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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-2012-05-24_ 24aen of ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MEETING MINUTES LOCATION: Third Floor, Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street TIME /DATE: May 24, 2012 @ 3:30 pm PRESENT: Commissioners Bush, Hang, Kane, and Rogers; Alderperson Kerslick; IPD Chief Vallely; Staff: Herden GUESTS: James Ricks Chairperson Rogers called the meeting to order at 3:33 pm. 1. Approval of Minutes of Meeting of April 26, 2012 The minutes were approved unanimously. 2. Comments from the Public Mr. Ricks introduced himself and stated that he was there to learn more about the Community Police Board, including its complaint and compliment processes. Rogers provided an overview. Chief Vallely discussed some of the potential outcomes of the investigation process. Most cases are resolved after a meeting between the complainant and the Chief (or, in some cases, the police officer noted in the complaint). If the Chief determines an officer's behavior requires disciplinary action. That action can range from a counseling letter to dismissal. Ricks reported that he has heard people cite fear of being targeted by the police in retaliation as a reason they don't file a complaint with the CPB. Rogers responded that the Board certainly has heard that concern before, but he has seen no evidence of retaliation against anyone who has filed a complaint. 3. Report from Common Council Alderperson Kerslick discussed the April 30 CPB Working Group session, which was their final one. During that meeting, the inclusion of a sworn statement on the complaint form was discussed. The working group felt that a variation of the language used by Seattle's civilian oversight agency was sufficient and appropriate for the CPR's form. [Seattle's language: The Office of Professional Accountability exists to ensure professional and accountable law enforcement for the citizens of Seattle. Honest feedback is essential to maintaining a police department that is both trustworthy and responsive to the community. Therefore, it is critical that truthfulness be maintained in the filing and investigation of complaints against the police. I hereby certify that the information in this complaint is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief.] The language was sent to PBA President Joly for his response, but to date there has been none. CPB will go ahead and change the language on its complaint form to include a variation of the Seattle language. Other discussion points included the process for removing commissioners, which is covered by the existing Mayoral authority described in the City Charter. The revision and updating of documentation for training commissioners and written procedures was assigned to the CPB. Additionally, the Mayor was asked to contact current applicants to the Community Police Board. 4. Report from Police Department Chief Vallely read several letters of thanks from citizens, including ones for Sergeant Cole and Officer Haff. IPD, like other City departments, has begun the difficult task of assessing its budget to find ways to reduce expenses as directed by City Hall. 5. Report from Staff CPB Executive Assistant Herden informed the Board that she is resigning her position. The June CPB Board meeting will be her last. CPB will have an informational table at GIAC's 30 year celebration on June 9 but will not be present this year at Southside Community Center's Juneteenth on June 23 due to a scheduling conflict for CPB staff. APPROVED ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD MEETING MINUTES LOCATION: Third Floor, Common Council Chambers, City Hall, 108 East Green Street TIME/DATE: May 24, 2012 @ 3:30 pm 6. Old Business Rogers discussed the importance of streamlining the complaint process so that commissioners and the Chief receive information more quickly so that the investigation process can begin as soon as possible. 7. New Business none 8. Adjournment to Executive Session @ 4:36 pm Motion move to executive session to discuss open complaints then return to public session and adjourn. 1. Complaint #0212 was assigned to Commissioner Rogers for investigation. 2. Complaint #0312 will be assigned after more information is received. 3. Complaint #0412 will be assigned after more information is received. 4. Complaint #0512 describes an incident in which IPD was not involved. This complaint is therefore withdrawn and complainant will be informed. 5. Complaint #0612 describes a complaint that occurred well beyond CPB's stated 30 day limit. This complaint is therefore withdrawn and complainant will be informed. Four new complaints and seven new citizen letters of compliment were received by the Ithaca Police Department between the April and May board meetings.