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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-CPB-1996-02-23 '41 bi 4) if TrifiVil CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: February 23, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Lane, McGruder Nelson, Sarachan, Seligmann, Teasley, Yarrow. Acting Chief Barnes, Captain Haus, PBA President Gray, PBA Vice President Sinnigen. Lea Setegn, Ithaca Journal reporter. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of January 26, 1996, by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner Nelson. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the January 26, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk was not present. 4. Comments from the Public: Rita Linger from the Community Dispute Resolution Center gave a brief report on the successful facilitation of the Stop the Violence conference recently held. She noted that there was a good turnout and the focus was on youth violence. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes noted that he just attended the Basic School graduation for 3 new officers. He further noted that they will need field training before they can be on their own. Acting Chief Barnes reported on the recent Law and Governance Committee meeting where the City residency requirement was discussed. He noted that PBA President Gray and Commissioner Seligmann were also in attendance. The Law and Governance Committee decided not to require the Deputy Chief or the officers to reside in the City, but the Chief of Police must. 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray welcomed the two new commissioners and thanked the Community Police Board for supporting the police officers during the recent residency requirement discussions. • Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes February 23, 1996 7. Old Business: Proactive Policing Commissioner Teasley noted that she is trying to get an overview of community policing and proactive policing. She felt that proactive policing was heavy surveillance and aggressive policing. Acting Chief Barnes noted that proactive policing is crime prevention, solving problems before they happen, while reactive policing is when the police are called in after a problem occurs. Discussion followed. Commissioner Teasley noted that she had read a lot of articles regarding proactive policing and will pass this literature on to Acting Chief Barnes for his perusal. 8. New Business: Commissioner Seligmann opened the floor for nominations for Vice Chair of the Ithaca Community Police Board for 1996. Commissioner Yarrow nominated Commissioner Sarachan for the position of Vice Chair. RESOLUTION by Commissioner Yarrow, seconded by Commissioner Teasley. RESOLVED, that Commissioner Sarachan be appointed to the position of Vice Chair for the Ithaca Community Police Board for 1996. Carried Unanimously Commissioner Seligmann suggested that the new Community Police Board members meet with the Acting Chief for a brief orientation. Commissioner Teasley will also join them on March 7, 1996 at 4 pm in the 4th floor conference room of Police Headquarters. Commissioner Seligmann discussed the Ithaca Journal's community forum panel selected to assess the community's desired qualities in a police chief and asked the Community Police Board for their input. Discussion followed. PBA President Gray noted that he is on this panel and will give the forum the police officers' needs in a police chief. Commissioner Teasley felt that the new police chief should be able to work with a lot of diverse community groups and attend their meetings. Commissioner Seligmann presented Kathleen Carrington with a letter endorsed by the Community Police Board thanking her for her service to the community for the past year. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on March 22, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Teasley, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:28 p.m. CPB/lac t_ I�rmnrmi rTtrirm1.. er CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: March 22, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Lane, Nelson, Sarachan, Seligmann. Acting Chief Barnes, Mayor Cohen, Alderperson Shenk. Rita Linger, Community Dispute Resolution Center. Lea Setegn, Ithaca Journal reporter. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of February 23, 1996, by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Nelson. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the February 23, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk briefly discussed the City residency requirement, noting that the committee is interested in having the Deputy Chief reside in the City, as it requires the Chief to do so. Acting Chief Barnes noted that he has a problem with this requirement. Commissioner Sarachan asked if this would limit the ability to hire a deputy chief from within. Acting Chief Barnes noted that it would as currently there are 74 officers on the force with only 10 of them residing in the City. 4. Comments from the Public: Rita Linger from the Community Dispute Resolution Center noted that there is a delay in the Community Police Advocates update but will get it to the Community Police Board at their next meeting. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes noted that there are currently two dispatcher positions vacant which he cannot fill yet as the Vacancy Review Committee suggested he look at filling these spots with officers assigned to light duty. Discussion followed, noting that the dispatcher duties are now filled by officers. Acting Chief Barnes also noted that he has two positions in the Records Unit - a senior typist and a typist - that he needs to fill. Commissioner Seligmann asked Acting Chief Barnes about a couple of calls she received regarding parking violations, which Acting Chief Barnes noted he received the same calls. 1. Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes March 22, 1996 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray was not present. 7. Old Business: There was no old business. 8. New Business: Discussion followed about the recent newspaper articles in which City letterhead was used to support a convicted drug dealer. The new member's orientation date was selected for Friday, March 29, 1996 at 8:30 am. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on April 26, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:15 p.m. CPB/lac r } t CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: April 26, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Lane, McGruder, Nelson, Sarachan, Seligmann, Yarrow. Acting Chief Barnes, Alderperson Shenk. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of March 22, 1996, by Commissioner Nelson, seconded by Commissioner Sarachan. Alderperson Shenk asked that under 3. Report from Common Council that it be amended to the committee is considering having the Deputy Chief reside in the City. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the March 22, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as amended. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk noted that the committee has not discussed the residency requirement any further. She noted that the committee has approved the use of modified disability officers for dispatch duties. Alderperson Shenk also noted that the Northside Neighborhood Watch group have attended many Common Council meetings requesting more money for drug investigators. Discussion followed. Acting Chief Barnes noted that the only way he can appoint more drug investigators is if he is authorized more police officer positions. 4. Comments from the Public: There were no members of the public present. However, Commissioner Seligmann wanted it noted that Rita Linger's report regarding the Community Police Advocates was excellent. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes noted that he went to Budget and Administration Committee to update the typist position in Investigations to that of Senior Typist, which they approved. He also noted that an evening typist was hired in the Records Unit - a transfer from the Parking Enforcement Section. Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes April 26, 1996 He further noted that he has ordered two officers out on disability back to work with modified duties and hopes to get a few more of them back to work soon. Acting Chief Barnes noted that Friday is Slope Day at Cornell and that the New York State Liquor Authority will probably be down that day. Acting Chief Barnes also noted that he's ready to make 2 more assignments to the community policing program which will take 2 officers out of the Patrol Division. Discussion followed, noting that the funding for these positions are partially funded by the US Government. Acting Chief Barnes noted that he has just finished the Institute for the Healing of Racism program and thoroughly enjoyed it. 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray was not present. 7. Old Business: Commissioner Sarachan asked if any official letterhead policy has been developed in the City. Acting Chief Barnes noted there hasn't been, but that the police department does have a policy that all letters leaving the department on police department letterhead have to be approved by the Chief or Deputy Chief. 8. New Business: Commissioner McGruder asked how the department morale was. Acting Chief Barnes did not feel it was a problem. Commissioner McGruder suggested that an officer of the week profile be done in the Ithaca Journal. Acting Chief Barnes noted that some officers would go for that and some won't. Alderperson Shenk suggested that PBA President Gray be contacted for his opinion on this idea. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on May 24, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. Commissioner Seligmann asked Commissioner Sarachan to chair this meeting which he agreed to do. On a motion by Commissioner McGruder, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:19 p.m. Alderperson Shenk asked that she be allowed to stay for Executive Session which the Community Police Board agreed to. CPB/lac ;E. pc/ a fTT1lf�lifTl ce _�'iiu �ogPo o`gyp CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: May 24, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Nelson, Sarachan, Teasley, Yarrow. Acting Chief Barnes. 1 . Commissioner Sarachan called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of April 26, 1996, by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Nelson. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the April 26, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk was not present. 4. Comments from the Public: There were no members of the public present. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes noted that he is getting ready to appoint two more officers to the Neighborhood Policing Program. He noted that all of the Ithaca police officers have received Neighborhood Oriented Policing. Acting Chief Barnes also noted that he is expanding the Bicycle Patrol by 4 officers. Acting Chief Barnes noted that Officer Scott Weston has resigned, creating a vacant police officer position. Acting Chief Barnes noted that he has hired William Cornell, a lateral transfer from the Dryden Police Department to fill this vacancy. Acting Chief Barnes noted that Officer Kathy Torres is researching the possibility of holding a citizens police academy in the area to give citizens a broad overview of police officer's duties. The Community Police Board was very interested in this and suggested that Officer Torres attend a future meeting with information on this. .; Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes May 24, 1996 Acting Chief Barnes noted that he has two officers who filed for disability retirement. He also noted that two officers who are off injured were ordered back to work on a light duty basis but cannot return due to complications with their injuries. Acting Chief Barnes noted that he has talked to former Chief McEwen and that he is doing well in Washington, DC. 