03/16/2011 Board of Public Safety Meeting

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PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION MARCH 16, 2011 13 The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:05 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2011 with President Juanita Dempsey and Board Members Patrick D. Cottrell, Bruce BonDurant, Laura Vasquez, and Eddie Miller present. Also present were Police Chief Darryl Boykins, Assistant Fire Chief James Lopez, and Board Attorney Thomas Bodnar. The meeting was held in the Board of Public Works Meeting Room, 13th Floor County City Building, South Bend, Indiana. Board members discussed the following items from that list: - Additions to the Agenda Mr. Bodnar noted the addition to the agenda of the Filing of Charges 2011 -02 and a request for resignation, both under the Police Department. - Promotion in Special Assignment Chief Boykins stated that Patrolman Kenneth Stuart has completed all necessary schooling, has no disciplinary problems, and will be a great asset to the Department in his new role as a Sergeant in the Training Division. He noted Patrolman Stuart will be responsible for keeping all department weapons in top shape, and will not be in command of anyone. - Employee of the Month Chief Boykins informed the Board that January's employee of the month, Patrolman Davin Hackett, while on duty, noticed a suspicious driver and took pursuit. The suspect drove to an apartment building and attempted to run inside. He was pursued by Patrolman Hackett, and when apprehended, the suspect was found to have in his possession a large amount of money and drugs. It was later determined that he was thought to have just come from a bank robbery in another town. Chief Boykins noted that had Patrolman Hackett not been aware of the driver acting suspiciously at the time, a potential bank robber might not have been apprehended. - Monthly Statistical Analysis Chief Boykins stated his department is putting young officers to work on burglaries due to these crimes being committed by young people the majority of the time. He noted the officers are doing a great job of apprehending suspects and reducing the burglary rate. Chief Boykins noted the Police Department is trying a lot of new procedures this year to reduce crime rates, and so far it is working great. - Filing of Charges 2011 -02 Mr. Bodnar informed the Board that the Charges filed against Sergeant James Walsh are a result of an off -duty arrest for suspected driving under the influence that occurred several months ago. The case was just concluded in court two to three weeks ago, and Sergeant Walsh was found guilty of the lesser charge of reckless driving. He noted Chief Boykins is asking for twenty -one days off, which the Board is being asked to approve. Mr. Bodnar stated that normally the Board would schedule a meeting the following week to possibly set a hearing. He informed the Board that when he checked Legal Counsel Joseph Simeri's calendar, he found no openings in the month of April. Mr. Bodnar stated this creates a problem if Sergeant Walsh requests a hearing because the hearing must be done within thirty days after the serving of Charges according to statute. Mr. Bodnar stated they will have to find another attorney to cover the hearing if one is requested. Chief Boykins stated Sergeam Walsh is not going to request a hearing if the Board agrees to the Chiefs recommended twenty -one (2 1) days suspension. Mr. Bodnar noted he will be out of town next week, but the Board should meet on March 23, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. to set a hearing if needed, and to approve the Findings of Fact. Mr. BonDurant, Mr. Cottrell, and Ms. Vasquez stated they could all be available to make a quorum for the meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, President Dempsey declared the meeting adjourned at 8:25 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY ,:= uanita Dempsey, President : �'