HomeMy WebLinkAboutCPB Annual Report 2014.pdfCity of Ithaca
Community Police Board
2014 Annual Report
The CPB is one adult and one youth member short of our charter allowance. We would like to fill these spots.
They have been open for all of this year. Citizens have not applied.
Deputy Chief Townsend began attending CPB meetings in May as the liaison from IPD.
Four board members attended an IPD SWAT information and training session in August.
The board sent a letter to Common council recommending the approval of the budget proposal brought to the
Council by Chief Barber.
In two instances, the board requested that members of Common Council direct their questions concerning
complaints and procedures to the CPB chairs directly.
Board members participated in two interviews for documentary films. One was made by IHS students and the
other by students from Ithaca College. We will be able to view the finished products.
Following a controversial incident in August the mayor released a set of proposals to improve the IPD and its
relationships with the community; the CPB was not involved with the formulation of these proposals. There was
also a set of trainings held by the US department of Justice which was attended by some City officials and
concerned citizens. Members of the CPB were not invited to this meeting. The CBP notified the Mayor by letter
of their disappointment in this process and looks forward to better communication with City officials.
Sixty‐ Eight written compliments were received by the CPB this year. Some of these were written by Chief Barber as a
way to acknowledge officers for exemplary behavior; the CPB appreciates these notices.
Eight new complaints were received in 2014:
Three were from the same complainant and were dropped after the complainant did not respond to contacts
with the CPB.
One was settled to the satisfaction of the complainant.
One was dismissed by the CBP due to lack of response from the complainant.
Two were withdrawn by the complainants after the CPB began investigations and had contacted and met with
one of the complainants.
One was withdrawn after conversations with the complainant.
What is not shown in the above summary, but should be noted are as follows:
1. In every case, police reports were requested and received.
2. Commissioners were assigned to investigate each complaint and spent considerable amounts of time
communicating and meeting with each other to understand and proceed with the complaint.
3. Every effort was made to communicate with the complainant.
The members of the Community Police Board remain committed to doing our part to promote a positive relationship
between the police and the community they serve.
CC: Mayor, Police Chief, Common Council