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray was not present. 7. Old Business: There was no old business. 8. New Business: Discussion followed about the recent problems that have occurred with loud music and block parties. The Community Police Board resolved to ask Mayor Cohen to bring these problems into his discussions with Cornell University. Discussion followed about traffic and speeding problems within the City. Acting Chief Barnes noted that zero tolerance for speeding has been discussed. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on June 28, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner Nelson, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:40 p.m. CPB/lac ' rrmriim i , .��fTIT rmi cam_- —:he, CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: June 28, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Lane, Sarachan, Seligmann, Teasley, Yarrow. Alderperson Shenk, Acting Chief Barnes. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. She thanked Commissioner Sarachan for handling the May meeting and for both he and Commissioner Teasley for accepting the two new complaints. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of May 24, 1996, by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Teasley. It was noted that the word "training" was left out in the Chief's report. Commissioner Teasley asked that it be noted that during the discussion of hiring practices in the City, under the Report of the Chief, she wished to express her concern and emphasize the importance of diversity hiring. Motion to Approve Minutes of Meeting of May 24, 1996 as amended by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner Sarachan. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the May 24, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as amended. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk discussed the recent Common Council Committee of the Whole meeting held on June 26, 1996. She noted the resolution proposed by the Community Issues Committee citing racism problems within the Ithaca Police Department. Discussion followed. The Community Police Board agreed that they should address this resolution. It was agreed that Sergeant Beau Saul would meet with Terry Calhoun from the Multicultural Resources Center to develop a joint statement and a timetable will be developed for further discussions. Commissioner Teasley pointed out that the Community Police Board should be involved in this process or their existence would be questioned. Commissioner Sarachan asked Alderperson Shenk if she thought Common Council would pass this resolution, as he felt that if this resolution was passed, they would be accepting the assertions against the Ithaca Police Department made by the Multicultural Resources Center. Alderperson Shenk did not think that the resolution would pass but hoped S Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes June 28, 1996 that positive things would happen because of it, such as money being put in for training for the officers. Commissioner Teasley proposed a resolution to Common Council stressing the Community Police Board's interest in being part of any future committee discussing the above topic. Commissioners Teasley and Lane agreed to work on the committee. Acting Chief Barnes discussed the problems he has when trying to set up training sessions - scheduling, staffing problems, availability of seasoned officers. Discussion followed about how to facilitate and encourage training at negotiation time. Acting Chief Barnes agreed to put together some information regarding budget cuts over the years. Commissioners Teasley and Yarrow will gather information regarding training that has been done in other communities. Alderperson Shenk noted that some members of Common Council are talking about lateral transfer hiring. Discussion followed. Alderperson Shenk noted that Common Council is identifying priorities before budget hearings begin. 4. Comments from the Public: Judy Saul from the Community Dispute Resolution Center was present for Rita Linger who is on vacation. Ms. Saul noted that 5 people have approached the Center in April and May requesting assistance. Ms. Saul noted that Ms. Linger is setting up a public speaking outreach program and welcomed the Community Police Board to participate. Commissioner Seligmann agreed to meet with Ms. Linger upon her return to discuss this. Ms. Saul also noted that the CDRC is planning another Youth Forum to be held at the high school in the fall. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes reported on the following: • Officer Torres is still investigating the possibility of setting up a citizens police academy in Ithaca. • Copies were distributed of an Ithaca Journal editorial praising the efforts of the Ithaca Police Department. • Mayor Cohen has directed the Ithaca Police Department to actively pursue speeding violations within the City. • Captain Randy Haus is off to the FBI Academy until September. 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray was not present. 7. Old Business: There was no old business. 8. New Business: There was no new business 4 Ithaca Community Police Board Page 3 Meeting Minutes June 28, 1996 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on July 26, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner Sarachan, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:40 p.m. CPB/lac I IEFTTI(�IfTTI' 1.117 11:171 coq o`�, CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: July 26, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners Lane, McGruder, Seligmann, Teasley, Yarrow. Acting Chief Barnes. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meetinci of June 28, 1996, by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner Lane. