02-22-12 Residential Neighborhoods & Health & Public Safety Committees

Home Browse Search

added that the police cannot be everywhere at once. He noted that some other apartment complexes have hired private security. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic wondered how many police cars were dispatched for each call alluding to the expense the City incurs as a result of calls, especially to oft troubled properties. Chief Boykins responded saying the dispatch depends upon the nature of the call i.e. medical, family dispute, loud noise, gunshots. Kyle Chamberlin asked the Chief if records were kept and available listing who called. Boykins said yes on both counts. Councilmember White said that obviously over 1500 calls to one complex is a serious unacceptable problem. Councilmember Valeria Schey wondered if apartment complexes with private security had fewer calls and did the police department meet with management to make suggestions. Boykins said the Police Department often meets with people to make suggestions such as curfew, lighting and neighborhood watch. Also, when repeat offenders or particularly "bad" tenants are identified the Police Department passes that information to apartment management. The Chief said problems at Courtyard were not confined to single units or perpetrators. Ann Carol -Nash, Assistant City Attorney, gave her account. She said that she last met with Courtyard Management in August 2010. She found the management to bee cooperative, more than forthcoming with recent efforts to address issues, noting a number of improvements. Leases have been "tightened." Applicants are more thoroughly screened using background checks resulting in over 50% being rejected. Additionally over 40 tenants were evicted. She said while the Legal Department works well with the SBPD Crime Prevention Bureau that she had not lately met.with them to discuss problems at Courtyard Place. Councilmember Dr. Fred Ferlic observed that whatever or however we communicate inter - departmentally is not working; suggesting a problem area this persistent might need a task force approach. Ann -Carol responded saying the system of communication is not broken. Councilmember White agreed with Dr. Ferlic's observation, that something different needs to be done to identify nuisance properties and formulate an effective "action plan" city -wide. Councilmember Schey agreed saying problems have to be identified, communicated among respective responsible departments and prioritized to effectively allocate resources. Ann -Carol Nash said it is important to verify nuisance complaints before the legal department can pursue remedy through application of ordinances already on the books.