09-06-16 Personnel and Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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He also asked what distances police are trained to discharge firearms from. Chief Ruzskowski responded twenty -five (25) feet and shorter. He also elaborated on the fact that the SBPD purchased on and off -duty holsters for officers to maintain their muscle memory on and off -duty. Chief Ruszkowski also added that the updated website would be completed by the end of September and the Duty Manual would be completed by the goal of Dec. 31St. The department also hopes to produce a dashboard with City IT to display various pertinent data to the public. In terms of 2017 challenges, Chief Ruszkowski highlighted recruiting as a primary goal of the department. Committee Chair White asked if the department aims to reach the budgeted two - hundred and sixty (260) officers maximum. Chief Ruszkowski recognized recruitment and retention as a definite challenge, but said the department has only reached that goal once before in all of his tenure. The department is attempting to recruit other certified officers to cut down on the amount of time it takes for an officer to join the force, among other recruitment innovations. The department is proud of the many updates it's made in regard to technology, computer dispatch systems, and tablet usage. In doing so, it's important to be able to communicate with PSAP and various other stakeholders to ensure all compliance standards are being met. The data will tangibly validate police presence in certain neighborhoods. Next, fleet replacement will continue to be a goal of the department and vehicles will be replaced on a five (5) year basis. Notre Dame home -games also pose a financial burden on the department due to the need for overtime hours and an entire additional shift for officers. The department anticipates all night games for the 2017 budget year which has significant budget implications. Chief Ruszkowski wants to collaborate with the Health & Public Safety committee to develop legislation that authorizes the department to access to private surveillance systems to help solve crimes. Unfortunately, Chief Ruszkowski notes there's currently not a lot of collaboration from local businesses and residents to help in that manner. In 2015, there were less arrests with more calls and more cases than the prior year. The department also has less complaints and uses of force than the prior year. Chief Ruszkowski applauds this outcome of the data. Statistics show ninety -nine percent (99 %) of SBPD uses of force do not result in complaint or injury. Committee Chair White inquired as whether or not the committee had questions. Councilmember Scott replied they'd wait until the end. Committee Chair White transitioned into the budget portion of the South Bend Police Department presentation.