HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 CPB Annual ReportCITY OF ITHACA
521 West Seneca Street Ithaca, New York 14850
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD
Telephone: 607/275 -0799
COMMUNITY POLICE BOARD REPORT - 2009
In 2009, the Community Police Board (CPB) received 16 complaints from citizens
about interactions with police officers and over 45 compliments of their
interactions with them. In addition to accepting complaints and compliments
regarding the Ithaca City Police, CPB hears and rules on taxi license appeals. In
2009, the Board heard two appeals and, in both cases, upheld the original refusal
to grant a license. Below is a chart showing the numbers and findings of the
Board after complaint investigations were completed.
Referred Founded Unfounded Conciliated Withdrawn Inactive Open Total
2 6 2 2 2 1 16
This pattern is down from 2008, a year in which CPB received 20 complaints.
Complaint forms arrived throughout the year, with one or two complaints each
month. Continuing last year's trend, few complaints were related to excessive
noise.
Just as there was no clear pattern regarding dates and times, the circumstances
varied, as well. Encounters occurred during traffic stops, outside of
complainants' homes, while walking, and so on. The one thing shared by all is
the complainant's belief that s /he was treated by the police without appropriate
respect.
Two new commissioners joined the Board during the year. The Common Council
liaison changed a number of times. Now, Joel Zumoff fills this role. Currently,
CPB is down two regular commissioners and one Youth Member. There has
been difficulty successfully filling the Youth Member position. Although several
capable young people have been recruited to or volunteered for the position,
most fail to follow through with performing the duties of a commissioner.
Staff member of many years, Nancy Falconer, announced that she is leaving her
position with the Community Police Board.
Our office at GIAC moved with the GIAC staff to a temporary location at 521
West Seneca Street, while the building undergoes renovation. Construction is
scheduled to be completed in time for a move back mid -June 2010.
"An Equal Opportunity Employer with a commitment to workforce diversification."