07/20/2011 Board of Public Safety Meeting

Home Browse Search

PUBLIC AGENDA SESSION JULY 20, 2011 33 The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:07 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, 2011 with Board Members Patrick D. Cottrell, Laura Vasquez and Eddie Miller present. Board President Juanita Dempsey and Board Member Bruce BonDurant were absent. Also present were Police Chief Darryl Boykins, Fire Chief Howard Buchanon, 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: - Resolution No. 49 -2011 — Commendation to Andre Gammage Mr. Bodnar informed the Board that Andre Gammage contracts with the City as a Hearing Officer. He is being commended for saving a potential suicide victim's life along with Patrolmen Ron Glon and Kevin Gibbons, by talking to the individual and eventually pulling him off the edge of a bridge. Chief Boykins noted that Mr. Gammage was responsible for calling the Police for assistance. - Promotions to Patrolman 1St Class — Police Department Police Chief Darryl Boykins stated these three (3) patrolmen being promoted have all served three (3) years on the force, and all started as Patrolmen with the new rank system. - Promotions to Special Assignment — Police Department Chief Boykins stated both of these officers have served as sergeants a long time and both have done a very good job. He noted Sergeant Tim Lancaster served on the Family Violence Unit and Sergeant Joseph Galea served on the day shift and stepped up to do the detailing on that shift. Mr. Cottrell asked if they would be present. Chief Boykins stated they would be at the meeting. Employee of the Month — Police Department Chief Boykins informed the Board that Patrolman Ryan Hiipakka is being honored for his assistance in solving a burglary. When Long John Silver's Restaurant was robbed, Patrolman Hiipakka spotted and pursued the suspected vehicle that had been seen on video from a previous burglary at the restaurant. He called in for assistance and the vehicle was pursued, stopped and circled, and the suspects apprehended. Chief Boykins noted that Patrolman Hiipakka is also one of the Patrolmen being promoted to Patrolman 1St Class today. Monthly Statistical Analysis — June 2011 — Police Department Chief Boykins noted that burglaries are extremely high right now. He stated the team of officers working this detail is doing a great job of getting confessions out of suspects that lead to the resolution of other crimes. He noted the arrest of an out -of -state suspect often solves other crimes previously not known to be related. Duty Manual Changes — Fire Department Fire Chief Howard Buchanon stated the new Duty Manual includes changes to policies relate to Social Media, Tattoos, Hair, AWOL, Late Time, and Sick Time. He noted the new Late Time Policy allows four (4) late days before a letter of warning is sent, and on the fifth late day the individual will come before the Board of Safety. The change to the Sick Days Policy requires an individual to call in sick by 6:30 a.m.; an extension from the previous 5:00 a.m. deadline. Chief Buchanon noted the AWOL Policy has been amended to allow a Firefighter to come in to work if they call in to notify the Department that they overslept by 9:00 a.m. They will get charged a late day, but they will be able to work. Previously, the Chief noted, they were not allowed to come in to work at all if they overslept. Chief Buchanon stated the new policy on tattoos is based on the Police Department's policy and requires that all tattoos be covered completely. He noted arm tattoos require long - sleeves in the summer if visible with short- sleeves. Ms. Vasquez asked if they would be having a meeting with the Firemen to make them aware of the new policies. Chief Buchanon stated once the Board of Safety approved the changes, they would be distributed to all personnel and they will have a month to read and understand the policy changes. If there is a need, the Chief noted, they will have meetings in September to go over any issues. Chief Buchanon noted that these changes are mandatory, so the employees don't have a say in the issue. Mr. Miller questioned whether someone applying for either the Police or Fire Department would have a problem getting the job if they have obvious tattoos. Chief Boykins stated no, as long as they are able to be covered completely. Monthly Statistical Analysis — June 2011 — Fire Department Fire Chief Howard Buchanon noted that Station No. 3 surpassed all other stations on runs for