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HomeMy WebLinkAbout071112 rm min CITIZEN'S ADVISORY BOARD Minutes Wednesday, July 11, 2012 6:30 P.M. 2 Public Safety Complex 815 Historic Goldsboro Blvd., Sanford, Florida PRESENT: Helen Mausser, Joe Torresin, John Wright, Trace Trylko, Betty Jack, Nancy Palmieri, David Jones, Sr., Richard Myers — Interim Police Chief and Gracy Posley Absent: Katheryn Alexander and Carsandra Buie Audience: Sanford Citizens, Sanford Police Staff, Commissioner Mahany and City Manager Bonaparte Called to Order by Ms. Mausser. Ms. Mausser welcomed and thanked all present for attending the meeting. ■ Requested the Minutes of June 13, 2012 be approved if there were no changes. Motion was made by Mr. Wright, seconded by Mr. Torresin. Minutes were approved as written. • Ms. Mausser introduced new Board members Ms. Nancy Palmieri, District 3 and Mr. David Jones, Sr., District 1. Each stated their reason of interest in the Board and provided a brief overview of their background and employment history. Captain O'Connor /Interim Chief Myers) 1. Captain O'Connor - Post July 4th Event (Star Spangled Sanford) - 85,000 — 90,000 were cleared from the RiverWalk within one hour - Sanford Police Department's first time using the NIMS (Nation Incident Management System). A standard plan for managing events. July 4th standardized event plan was emailed/distributed to all local agencies involved. 2. Captain O'Connor Mock Reaccreditation Assessment July 10 — July 12 — Assessors inspected and assessed everything at SP.D. (300 + /- policies, the building, police vehicles, etc). The brief results are very encouraging. SP.D. and any accredited agency is constantly reviewing and making adjustments re accreditation. Accreditation proves that an agency is doing things right. Ms. Blancett Inquired if the accreditation process was voluntary? Chief Myers Yes, totally. Accreditation is an improvement rather than just being an agency of high standards. Ms. Prescott Commented Sanford is being viewed negatively nationally due to the Zimmerman/Trayvon incident. Stated the media should be notified if SP.D. is reaccredited. 3. Sanford police is deep in the process of a hiring cycle. It is a priority to hire the right people, quality people. 4. Officers are field testing body -worn video cameras from Taser International and Panasonic. Ninety percent of the officers work is in a house, school or on the street. The body -worn cameras will capture interactions between officers and citizens. Ms. Mausser inquired if officers were obligated to tell citizens they were wearing the body -worn device. Chief Myers No. But, there are times when officers can plainly and cleverly make citizens aware of the device i.e., during domestic violence calls, etc. Mr. Torresin This equipment can be seen to prosecute citizens or bridge the community. This will not be effective if not continuously monitored. Chief Myers There will be training, policy, learning and accountability with this new equipment that will primarily be used by patrol and traffic. Captain O'Connor Memory usage with this equipment also involves a pre -thirty second capture of video before the start button is presses. 5. Captain Scott is attending a senior management development course in Boston through the end of July. Citizen's Advisory Board July 11, 2012 Page 2 of 2 Citizen Participation 1. Mr. Trylko Inquired to Chief Myers of his A -Z assessment of the P.D.? Chief Myers Continuing with scheduling in -house with officers, sections and units. Has had a briefing with officers first on the scene of the GZimmerman/Trayvon Martin shooting. Does not want himself or anyone to adversely affect the case with comments or conversations. Many questions will be answered if we let the process take its course. Mr. Trylko Initially you stated your tenure at SP.D. would be three to four months; it is now July. Chief Myers Will be flexible as long as needed by the City Manager. He made a commitment to the community and the City Manager. 2. Mr. Trylko Inquired to City Manager Bonaparte, "Why was Chief Lee fired "? CM Bonaparte Explained. In April he had conversations with Chief Lee regarding his status. The City Commission also had a 3 -2 vote of no confidence in Chief Lee. Mr. Trylko Was an internal investigation done on Chief Lee? CM Bonaparte No. Mr. Bonaparte stated he requested an independent investigation from the Department of Justice; DOJ said no to the investigation. Mr. Bonaparte commented the question the public wants to know is, "Did SP.D. conduct a thorough investigation "? Commissioner Mahany The Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin shooting opened a tremendous amount of wounds in our community. The African- American community has some legitimate complaints. The City Manager had no choice in the decision he made in the dismissal of Chief Lee due to the Commissioners 3 -2 vote of no confidence. Citizens should approach their Commissioner regarding the vote made. Commissioner Mahany is in support of Chief Lee's name to be cleared. Stated the City Manager has to be allowed to do his job. Extensive, opposing dialogue between Mr. Torresin and Mr. Bonaparte regarding the dismissal of Chief Lee. Chief Myers intervened and stated the purpose of this Board and these meetings are to let the feedback be useful re the Police Department. New Business ■ Ms. B. Brown — Inquired regarding her son being stopped by SP.D. officers, license were taken; officer stated the license was suspended, threatened to be taken to jail. Has questions of "why "? Captain O'Connor Had previously spoken with Ms. Brown on July 10 re this matter. Captain received an email response during this meeting re this matter that the officer had reason to take the driver's license. The officer could have issued a citation, but did not. Chief Myers instructed Captain O'Connor to follow -up as to why the subject was stopped. Ms. Blancett — Thanked Ms. Brown for coming in with her concern. Ms. Blancett stated she has an organization that provide citizens assistance and direction on matters. • Ms. Prescott — Commented re being uneasy with crime in neighborhoods surrounding her area, speeders with children in the area, improper lighting, she has contacted Code Enforcement. Chief Myers suggested starting a neighborhood watch and referred her to Wendy Dorival, SP.D.'s neighborhood watch contact. • W. Dorival - August 7 National Night Out. Very excited re upcoming national night out which reminds citizens to stay on guard against crime and drugs in their neighborhoods. Encouraged all present to spread the word re National Night Out. So far, thirty -one businesses have contributed to this event in strengthening the community partnership with neighborhoods, businesses and the police. ■ Officer's Spouse and Ms. Blancett — Zimmerman/Travyon incident has been stressful for officers and their spouses. Commented re spousal support needed for SP.D wives. Commissioner Mahany agreed some sort of spousal support system is needed for spouses. Chief Myers — Idea of a once a year family academy, periodic newsletters. City Manager Bonaparte — Agrees that some form of spousal support system is needed. An effective home, is an effective officer. There being no other business, the meeting was adjourned at 9 P.M. Minutes prepared by Gracy Posley, CABoard Secretary.