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the June 28, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk was not present. 4. Comments from the Public: Rita Linger from the Community Dispute Resolution Center was present. She noted that she and former Community Police Board Commissioner Kathleen Carrington have been working on two more Youth-Police forums. Ms. Carrington noted that she has asked Officer Marlon Byrd and Officer Ed Fallon to participate in these forums. Ms. Carrington noted that they are anticipating about 500 kids, noting that one of the major targets of these forums is to inform the kids of their rights. Ms. Linger invited the Community Police Board members to attend the forums. Ms. Linger noted that the Community Police Advocates would be interested in teaming up with members of the Community Police Board. Commissioner Yarrow will work with Ms. Linger on this. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes reported on the following: • The Budget and Administration Committee has allocated funds for mandatory diversity training for police officers. • He has been working with the Community Police Relations Working Group which will be further discussed under "New Business". Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes July 26, 1996 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray was not present. 7. Old Business: There was no old business. 8. New Business: Commissioner Teasley noted that 3 sub-groups have been formed from the Community-Police Relations Working Group. Listed below is a brief summary of some of the discussion: Police-Community Interactions Ms. Linger reported on the following: • This sub-group would like to see more police officers involved in local agencies. • They suggest mandatory community service for police officers. That is, they would like to see that all police officers attend community meetings, etc. The Community Police Board agreed with these suggestions but felt that mandatory attendance at community events for officers would probably be a PBA contract issue. Community-Police Board Processes Commissioner Teasley reported on the following: • This sub-group would like to see training for the Community Police Board. • This sub-group would like to have a staff support person hired to keep on top of complaints and standardize the complaint process. Discussion followed. The Community Police Board noted that they have no budget for training or a support person. Acting Chief Barnes noted that this support person could be used to lend support to several City boards. Acting Chief Barnes was concerned about the recordkeeping and where the files would be kept. Commissioner Teasley did not think it was a good idea for the Community Police Board to be working out of the Chief's office. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Commissioner Seligmann noted that she did a walk-along with Officer Byrd last week and was pleased to see the reception he got in the neighborhood. She was concerned that the Neighborhood Officers do not have vehicles and wondered about response times to calls for them. Acting Chief Barnes noted that the Neighborhood Officers are not reactive patrols but rather proactive, improving the quality of life and that they deal with issues not requiring immediate action. He further noted that they are searching for office space in the various areas for the officers to use. The Community Police Board decided to ask the Neighborhood Oriented Police Officers to attend next month's meeting. Ithaca Community Police Board Page 3 Meeting Minutes July 26, 1996 The Community Police Board also decided to discuss the template letters that Commissioner Sarachan is devising at next month's meeting. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on August 23, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner Sarachan, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:26 p.m. CPB/lac 7. 'Gib- ''F�,,�,, rTrr , 413 CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: August 23, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Sarachan, Seligmann, Teasley. Acting Chief Barnes, Alderperson Shenk. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of July 26, 1996, by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner McGruder. Commissioner Teasley asked that under Community-Police Board Processes: it read, Commissioner Teasley did not think it was a good idea for the Community Police Board to be working out of the Chief's office as it appeared to be a conflict. Approve Minutes of Meeting of July 26, 1996 as amended by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner McGruder. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the July 26, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as amended. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk reported that Common Council has allocated $13,000 for diversity training for police officers. She further noted that it is budget time and this could be quite interesting. She noted that the PBA contract is up for negotiations and that Common Council has invited the PBA to come and lay out concerns to them before the actual negotiations begin. 4. Comments from the Public: Rita Linger from the Community Dispute Resolution Center was present. She discussed the Community Police Relations Program and some of the group's recommendations which include a staff support person for the Community Police Board. Alderperson Shenk noted that the Budget and Administration Committee will be making a decision on this on August 26, 1996. Discussion followed on the support person's duties. Ms. Linger noted that this would be a pilot program for CDRC and it would be reviewed after 6 months. She noted that Common Council will need to review the Charter and by-laws as it applies to the Community Police Board. Ms. Linger further noted that if the funding is approved, the CDRC is very comfortable implementing this. Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes August 23, 1996 Further discussion followed. Acting Chief Barnes was concerned about where the files will be kept. It was decided that all the Community Police Board files would remain in the the Chief's office and that there will be no duplicate files between the offices. Discussion followed about the minute- taking of the meetings. This will have to be further looked into, especially where the Executive Sessions are concerned. The Ithaca Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:29 pm to discuss a confidential matter with Ms. Linger. Alderperson Shenk was also allowed to sit in on this session. The Ithaca Community Police Board reconvened into Regular Session at 3:35 pm. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes reported on the following: • Sergeant Timothy Williams was selected the Kiwanis Club's Officer of the Month for August. This was due to Sgt. Williams' voluntary work with the Special Olympics' Law Enforcement Torch Run for the past four years. • Officer Donald Werner has returned to work on a modified duty assignment, working in Communications as a dispatcher. • Today is moving-in day for Cornell University and Ithaca College is next week. Overtime details have been set up for these days to ensure order. • The Police Department's budget is due on September 1, 1996. 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray was not present. 7. Old Business: There was no old business. 8. New Business: The Community Police Board decided to discuss the template letters that Commissioner Sarachan is devising at next month's meeting. The Community Police Board also asked that the Neighborhood Oriented Police Officers be asked to attend next month's meeting. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on September 27, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner McGruder, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:50 p.m. CPB/lac CITY OF ITHACA CHARTER Section C-16. Community Police Board. [Amended 8/1/84 by L.L. No. 2-1984; 5/2/90 by L.L. No. 1-1990; 10/27/93 by L.L. No. 601993] A. The Mayor shall appoint a Community Police Board, subject to the approval of the Common Council. The Commissioners shall be chosen from a range of culturally and economically diverse community groups with consideration given to the effect each appointment will have on the diversity of representation, including geographic representation, on the Board. The Community Police Board shall consist of seven (7) Commissioners. The term of office of each Commissioner shall be three (3) years, commencing on the first of January. No more than three Commissioners shall be appointed in any one (1) year. The terms of the existing Commissioners shall continue unchanged. No elected city official shall be a member of the Community Police Board. A Commissioner shall hold office until his/her successor shall have been chosen and qualified. A vacancy for an unexpired or newly created term shall be filled in the manner set forth in this Charter, except that the limitation on the number of appointments per year, the term of office and the term's starting date shall not apply. All Commissioners shall have been a resident of the City of Ithaca for at least two (2) years immediately preceding their appointment. All Commissioners shall serve without salary. B. The Community Police Board may recommend rules, bylaws and regulations for the government of the Police Department of the City, not inconsistent with the laws of this state, which may be promulgated through the Chief of Police to the whole force. The Chief of Police shall have the immediate direction and control of the police in the administration of the rules, bylaws and regulations of the Department. C. The Community Police Board shall act as community liaison to the Police Department, actively fostering positive communications between police and all segments of the community. It shall make provisions for resolving complaints by the citizenry related to the delivery of police services. Using established procedures, the Board may recommend action against any member of the Police Department. It shall make recommendations, on its own initiative or at the request of the Mayor, the Common Council or the Police Chief, on any matter affecting the policy or performance of the Police Department, including fmancing and budget. D. At its first meeting in January of each year, the members of the Community Police Board shall organize as a board by electing one (1) of its member as Chairperson. The Community Police Board shall hold such stated and special meetings at such time and place as it may determine, but at least once in each month. The Board will function according to its bylaws. E. The Board shall give written annual reports to the Mayor and Common Council regarding its activities and the changes it has sought and achieved. CHRTC-16; DISK 9 CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD BY-LAWS ARTICLE I . NAME This board shall be known as the City of Ithaca Community Police Board. ARTICLE II . PURPOSES ( from City of Ithaca Charter section C-16, paragraphs B. C. and E. ) II A. "The Community Police Board may recommend rules, bylaws and regulations for the government of the Police Department of the City, not inconsistent with the laws of thie state, which may be promulgated through the Chief of Police to the whole force. The Chief of Police shall have the immediate direction and control of the police in the administration of the rules, bylaws and regulations of the Department. " II B. "The Community Police Board shall act as community liaison to the Police Department and shall actively foster positive communications between police and all segments of the community. It shall make provisions for resolving complaints by the citizenry related to the delivery of police services. Using established procedures, the Board may recommend action against any member of the Police Department. It shall make