 citywide crashes to-date 2025, compared to 11,681 crashes at this same time in 2024. 

6.         Administration Bureau.   Deputy Chief Luis Ortiz introduced Kansas City Regional Crime Lab Director Kevin Winer.  Director Winer gave an overview of the Crime Lab Sections, including the Crime Scene Investigation Unit and Property and Evidence Unit.  The Crime Lab is accredited through the ANSI National Accreditation Board.  The Crime Lab receives requests for services from KCPD personnel, regional law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and courts. 

            Director Winer provided an overview of the seven testing categories done by Crime Lab personnel: crime scene investigation, chemistry, digital evidence, DNA, trace, latent prints, and firearms and toolmarks.  On a weekly average, the Crime Lab fingerprints 20 members of the public, collects 1,200 items for processing, processes 23 crime scenes, tests 725 items, generates 145 reports, with approximately 50 investigative leads generated.

            Commissioner Romious thanked Director Winer and his staff for the phenomenal work being done at the Crime Lab.   

Deputy Chief Ortiz provided an update on Department staffing.  He advised that as of August 31, 2025, Department strength was 1,741.  For this time period, there were 1,130 sworn law enforcement personnel, 71 police officer candidates (recruits), 535 professional staff, and five Board members; there were 147 total vacancies.  He advised that Human Resources is currently processing 19 lateral candidates.  Additionally, there are 17 pending candidates for the 187^th EOC that will begin on January 26, 2026.

Deputy Chief Ortiz advised that the Employment Unit has 19 candidates in various stages of the Communications Unit hiring process.  Additionally, there are three pending job officers.  Five applicants will begin training on September 29, 2025.  The strong surge in career interest within the Communications Unit has come after City Council announced pay increases for the Unit. 

The Department will hold law enforcement testing sessions on October 15, 2025, November 15, 2025, and December 10, 2025, at the Regional Police Academy.  Deputy Chief Ortiz noted that 42 candidates passed the testing held on September 20, 2025.  The Department continues to hire for all positions. More information on open positions can be found at https://kcpolice.org/careers/. 

7.         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 September 11, 2025, was presented recommending approval of budget transfers.  This transfer will affect the General Fund, Police Grants Fund, and the Grants Special Revenue Fund.   

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

b.         Adjustment to Special Revenue Accounts for Fiscal Year 2025-26.  A memorandum dated September 15, 2025, was presented recommending approval of a $725,000 adjustment within the Liability Self-Retention Fund to the Contractual Services – Settlements Fund. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the $725,000 adjustment within the Liability Self-Retention Fund to the Contractual Services – Settlements Fund.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

c.         Renewal Bid No. 2024-0014, Police Uniform Contract.  A memorandum dated September 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval to modify Bid No. 2024-0014, to add jackets and coats to the KCPD uniforms from Baysingers Police Supply, at an estimated cost of $552,892.00. 

A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to add jackets and coats to the KCPD uniforms from Baysingers Police Supply, at an estimated cost of $552,892.00.   The vote was 5-0 in favor.

d.         Bid No. 2025-0005, New 2026 Model Year Ford Pursuit Vehicles.  A memorandum dated September 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval to purchase up to 160 new 2026 Model Year Ford Police Pursuit Vehicles from Gary Crossley Ford, at a total expenditure of $6,910,240.00. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Hall, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the purchase of up to 160 new 2026 Model Year Ford Police Pursuit Vehicles from Gary Crossley Ford, at a total expenditure of $6,910,240.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            e.         Bid No. 2025-0008, New 2024 Model Year Dodge Durango Pursuit Vehicles.  A memorandum dated September 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval to purchase six new 2024 Model Year Dodge Durango Pursuit Vehicles from Allen Samuels Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, at a total expenditure of $229,000.00.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Romious, to approve the purchase of six new 2024 Model Year Dodge Durango Pursuit Vehicles from Allen Samuels Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram, at a total expenditure of $229,000.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            f.          Bid No. 2025-0006, New 2026 Model Year Ford Transit T-350 Vans.  A memorandum dated September 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval to purchase six new 2026 Model Year Ford Transit T-350 Vans from Chuck Anderson Ford Inc., at a total expenditure of $308,109.94. 

            A motion was made by Commissioner Hall, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the purchase of six new 2026 Model Year Ford Transit T-350 Vans from Chuck Anderson Ford Inc., at a total expenditure of $308,109.94.    The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

            g.         Bid No. 2025-0007, New 2024-2026 Model Year Ford Escapes.  A memorandum dated September 4, 2025, was presented recommending approval to purchase ten new 2024-2026 Model Year Ford Escapes from Chuck Anderson Ford Inc., at a total expenditure of $278,539.00.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Hall, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to approve the purchase of ten new 2024-2026 Model Year Ford Escapes from Chuck Anderson Ford Inc., at a total expenditure of $278,539.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            h.         VMware Annual Maintenance Renewal.  A memorandum dated September 5, 2025, was presented recommending approval for a one-year renewal of maintenance with ConvergeOne for VMware support and maintenance, at a total cost of $213,269.76.  The new contract period runs from September 27, 2025, through September 26, 2026.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve a one-year renewal of maintenance with ConvergeOne for VMware support and maintenance, at a total cost of $213,269.76.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            i.          ShotSpotter Service Agreement Renewal.  A memorandum dated August 31, 2025, was presented recommending a one-year renewal for continued maintenance on the ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection System, at a total cost of $219,792.00.  The new contract period runs from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Boswell, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve a one-year renewal for continued maintenance on the ShotSpotter Gunshot Detection System, at a total cost of $219,792.00.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

            Mayor Lucas noted that when ShotSpotter was first brought to Kansas City, the system was funded by the Kansas City Area Transportation Authority (KCATA).  He would like for KCATA to resume funding for this system. 

            j.          2025-2026 Traffic Services Grants.  A memorandum dated September 9, 2025, was presented recommending acceptance of the 2025-2026 Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) Traffic Services Grants in the amount of $845,837.99, for the period of October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026.  The Department has received funding from MoDot since 1982.

