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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2016-01-27CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MINUTES Regular Meeting 3:30 p.m. January 27, 2016 Present: Co-Chairs: Kane, Rogers Commissioners: Onyejuruwa, DaGrossa, Beem-Miller OTHERS PRESENT: Common Council Liaison – Kerslick Deputy Police Chief Monticello Information Management Specialist - Day Mayor Myrick EXCUSED: Commissioners: LaFave, Wright CALL TO ORDER: 3:35 p.m. APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF THE December 16, 2015 MEETING: By Commissioner Onyejuruwa: Seconded by Commissioner DaGrossa RESOLVED, That the minutes of the December 16, 2015 Community Police Board meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously SPECIAL ORDER OF BUSINESS Discussion with Mayor Myrick Mayor Myrick was extended an invitation to meet with the Community Police Board to discuss the Board’s role and community relations with the Ithaca Police Department. Mayor Myrick commented that under the leadership of Police Chief John Barber, Ithaca Police Officers understand the direction that the department is heading toward. Having new tools in place such as the West End Satellite Office, body cameras, and updated polices has enhanced their professionalism and has helped them to perform their duties and interactions with the public more efficiently. He noted that he has been working together with Chief Barber and the officers to improve community relations through a series of initiatives such as Coffee with the Mayor and Chief; neighborhood barbecue, Citizens Police Academy, Hall of Justice open house, and the Explorers program for teens interested in law enforcement. Through these events, members of public have been able to release frustration thereby enabling communication with law enforcement to help build social progress. He clarified that the role of the Community Police Boards is to work with the Police Department and the community while remaining neutral and objective. He believes that having the Community Police Board work on policies with management would create barriers to open communication between law enforcement and the Board. Election of Chair and Vice Chair or Co-Chairs for 2016 By Commissioner Beam-Miller: Seconded By Commissioner DaGrossa RESOLVED, That Commissioners Rogers and Kane be appointed as Co-Chairs of the Community Police Board for 2016. Confidentiality Acknowledgment Form for 2016 The confidentiality acknowledgement form was distributed to the Commissioners to complete and file for 2016. REPORT FROM COMMON COUNCIL: Common Council Liaison Kerslick reported on the “Officer Next Door” program that was passed at the City Administration Committee and will be considered by Common Council at Wednesday’s meeting. The defined program zone includes West Village and the Chestnut Street Apartments. This program is being modeled after a successful program in New York City. This program provides a law enforcement presence in residential zones that have seen higher crime rates in the hope that it will improve the quality of life for the residents living in those areas. REPORT FROM THE POLICE DEPARTMENT: Acting Police Chief Monticello reported that there were two recent retirements: Officer Fred Myers and Sgt. Deb Lawrence, and another one is expected next month. A swearing-in ceremony will be held tomorrow for a lateral transfer officer, formerly from the Elmira Police Department, who is joining the force. A student intern from Tompkins Cortland Community College (TC3) has been shadowing officers for his class. REPORT FROM STAFF: Information Management Specialist Day reported that the regularly scheduled Community Police Board meetings for 2016 will be held on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 3:30 pm., excluding the November and December meetings, which will be held on the third Wednesdays due conflicts with the holiday schedule. She further requested to be notified when Commissioners participate in ride- alongs with the Ithaca Police Department, so they can be reported on at the following meeting. Compliments for police officers received from the Police Chief will be e-mailed to the Commissioners in place of hard-copy hand-outs. NEW BUSINESS: Reappointments to Community Police Board Commissioner Kane reported that she and Commissioner Onyejuruwa have been reappointed to the Community Police Board with terms that expire December 31, 2018. 2015 Annual Report Commissioner Rogers presented the 2015 Annual Report and a brief discussion followed. Resolution: By Commissioner Kane: Seconded by Commissioner Beem/Miller RESOLVED, That the 2015 Annual Community Police Board Report be approved as published. Carried Unanimously MOTION TO ENTER INTO EXECUTIVE SESSION TO DISCUSS ACTIVE INVESTIGATIONS: By Commissioner Kane: Seconded by Commissioner Onyejuruwa RESOLVED, That the Community Police Board enter into Executive Session for discussion. Carried Unanimously RECONVENE: The Board reconvened into regular session with no formal action taken. ADJOURNMENT: On a motion the meeting adjourned at 4:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Cindie L. Day, Information Management Specialist For the City Clerk’s Office