02-07-00 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Health and Public Safety Committee February 7, 2000 Page 3 therefore the training needs should not be combined. Daily training is ongoing and an increasing need of the department. Assistant Fire Chief Switalski stated that the software provider is over two (2)years late in providing upgrades for the Fire Department. Software should have been here in 1998. In response to a question from Council Member Aranowski, Chief Bennett stated that his department needs a computer specialist of their own. He cited examples of CAD, police reporting, etc where he wanted to retrieve information and was unable to do so. The Internet capability is not enough. Crime statistics to the Board of Public Safety have been delayed because his department needs more personnel in this area. In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak, Chief Bennett stating the staffing needs are sufficient at the present time, however his department is budgeted at 257 but he only has 249 officers currently. Seventy (70) officers could retire today and he anticipates a large number to retire in 2001. In response to a question from Council Member White, Chief Bennett stated that major recruiting efforts are underway to attempt to avoid bigger problems in the future. An added emphasis is currently underway to attract Black and Hispanics to the department, however recruiting is currently a nightmare both locally and nationally. The# 1 problem is the low pay in light of the dangers involved with a police career. In response to a question from Council Member Ujdak, Chief Bennett stated that the average educational testing is 12.9. The problems of recruitment now focus on results of polygraphs addressing theft, drugs, etc. Council President Pfeifer suggested that the Chief consider placing a picture of the first Black,the first Hispanic and the first woman police officer in the Police Department foyer. The Chief welcomed any assistance the Council could provide in this area. Council Member Kelly noted that he has ridden with the police officers in the past and would do so again. He said if a new facility is needed that he would work and take action to see that it was pursued. Chief Bennett stated that the building continues to poise a morale problem to the department. He also cited a morale problem which resulted when the Detective Bureau and DARE officers were not included in receiving new police vehicles. Several officers are driving junk and he does not understand why seniority on the department does not merit better cars for such officers. Chief Bennett stated that he would need an additional twenty (20) police units to properly address the current problems. He noted that fifty-five (55) police units are slated to be purchased in 2001,but those are for the Uniform Division. In response to several questions from Council Member Ujdak, Chief Bennett stated that he would be changing the upper echelon of the department and would be implementing a Gang Investigator position. The Chief stated that there is significant associated crime related to adult businesses and cited numerous examples of problems related to the ongoing series of articles currently appearing in irbt 3Jflr Zriblttt . Road rage and traffic problems are the 2d and 3rd tier complaint area for residents. Horrendous driving habits