HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2015-03-25CITY OF ITHACA
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES
Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m. March 25, 2015
Present:
Co-Chairs: Kane, Rogers
Commissioners (4) Brower, DaGrossa, LaPadula, Onyejuruwa
Youth Commissioner: Hause
OTHERS PRESENT:
Police Chief Barber
Deputy Police Chief Tyler
Information Management Specialist Day
EXCUSED:
Common Council Liaison - Kerslick
Commissioner Wright
CALL TO ORDER: 3:35 p.m.
ADDITION TO OR DELETIONS FROM THE AGENDA:
Co-Chair Rogers requested an addition to the agenda to report on the GIAC
Community-Police Relations Meeting that he attended.
No Commissioner objected.
INTRODUCTION:
The Board made their introductions and welcomed new Youth Commissioner
Madeline Hause.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE FEBRUARY 28, 2015 MEETING:
By Commissioner Brower: Seconded by Commissioner DaGrossa
RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 28, 2015 Community Police
Board meeting be approved as published.
Carried Unanimously
REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT:
Chief Barber reported that two new Police Officers were recently hired: Jevon
Pakkala and Mary Orsaio. In addition the following promotions were made:
Officers Barry Banfield, and Derek Necheporek were promoted to the rank of
Sergeant, and Sgt. Jacob Young and Sgt. Alexander Gair were promoted to the
rank of Lieutenant. Sergeant John Joly has been appointed to position of
Operations Sergeant. Investigator Donald Barker and Traffic Officer Derek Bar
will be retiring in the coming weeks.
Community Outreach:
The Explorer Post has started up again with 10 youths, ages 14-20, who have
expressed an interest in law enforcement.
On April 8, 2014, the first “Coffee with the Mayor and Police Chief” event will be
held at Dunkin Donuts. Each event will be located at a different coffee shop in
the City. A media release will go out soon on announcing the dates and locations
of the events. The coffee shops will be providing free coffee to participants.
Construction on the Lehigh Valley building is going well and the District Office
may open around May 1st.
UPDATE ON THE CITIZENS POLICE ACADEMY:
Commissioner Onyejuruwa reported that participating in the Citizens Police
Academy has shown him a different side of law enforcement. Instructors have
reviewed the history of the department, led tours of the facilities, and shown
videos that identified ways that a vehicle stop can transition from a simple stop to
a high risk situation very fast. The next class will focus on crime scene scenarios.
A discussion was held at the Citizens Police Academy training about having a
current Officer serve on the Community Police Board. This issue has been raised
in the past and the conclusion was that an active police officer can attend the
meetings as a guest but can’t serve on the board as the board is made up city
residents with whom the public can submit complaints or compliments against or
for one of the Police Officers. The Community Police Board represents a neutral
body for the public to interact with.
OUTREACH MATERIAL:
A discussion was held about the creation of an informational brochure of what
the Community Police Board is about, how someone can contact the Board or file
a complaint or compliment. Commissioners could hand the brochures out at
different locations within the City to share the information with the public.
Further discussion was held regarding the creation of a handout for students
“When you are stopped, rights & responsibilities”. It was suggested that someone
from the District Attorney’s Office work with the CPB to develop the correct
language and terminology to use. Commissioner Kane stated that she would
contact the DA’s Office to see if they can assist in this matter. Commissioner
Rogers agreed to bring in samples of safe interactions and appropriate contact
information for next month’s meeting.
OLD BUSINESS:
Update on IHS project- Information Management Specialist Day reported that
City Clerk Holcomb contacted the IHS Government class teachers regarding the
update on the project by the two students who interviewed and videotaped the
Commissioners for an outreach video. The teachers reported that they will check
on this project to see if the information can be obtained.
NEW BUSINESS:
Commissioner Rogers attended the meeting held at GIAC on police and
community relations. He reported that this meeting was more pleasant than the
first meeting. There was discussion about how the Community Police Board
fosters communication and understanding between police officers and citizens,
noting that police officers are not required to participate in the Community Police
Board investigative process. This group felt that subpoena power and having the
County establish a board would be a way to compel police officers to
communicate. It was also discussed that officers are accountable to the Police
Chief; therefore, the Chief is responsible for handling situations within the Police
Department.
ADJOURNMENT:
On a motion the meeting adjourned at 4:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted:
Cindie L. Day
Information Management Specialist