01-06-95 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committee Report Health and Public Safety Committee January 6, 1995 • Page 2 Council Member Slavinskas stated that the argument is not over$700.00 but rather one of fairness. He stated that he would prefer that the Chief's have an option with regard to giving of obsolete equipment and that he hoped that through the process that something appropriate would be given upon retirement. In response to a question raised by Council Member Zakrzewski, Chief Marciniak noted that the cost of the guns which are currently being used by the Police Department were $658.00 with a trade-in. Chief Marciniak noted that the Common Council has been pro-public safety and pro-police for a long period of time. He noted that this is an emotional issue and that in some respects it is also a sentimental issue since officers depend upon their equipment as a matter of life and death and that it is not a matter of money. He stated that he understands Council Member Coleman's position however believes that since the State of Indiana sees no problem in giving their officers their service weapons upon retirement that the City of South Bend should continue giving their service weapons also upon retirement. He stated that the men and women that work for the South Bend Police Department are constantly trained with the handling care and discharge of the weapons and therefore safety should not be an issue.He stated that the Common Council made the right discussion in 1988 and that it should be continued. He stated that he believes that the large majority of the Police Department would prefer the weapon which they have used in the line of duty. Council Member Luecke noted that there is a difference between registration and a permit to carry a gun. Chief Marciniak noted that the State issues a a lifetime permit to officers upon 20 years of service after retirement. Sgt. Dave Hecklinski stated that part of his duties include the issuance of gun permits. He stated that typically approximately 500 to 600 gun permits are issued but in 1994,797 gun permits were issued with many if not most of the individuals receiving such permits not being trained at all into how to use such weapons. Chief Marciniak noted that in his discussions with the City Controller that between 16 to 20 city employees retire each year. Chief Taylor stated that he does not want fire helmets stacking up in the fire stations each year. Since the City purchased the new helmets as a result of OSHA regulations he believes that this is a fitting and appropriate retirement gift to Fire fighters upon 20 or more years of service to the City. Council Member Kelly appreciated the thoughts and ideas set forth by Council Member Coleman. He stated that officers are well trained and that he would prefer status quo by permitting officers to retain their service weapons upon retirement.He believes that an overall gift policy for retiring members of the Police and Fire Departments is proper and appropriate. He also noted that the Gun Control Ordinance which he authored required training and that he shares the same concern that Sgt. Hecklinski noted earlier in this area. Council Member Zakrzewski stated that he was that sponsor of the 1988 Ordinance and his position has not changed.In discussions with then Corporal Richard Redwine it was noted that police moral in 1988 was low and that it was not a matter of dollars and cents.