09/18/13 Board of Public Safety Meeting Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING SEPTEMBER 18, 2013 76 made by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the Chief s recommended permanent promotion was approved effective September 19, 2013. ACCEPT AND APPROVE RETIREMENT — DELMAR J VOHS President Cottrell advised that Police Chief Ronald Teachman has submitted to the Board the Application and Declaration for Retirement for Patrolman Delmar J. Vohs effective September 20, 2013. Chief Teachman noted that he has served the Department with loyalty and distinction during the last twenty (20) years, eight (8) months, and thirty (30) days. Chief Teachman joined the Board in thanking him for his years of service with the South Bend Police Department and the citizens of South Bend, and wishing him success in his new endeavors. Upon a motion made by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the application for retirement was accepted and approved. ACCEPT AND APPROVE RESIGNATION — TEDARIO DUES In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman advised he is in receipt of a letter of resignation from Patrolman Tedario Dues in which he tenders his resignation from the South Bend Police Department, effective August 29, 2013. Chief Teachman stated in his letter, that Patrolman Dues was sworn on the South Bend Police Department on November 14, 2012. Upon a motion made by Ms. Vasquez seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the resignation was accepted and approved. DISCUSSION REGARDING CITY TOWING LIST Mr. Cottrell read a Memorandum to the Board from Attorney Cory Hamel clarifying the towing resolution. Mr. Hamel stated he prepared the letter in an attempt to clear up confusion on the part of the Board members and the towing companies. He stated he has extra copies for anyone present that would like one, and will answer any questions after the meeting. The Board accepted the Memorandum for filing. TABLE NEW GENERAL ORDERS REGARDING TAKE -HOME VEHICLE POLICY Mr. Cottrell stated the Board would table the Take Home Vehicle Policy until their next meeting. APPROVE 2013 HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT HOURS In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman requested the Board approve Thursday, October 31, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.to be the official City of South Bend trick or treat hours. Upon a motion by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the hours and date were approved as noted above. TABLE RECOMMENATION OF CHANGES TO POLICIES President Cottrell stated at the last Board meeting, the Board discussed four (4) recommended changes to City policy, a direct result of a Hearing the Board held recently. The Board of Safety recommended that the City consider the following changes: 1. Hiring, or appointing, an individual to serve as an investigator to examine complaints and allegations of employee misconduct filed by City employees and citizens. 2. The Police Department have a second Internal Affairs investigator, preferably a female officer, to investigate matters where there is a female complainant who would prefer to speak with a female investigator about her complaint against a police officer and in cases where one of the investigators may have a conflict of interest. 3. The Board of Safety be advised, as soon as reasonably possible, on all disciplines after the Police Chief or Fire Chief is made aware of such incident. Information concerning major matters need not be detailed, but enough information provided so that the Board is aware of the issues without prejudicing the Board in any way in any subsequent hearing which may occur. The purpose is that the Board should not have to hear of a significant event involving a police officer or firefighter's alleged misconduct from the new media. 4. Whenever police officers or firefighters complain in writing about work conditions or fellow officers or personal or unfair treatment toward themselves, a written answer should be given from the officer's division Chief, within a reasonable time, which the Board recommends be within thirty (3) days. Chief Teachman stated he read the recommendations but had no comment at this time. Attorney Cory Hamel acknowledged receipt also and stated he will review and make a recommendation to the Board later. Mr. Cottrell stated the Board would table this item.