10-25-04 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

Home Browse Search

Health and Public Safety Committee Committee Report The October 25, 2004 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to order by its Chairperson,Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:30 p.m. Persons in attendance included Council Member Puzzello, Pfeifer, Kelly, Kuspa, Kirsits, Coleman, and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Manager of Secretarial Services Mary Ann Myers, City Clerk John Voorde,Rita Kopola, Sgt. Dave Newton,Community Relations Division Chief Gary Horvath and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney. Council Member Puzzello noted that the members of the Committee included Council Members Kirsits,Dieter,Kelly and herself. She stated that she called the Committee meeting so that the Police Administration could give a presentation on CALEA. Community Relations Division Chief Gary stated that CALEA stands for "Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies". He stated that they had briefed the Mayor about this system which professionalizes departments through an accreditation process. Sgt. Dave Newton then presented a power point presentation and showed a video on CALEA. He noted that it develops a"brand image". The accreditation process takes 2-3 years and that they are looking at monies within their current budget. CALEA began in 1979 and develops "universal law enforcement standards and expectations". It requires a self-assessment of the department; a mock assessment of the department; an on-site assessment; and the development of community review policies. Once accreditation is received it must be updated every three(3)years. The process is designed to increase citizen awareness, develop confidence, and enhance efficiency. CALEA helps develop "what to do" and leaves to the department"how to do it". CALEA standards involve a statement; commentary; and level of compliance. South Bend would be a "D" agency based on its size. There are 439 standards in 39 chapters in Version#4 of CALEA; of which 349 of the standards are mandatory; and 90 of the standards are optional. It helps control liability and possibly would lower pay-outs. CALEA certified departments may have a stronger defense in civil law suits and provides assistance to government officers. It also requires the updating of SOP's and the Duty Manual. INPAC support would be provided and there would be six(6)training sessions per year. CALEA fees include: $ 250.00 Application fee $13,075.00 Fee for certification process $ 7,395.00 Maintenance fees Some of the cities in Indiana that are CALEA certified include Evansville, Kokomo, and Michigan City; with Fort Wayne having let their certification lapse. Elkhart County Sheriff's Department is also certified by CALEA. CALEA is run from Fairfax,Virginia. Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting of October 25,2004 Page 1