HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2011-04-28 ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MEETING APPROVED
MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board
PLACE: Third Floor, Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street
TIMEIDATE: April 28, 2011 @ 3:30 pm
PRESENT: Commissioners Bush, Firenze, Laskowitz, Kane, Rogers, and Slattery; Alderperson
Zumoff; Staff: Herden
ABSENT/EXCUSED: Commissioners Hang, Smith; Chief Vallely
GUEST: Fred Madeo
Chairperson Slattery called the meeting to order at 3:30 pm.
1. Introductions
2. Approval of Minutes of Meeting of March 24, 2011
The minutes were approved unanimously.
3. Comments from the Public
There were no comments from the public.
4. Report from Common Council
Currently, an ad hoc committee of Common Council is looking at the City of Ithaca Charter for
possible revising. The Community Police Board is welcome to make suggestions to the
Committee.
5. Report from Police Department
There was no report from the police board.
6. Report from Staff
The CPB 2010 annual report was presented. There was some discussion about why significantly
fewer complaints were received last year than in recent years, as well as acknowledgement that
other years in the CPB's history had similarly few complaints filed.
Commissioner Laskowitz emphasized the Commissioners' critical role as ombudsmen for the
less powerful and the accountability offered by the CPB process.
The Ithaca Times reran its article on the Community Police Board in its 2011 Community
Directory edition. More outreach is planned, including CPB's presence at Ithaca's Juneteenth
Celebration on June 18.
7. Old Business
No old business.
ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MEETING APPROVED
MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board
PLACE: Third Floor,Common Council Chambers,City Hall,108 East Green Street
TIME/DATE: April 28,2011 3:30 pm
8. New Business
Long —time CPB Commissioner LaBerta McGruder resigned from the Community Police Board
and will serve on the board of Ithaca Neighborhood Housing Services.
Commissioner Firenze would like to meet with new PBA President John Joly to foster better
communication and cooperation between the two organizations. Officer Joly will be invited to a
CPB meeting.
Commissioner Kane asked several questions about the IPD's diversity trainings and community
policing policies. Kane suggested that allegations received by the CPB could be effectively used
in IPD trainings, either formally or as "teaching moments". In addition, she inquired whether the
IPD has a role for the CPB within its community policing framework or in the course of the
Department's current accreditation process.
Commissioner Rogers inquired whether conversations with complainants are confidential.
Commissioner Slattery responded that CPB Commissioners cannot be subpoenaed but that the
Chief and any officers named in the complaint receive copies of the complaint filed with the CPB.
Rogers also asked how potential complainants concerned about retaliation might be reassured.
Slattery replied that he has never heard of any cases of such; police officers can be fired for
retaliation.
9. Adjournment to Executive Session @ 4:45 pm
Motion by Commissioner Laskowitz and seconded by Commissioner Kane to move to executive
session to discuss open complaints then return to public session and adjourn.
One open complaint was discussed and voted on:
1. Complaint closed. (Bush/#0111A&B)
No new complaints and no new citizen letters of compliment were received between the March
and April board meetings.