recommendations, on its own initiative or at the request of the Mayor, the Common Council or the Police Chief, on any matter affecting the policy or performance of the Police Department, including financing and budget." All Board members shall ride/walk along with officers at least once a year; more frequent accompaniments are encouraged. II C. "The Board shall give written annual reports to the Mayor and Common Council regarding its activities and the changes it has sought and achieved. " ARTICLE III . BOARD MEMBER SELECTION AND BOARD COMPOSITION (from City of Ithaca Charter sec. C-16, paragraph A. ) III A. "The Mayor shall appoint a Community Police Board, subject to the approval of the Common Council . III B. "The Commissioners shall be chosen from a range of culturally and economically diverse community groups with consideration given to the effect each appointment will have on the diversity of representation, including geographic representation, on the Board. III C. "No elected city official shall be a member of the Community Police Board. CPB by-laws p. 2 III D. "The Community Police Board shall consist of seven ( 7 ) Commissioners . III E. The term of the office of each Commissioner shall be three ( 3 ) years, commencing on the first of January. III F. "No more than three Commissioners shall be appointed in any one ( 1 ) year . The terms of the existing Commissioners shall continue unchanged. III G. "A Commissioner shall hold office until his/her successor shall have been chosen and qualified . A vacancy for an unexpired or newly created term shall be filled in the manner set forth in this Charter, except that the limitation on the number of appointments per year, the term of office and the term's starting date shall not apply. III H. "All Commissioners shall have been a resident of the City of Ithaca for at least two (2 ) years immediately preceding their appointment. ( If a Commissioner shall cease residing in the City of Ithace, they shall notify the mayor and forfeit their position as Commissioner) . III I . All Commissioners shall serve without salary. " ARTICLE IV. OFFICERS AND MEETINGS (From City of Ithaca, Charter section C-16, paragraph D) IV A. "At its first meeting in January of each year, the members of the Community Police Board shall organize as a board by electing one (1) of its members as Chairperson. In addition, a vice chairperson will be elected from among the board 's members . IV B. The Chairperson of the Board shall be responsible for chairing the monthly meetings of the Board, setting the agenda and delegating tasks. The Vice Chairperson shall carry out these duties in the Chair 's absence, and may share any duties with the Chairperson as they may mutually agree upon. IV C. "The Community Police Board shall hold such stated and special meetings at such time and place as it may determine but at least once in each month. " Notice of such meetings shall be given pursuant to the City of Ithaca's relevant procedures . IV D. "The Board will function according to its bylaws . " ARTICLE V. DECISION-MAKING ✓ A. A quorum shall consist of the majority of the seated board members . ✓ B. Decisions will be made by majority vote of the quorum. ✓ C. To amend these by-laws the board shall consider proposed changes in writing; these proposals shall have an initial reading in a formal meeting and further action shall be considered in subsequent formal meetings . V. D. The board may change those elements of its bylaws which are not part of the City Charter by a simple majority vote . ARTICLE VI . CREATION OF VACANCIES ( from City Charter { 4-26 .1 A-B) VI A. "When any member of (the) . . .board. . .holding office by appointment of the Mayor, fails to attend three ( 3 ) regularly scheduled meetings of such. . .board . . . in any calendar year, unless such absence is for good cause, the office may be deemed vacant for purposes of nomination and appointment of a successor . " VI B. "If such member fails to attend three ( 3) such regularly scheduled meetings in a calendar year, the Chairperson ( or if the Chairperson fails to so attend such meetings, any member of the. . .board. . . ) shall so inform the member and the Mayor . The Mayor shall write the member requesting either an explanation of the reasons for the member 's nonattendance or a letter of resignation. VI C. If the member does not respond to the Mayor within twenty (20) days of the Mayor 's letter to the member, with an adequate explanation for his or her absences and assurances of ability to attend future meetings on a regular basis, it shall be deemed that the office is vacant for purposes of nomination and appointment of his or her successor . VI D. If such member responds to the Mayor with an adequate explanation of the reasons for his or her absences and assurances of ability to attend future meetings on a regular basis, no further action will be taken. " w '!1. f'',, �rim rrTr���� CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: September 27, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Sarachan, Seligmann, Teasley. Acting Chief Barnes, PBA President Gray 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of August 23, 1996, by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Teasley. RESOLVED, That the minutes of the August 23, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as published. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk was not present. 