            A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, to accept the 2025-2026 MoDOT Traffic Services Grants in the amount of $845,837.99.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

8.         Chief’s Office Executive Officer.  Deputy Chief Ryan Mills presented the following consent agenda items:

            a.         Project 1473: Armed/Potentially Dangerous Subjects

            b.         Project 1501: Arrest Procedures – Possession of Controlled Substance      

            A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to approve Project 1473, Armed/Potentially Dangerous Subjects, and Project 1501, Arrest Procedures – Possession of Controlled Substance, as presented.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

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

a.         Private Officer License Appeal: Jesse L. Johnson V.   A memorandum dated September 3, 2025, was presented recommending the denial of the armed private security license of Jesse L. Johnson V.  The basis for this denial is Johnson’s termination from the Kansas City, Missouri Police Department’s reserve program.  Johnson also did not disclose this termination as part of his licensure application.  These actions are in violation of the Code of State Regulations, 17 CSR 10.2.050(3)(L) and (O). 

A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Commissioner Hall, to uphold the decision of the Private Officer Licensing Unit to deny the armed private security license of Jesse L. Johnson V.  The vote was 5-0 in favor. 

10.       Public Comments.  Fred Gambino spoke about the crime in the Brookside neighborhood.  He stated that the Board has the moral and legal duty to fully staff the Department, and urged the Department to hire 300 officers immediately.  He would also like the Department to raise the salary for police officers. 

Doug Winter spoke about crime in the Crossroads District.  He stated that businesses are suffering because patrons are no longer visiting since they are at risk of becoming victims of crime.  He also expressed the need for more officers on the Department.  He stated that Governor Kehoe should declare a state of emergency in Kansas City.  He also hopes that Attorney General Hanaway’s efforts to combat homelessness are brought to Kansas City. 

Ron Hunt stated that he believes KCPD is one of the best police departments in the country.  He commended the Community Engagement Division for their community outreach.  He spoke about the crime across the City.  Mr. Hunt believes officers should be paid competitive wages, and that more officers are needed.  He would like for more commanders to be engaged with the community.  Mr. Hunt congratulated Dawn Cramer on her retirement from the Board. 

Weston Palmer thanked the Department for their presence near 24^th and Lister recently.  He stated that a nearby bar establishment and vacant lots in the area were bringing problems to the area.  He stated that thanks to the response by Major Hernandez, Captain Anchondo, and district officers, Mr. Palmer’s neighborhood has significantly improved. 

11.       Approval of Minutes.  A motion was made by Commissioner Romious, with a second by Mayor Lucas, to approve the minutes of the open session Board meeting on August 19, 2025.  The vote was 5-0 in favor.

12.       Secretary/Attorney David Kenner.  Mr. Kenner congratulated Ryan Mills on his promotion to Deputy Chief.   

13.       Mayor Quinton Lucas.  Mayor Lucas congratulated Ryan Mills on his upcoming promotion and welcomed Commissioner Hall back to her position on the Board.  Mayor Lucas commended the work being done by members of the Department, noting the exceptional hiring numbers. 

14.       Commissioner Heather Hall.  Commissioner Hall advised that she is happy to be back on the Board.  She congratulated Ryan Mills on his upcoming promotion.  She is proud of the work being done by the Department.    

15.       Commissioner Scott Boswell.  Commissioner Boswell congratulated Ryan Mills on his upcoming promotion and welcomed Commissioner Hall back to her position on the Board.  He congratulated Dawn Cramer on her retirement from the Board, and thanked her for her guidance and leadership. 

16.       Commissioner Madeline Romious.  Commissioner Romious thanked everyone for the informational meeting.  She is proud of the work the Department is going.  Commissioner Romious congratulated Ryan Mills on his upcoming promotion.    

17.       Commissioner Tom Whittaker.  Commissioner Whittaker congratulated Sergeant Rizzo for his upcoming retirement and Ryan Mills on his upcoming promotion.  He spoke about September being Suicide Awareness Month and encouraged everyone to take care of themselves.  He thanked the Wellness Unit and others for their support. 

18.       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

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:

 

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.

 

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.

 

A motion was made by Mayor Lucas, with a second by Commissioner Boswell, and by vote indicated below, to go into closed session at 11:30 a.m., 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 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, September 23, 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:

Mayor Quinton Lucas                                                 -           Aye

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, September 23, 2025:

The Board went into closed session at 11:45 a.m. 

1)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the case of Arthur Willingham v. BOPC, in an amount not to exceed $___, and subject to certain terms of payment and other conditions.[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 Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Romious, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority in the case of Clay Gardner, et al. v. Blayne Newton, in an amount not to exceed $___, and subject to certain terms of payment and other conditions.[2] 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 Romious, the Board voted to authorize certain settlement authority relating to the employment of ___________[3], in an amount not to exceed $___, and subject to certain terms of payment and other conditions.[4] 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 Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Boswell, the Board voted to approve the minutes of the closed session minutes on August 19, 2025, and the minutes of the Litigation Committee on September 4, 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.

5)         Following a motion by Mayor Lucas and a second by Commissioner Boswell, at 1:54 p.m., the Board voted to come out of 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 1:54 p.m.