HomeMy WebLinkAbout2002 CPB Annual ReportCITY OF ITHACA
318 North Albany Street Ithaca, New York 14850
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD
Telephone: 607 /275 -0799
Annual Report
January, 2002- June, 2003
A4 A 51-rR-
The Community Police Board is charged with the responsibility to "act as community liaison to the
Police Department, actively fostering positive communication 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...."
Following is a brief summary of the activities of the Community Police Board (current membership
list attached) for the year 2002 and the first half of the year 2003.
NACOLE Membership
The Board voted to join the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement
( "NACOLE ".) NACOLE provides communication to the oversight community and other interested
persons through newsletters, conferences; trainings, news, and academic article dissemination.
NACOLE Conferences are venues where critical issues in police accountability are addressed.
Equally important, the conferences give the oversight community the chance to come together and
connect in "real time and space."
NACOLE holds an annual conference each autumn, and provides a great deal of information
regarding similar situations in other cities and communities through its daily email list serv.
We look forward to exploring new ways of learning from our peers through the services of NACOLE
over the coming year, including representation at its annual conference in 2004.
Commendations to Police Officers
The Board is regularly apprised of commendation letters, recognitions, etc., received by IPD in
reference to outstanding service provided by individuals within the department. Once we are aware,
we also send a note of recognition to the staff member. We believe this is an important part of being
a liaison between the department and the community.
CPB Annual Report -- 03.doc
New Commissioners
We have welcomed the appointment of three new members of the Community Police Board in the
past eighteen months: Dan Slattery, a former IPD Officer; Danny Whispell, a long -time member of
the community, and Casey Dill, a youth member. They have already proven to be valuable
contributors to the work that we do.
Police Chief Search Committee
Three members of the Community Police Board were very involved in the search process for Ithaca's
new Police Chief in the latter half of 2002. It was quite a lengthy and complicated process, and the
Board is pleased with Mayor Cohen's appointment of Chief Victor Loo. We have enjoyed a good
working relationship with the Chief, as well as with Deputy Chiefs Barnes and Signer.
Ride- Alongs
Each of the Commissioners participates in a ride -along with Officers on an annual basis (minimum,)
which has provided much insight into the everyday workings of protecting and serving our
community. This experience is valuable when investigating citizen complaints.
Police Station Equipment
The Board provided critical input in 2001 that resulted in the installation of video recording
equipment in the Intake sections of the Police Department so that processing of individuals brought to
the station might be better documented. There have been numerous technical and logistical
difficulties, some of which have yet to be resolved. We are hopeful this will be an effective tool in
conducting our investigations in the future.
Summary of 2002 Cases and Findings
Attached is a matrix that summarizes the case activity of the Community Police Board. A review
indicates that the number of complaints has trended downward over the past eighteen months. There
are no clear -cut answers as to why this is happening. It might be well to point out, however, that this
trend does not appear to be an exception to the national trend in communities where oversight groups
have been in place for some time. We believe we have been good stewards of the responsibility
placed on us to serve in this way.
Publicity and Tablings
Board members have been involved in numerous outreaches to our constituency during the past
eighteen months. This includes tabling at most major community and neighborhood events, festivals
on the Commons, speaking at various clubs and organizations about the work we do, and performing
a support role in the annual Pud's Run. On occasion, various media organizations in town have
cooperated in making the public aware of our work, and special community sessions that are held for
CPB Annual Report — 03.doc
the benefit of the general public. We have also discussed ways to get the word out more fully, and
would welcome any suggestions in this regard.
Summary
This year has been a year of growth for the Board. It has been rewarding experience, and I personally
want to recognize the hard work of each Commissioner, our Council Liaison, Pat Pryor, and our part-
time staff member, Nancy Falconer. We also appreciate the support that Mayor Cohen, and members
of the City Council have shown at numerous times along the way.
Res ectfully submitted,
�n
Bob Wigden U
Chair
Ithaca Community Police Board
CPB Annual Report -- 03.doc
CITY OF ITHACA
318 North Albany Street Ithaca, New York 14850
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD
Telephone: 60-,2-5-0-99
ITHACA CITY COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD
SUMMARY OF INVESTIGATIONS AND FINDINGS 1999 - 2003
with number of letters ocommendations to IPD
YEAR
Open at
Conciliated
Founded
Unfounded
Withdrawn
Total Opened
Letters to IPD
end of year
To 15
'
Aug.2003
5 at Aug 15
1
0
0
0
6
24
2002
0
1
4
9
0
14
20
2001
3
1
3
5
1
13
26
2000
6
0
3
10
3
22
51
1999
8
2
0.5
3.5
4
I
18
65
ITEMS FOR 2002 REPORT
Joined Nacole September of 2002, Explain what it is- does; Chair is voting member,
rest of Board are non voting members.
Went on city web site with description of Board's purpose and goals. Included is
public's ability to download the forms .
New brochure printed with updated items such as website info and some changes in
wording of discrimination policy., as well as info on newer forms where compliments can
be given as well as complaints.
Summary of commendations: 15
Summary of 2002 cases: 14 complaints received.
Findings, 9 un founded; 4 founded and 1 conciliated
,new members: Resignation of Sean Killeen because of move out of State. New
member, Daniel Whispell appointed in December, 2002.
ride alongs: Were scheduled so that each Board member went at least 1 X a month on
ridealong.
camera in station: I think this was in 2001 but haven't tracked it down yet.
publicity /tablings : continued as in prev years with balloons printed with CPB, and info
on CPB given out: at Applefest, Southside, Pud's run, GIAC festival.
police chief search: Three members took part in chief search by serving on committee.
police academy: ? ( how many) members attended the Police Academy- ? how many
sessions- goals.
New Computer, hooked into city system.
ITHACA COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD
SUMMARY OF COMPLAINTS AND DISPOSITIONS,
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YEAR
UNDER
INVESTIGAT
CONCILIAT
FOUND
UNFOUND
TAXI
APPEA
ION AT 12/20
ED
ED
ED
LICENSE
L
GRANTED
DENIE
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2003
1
2002
6
1
4
9
0
0
2001
3
1
3
5
0
0
2000
4
0
3
10
0
1
1999
6
2
0.5
3.5
0
1