4. Comments from the Public: Judy Saul from the Community Dispute Resolution Center was present. She gave a brief update on the Community Issues Committee, noting that they are working on written policies and procedures to follow. Discussion followed. PBA President Gray wanted to clarify that this group does not make policy for the police department which it was noted that they don't. Ms. Saul noted that the next meeting is scheduled for October 7th at 11 am and invited the Community Police Board to attend. The Community Police Board discussed items from the Community Issues Committee proposal that they felt may be problematic. Commissioner Seligmann noted that the police officers do not have to meet with the Community Police Board, it is more or less a courtesy and does not want to alienate the officers. She also felt that the suggestion that the complainant speak directly with the police officer would be a problem. Commissioner Teasley encouraged the idea of a staff support person as the whole Complaint Against Police Personnel is slow and some complainant's aren't sure as to what is happening with their complaint. She felt it is also confusing for complainant's to have to call the Chief's office and does not give the Community Police Board the illusion of being impartial. Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes September 27, 1996 PBA President Gray discussed some of the fruitless complaints that are received, reiterating a recent traffic stop where he was the target of one such complaint. He further noted that disciplinary action against an officer would not be available for public information. Ms. Saul will talk further with the Community Police Board as the proposals become more specific. 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes reported on the following: • Investigator Brian Robison was selected the Kiwanis Club's Officer of the Month for September. This was due to Investigator Robison's work with fingerprint evidence in solving several investigations. • The instructor for the Police Department's diversity training will be selected next week by the Mayor's group. • Two more dispatchers have resigned to add to the two already vacant dispatcher positions. Low pay is contributed to the turnover of dispatchers and he is seeking approval to hire all 4 dispatchers. • He noted that after careful consideration, he has declined to be part of the Chief of Police selection process. • The Police Department's budget is prepared and will be discussed in Executive Session. Discussion followed about the dispatcher positions. The Community Police Board decided to present a resolution to Common Council endorsing the approval of 4 dispatcher positions. Resolution by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Teasley. WHEREAS, the Ithaca Police Department has recently received the resignations of two more dispatchers in addition to the current two dispatcher vacancies, and WHEREAS, a dispatcher is required 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and WHEREAS, if Dispatchers are not hired immediately, the Department is forced to place a police officer in this position to perform the Dispatch function, and WHEREAS, the assignment of a patrol officer to perform the Dispatch function causes a great hardship to the effective operation of the Patrol Division, and WHEREAS, there is a considerable salary discrepancy between other local public safety Dispatchers and City of Ithaca Dispatchers which has contributed to the high rate of turnover of Ithaca Police Dispatchers, now, therefore, be it Ithaca Community Police Board Page 3 Meeting Minutes September 27, 1996 RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Community Police Board respectfully requests that the Chief of Police be authorized to fill the four vacant dispatcher positions immediately and be it further RESOLVED, That the Ithaca Community Police Board urges that Common Council further review the Police Dispatcher Salaries. Carried Unanimously 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray noted that he was sorry to see that Acting Chief Barnes did not wish to be considered for the Chief of Police position. 7. Old Business: Commissioner Sarachan asked about the selection process for the Chief of Police. Discussion followed about past selection processes. 8. New Business: The Community Police Board discussed Commissioner Sarachan's template letters and approved them for use with the complaint process. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on October 25, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Teasley, seconded by Commissioner McGruder, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:40 p.m. CPB/lac SAMPLE. Date Joe Complainant 10 Main Street Ithaca, New York 14850 RE: Community Police Board Complaint Dear Mr. Complainant: This letter is to respond to your complaint and to share with you the results of the investigation and the recommendations of the Community Police Board. You complaint alleged improper conduct by the Ithaca Police by 1) Officer MacGruff stopping you for no apparent reason; 2) his calling you an insulting name ("conehead") and 3) his placing handcuffs on you which you feel were unnecessary and too tight while in Police custody. As the representative of the Community Police Board assigned to your complaint, I investigated your complaint by speaking with you, speaking with Officer MacGruff, interviewing other civilian and police witnesses and by reviewing the Ithaca Police Rules and Regulations manual. After discussion in executive session with the Community Police Board at its September 1996 meeting, we have concluded the following: 1. The circumstances surrounding your arrest 2. There is evidence that your treatment by 3. There is no evidence that. . . In conclusion, we find that there is/is not sufficient evidence to find that the police acted improperly in dealing with you on , 1996. We do find sufficient evidence that . . . The Community Police Board will recommend to the chief that . . . . If you have any questions, please contact me. • Very truly yours, Commissioner -,= 11: , 1:1 °bitATSo CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: October 25, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Nelson, Sarachan, Seligmann, Teasley, Yarrow. Acting Chief Barnes, Captain Haus, PBA President Gray, Officer Kathy Torres, Officer Frank Brackin. