HomeMy WebLinkAbout1999 CPB Annual Reports
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD
REPORT OF ACTIVITIES AND SUMMARY OF COMPLAINTS
DECEMBER 16, 1999
Duringl999 two trends have emerged in the activities of the Community Police Board
(CPB.)
1. The presence of an independent office in the community has supported the CPB
in expanding its educational and outreach efforts, with examples as follows:
a. At a CPB Board meeting, Lieutenant Saul, IPD, and Terry Garahan,
Supervisor of Outpatient Services, Mental Health Clinic, shared
their coordinated approach for dealing with situations involving
persons who are receiving mental health services.
b. Valerie Reines, Interim Director of AIDSWork of Tompkins County,
discussed with the CPB the Harm Reduction Program that will be
implemented in Tompkins Coiunty. When implemented, this
program will provide additional protection to police officers and
firefighters who may come in contact with persons who are HIV
positive. It will also encourage those who are addicted to seek
treatment for their addiction. Following extensive discussion, the
CPB voted to add their endorsement to the many local agencies
which have already endorsed the program.
c. Brad Farmer, Regional Director of the Boy Scouts of America, visited a
CPB meeting to discuss the membership policy and leadership
criteria of the Boy Scout affiliated Explorer Scout Post currently
sponsored by the IPD. Mr. Farmer assured Commissioners that
Explorer Posts do not discriminate in either membership or
leadership.
d. In direct response to an issue raised by a resident who has used CPB
services, the CPB worked with the City Attorney's office to
develop a procedure for complainants who wish to have the
results 'reviewed. (See attached.)
e. Commissioners will be organizing tabling at various community events
to publicize services of the CPB. Efforts in this area started in
October with Comnmissioners providing water to runners at Pud's
Run at Stewart Park.
f. Additional sites to locate CPB brochures and complaint forms include
both Cornell and Ithaca College campuses. IPD Administration
has improved procedures at police headquarters to assure that
persons wishing to file a complaint have ready access to brochures
and the forms.
g. A Spanish language translation of the brochure and complaint form has
been completed and is being distributed to all locations where
forms and brochures are available in the English version.
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD
REPORT OF ACTIVITIES AND SUMMARY OF COMPLAINTS
DECEMBER 16, 1999
page 2.
h. A non - discrimination paragraph has been added to the brochure and
complaint forms. New copies of this version have been printed
and distributed.
i. December's CPB meeting will focus on concerns of youth and young
adults in relation to the IPD.
2. The number of complaints has continued to increase:
1997- 11 complaints
1998- 15 complaints
1999- 18 complaints
It is the impression of Commissioners that both the number and the complexity
of complaints increased in 1999. Commissioners are making a sincere effort
to engage police officers in the complaint process, although the PBA `s official
position continues to be one of non - participation in the CPB process. Despite
the official PBA position, several officers have agreed to meet with
Commissioners to share their perceptions of a particular complaint
situation.Each time that has happened, Commissioners have felt that their
perception of the event was enhanced. Two complaints have actually been
resolved because, after discussion with the officer(s) involved, the complainant
had a better understanding of the situation. Also, three complaints were
withdrawn after the Commissioner was able to ascertain pertinent information
about the event and assisted the complainant in understanding the reasons
for police action.
The work by Commissioners to resolve complaints rather than just make a
determination as to their validity requires more time and effort on the part of
The Commissioner, but the Board feels that the extra effort yields better results
for both City residents and the IPD.
It is also the impression of Commissioners that the increase in complaints is
related to the educational and outreach work being done by the Board to
acquaint residents with CPB services.
If the numbers continue to approach 20 complaints per year, the Board may
need to expand its membership in order to complete investigations in a timely
manner and to continue its educational efforts.
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD
REPORT OF ACTIVITIES AND SUMMARY OF COMPLAINTS
DECEMBER 16,1999
page 3.
Several changes in membership and staff have occured. Commissioners
Sarachan, Seligmann and Richardson left. New Commissioners are Sean Killeen,
Marianne Graham and Ted Skibinski. Deborah Clover, Staff Administrative
Aide, left and was replaced by Nancy Falconer.
Plans for the year 2000 include a continuation of educational and outreach efforts
in the community and a continuing effort to engage IPD officers in the CPB
investigation process.
Attached please find the following
Ithaca Community Police Board summary of complaints to 12/13/99
Summary of Letters of Recognition for Police Action
CPB Complaint Review Process.
Respectfully submitted:
Pat Pryor, Chair ICPB
Nancy Falconer, Administrative Aide, ICPB
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