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of September 27, 1996, by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Teasley. The minutes were amended to replace the word "illusion" with "perception" from 4. Comments from the Public. She felt it is also confusing for complainant's to have to call the Chief's office as this does not give the Community Police Board the perception of being impartial The minutes were also amended to reflect the following italicized change, under, 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes reported on the following: He noted that after careful consideration, he has declined the position of Chief of Police but will continue to be part of the Chief of Police selection process. Approve Minutes of Meeting of September 27, 1996 as amended, by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Teasley RESOLVED, That the minutes of the September 27, 1996 Community Police Board Meeting be approved as amended. Carried Unanimously 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk was not present. 4. Comments from the Public: There was no one from the public present. Commissioner Seligmann noted that she received a call from Judy Saul at the Community Dispute Resolution Center stating that she didn't feel it was necessary to report to the Community Police Board at this meeting due to the on-going CDRC meeting discussions. Ithaca Community Police Board Page 2 Meeting Minutes October 25, 1996 5. Report of the Chief: Acting Chief Barnes reported on the following: • Captain Randy Haus is back after graduating in September from the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. • Officer Kathy Torres was just selected Crime Prevention Officer of the Year by the New York State Crime Prevention Coalition. • PBA Negotiations are on-going. • The Vacancy Review Committee approved the requests to fill the Sr. Typist position in Records and 2 dispatcher positions. • Search for a new Police Chief is beginning. • Mayor Cohen has issued a purchasing freeze for all City Departments. • Budget hearing for the Ithaca Police Department is scheduled for Wednesday November 20, 1996. • He and Sergeant Keith Loson attended a Board of Public Works public hearing on removal of odd/even parking. Discussion followed about the dispatcher vacancies and the upcoming E911 implementation. Commissioner Yarrow suggested that all Community Police Board members contact their Common Council representative and urge that all 4 dispatcher positions be filled. Officer Torres and Officer Brackin, two of the Neighborhood Police officers, were present to discuss their community policing positions. The Community Police Board congratulated Officer Torres for her recent award as Crime Prevention Officer of the Year by the New York State Crime Prevention Coalition. 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray had no comments. However, Captain Haus asked PBA President Gray what the officer's perception of the training schedule has been. PBA President Gray noted that the officers seem enthused about the training. Discussion followed about the prior training the officers received which consisted of a televised program, "LETN". Acting Chief Barnes noted that Diversity Training for the police officers is still being pursued and that they are seeking proposals from trained instructors. Ithaca Community Police Board Page 3 Meeting Minutes October 25, 1996 7. Old Business: Discussion followed about the attendance at Community Police Board members at the monthly meetings. Commissioner Teasley gave a brief update on the CDRC meetings, noting that they are continuing and that Common Council does have their recommendations. Acting Chief Barnes noted that the perception from some members of Common Council is that the Human Rights Commissioner should be investigating complaints against police officers. 8. New Business: Acting Chief Barnes noted that the Neighborhood Policing Officers have been out and about recruiting minorities for the next police examination to be held in December. 9. Adiournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on November 22, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Yarrow, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:30 p.m. CPB/lac • . , .r-m_n.r>T '.f(TTTITTn.1 CITY OF ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD PO BOX 6557 ITHACA, NEW YORK 14851-6557 MINUTES: Ithaca Community Police Board PLACE: Second Floor Conference Room, City Hall TIME & DATE: November 22, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. PRESENT: Commissioners McGruder, Nelson, Sarachan, Seligmann, Yarrow. Acting Chief Barnes, Alderperson Shenk. 1 . Commissioner Seligmann called the meeting to order. The Ithaca Community Police Board agreed to keep this meeting brief due to the tragic death of Investigator Michael Padula earlier this week. 2. Approve Minutes of Meeting of October 25, 1996, The minutes will be reviewed and approved at the December meeting. 3. Report from Common Council: Alderperson Shenk reported briefly on the budget discussions. She noted that the Community Advocate Program has withdrawn their request for funding in the area of community policing. Discussion also followed about part time employees and dispatchers. 4. Comments from the Public: There was no one from the public present. 5. Report of the Chief: Discussion followed about Investigator Padula's death and what may have been done to prevent it. Acting Chief Barnes noted that the FBI Critical Incident Team is in Ithaca to help the department personnel deal with this tragedy. 6. Comments from PBA President: PBA President Gray was not present. 7. Old Business: There was no old business. 8. New Business: There was no new business. 9. Adjournment: The next meeting of the Community Police Board is scheduled to be held on December 20, 1996 at 2:30 p.m. in the second floor conference room of City Hall. On a motion by Commissioner Sarachan, seconded by Commissioner Yarrow, the Community Police Board adjourned into Executive Session at 3:00 p.m. CPB/lac