10/15/2014 Board of Public Safety Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING OCTOBER 15 2014 71 is based on language adopted from a lot of national policies and changes in the law. Captain Hanley stated currently the Police cannot make an arrest for a theft under $750.00 or a prior conviction on the part of the suspect. He noted he would like to see that lowered to at least $100.00, but preferably $50.00. He explained the ultimate goal is for the prosecution of criminals and he has been working with the Prosecutor's Office to prosecute, and with stores to put ownership back on them to help identify the criminals. Captain Hanley passed out pamphlets he is proposing to distribute to businesses on the process of Retail Theft and proposed new Police Security Reports. He noted if the policy is approved, it will be adopted locally by the County also. He added he has discussed the proposed policy with them and at least thirty (30) other loss prevention individuals, and is open to discussion with businesses and officers regarding any aspect of what the Police Department is trying to achieve. Ms. Vasquez asked how he will contact the store owners. Captain Hanley stated it's been suggested that they use VIP's to distribute the fliers and offer training on multiple dates. He noted the form will also be available on their website. He stated it will save time on the officer's as well as the Prosecutor's Office, APPROVE HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT HOURS In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended Halloween Trick or Treat hours be held on October 31, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. President Vasquez noted the Chief recognized that will fall on a Friday and the Police Department will staff appropriately to cover. Upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the date and hours were approved as outlined above. ACCEPT RECOMMENDATION FOR EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH — AUGUST — TIMOTHY CICHOWICZ In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman stated that Patrolman Timothy Cichowicz was selected as Employee of the Month for August, 2014. The award is to recognize officers, civilian employees, on the South Bend Police Department who have demonstrated actions noted by supervisors or citizens from both a professional law enforcement position and in support of the community policing efforts with citizens of South Bend. Chief Teachman stated on August 7, 2014, Patrolman Timothy Cichowicz responded to a call at a CVS on Western Avenue to assist in the arrest of a suspect. He recognized the suspect as a suspect in several other crimes. Patrolman Cichowicz put together information that led to at least four (4) other crimes that were committed by this suspect. There being no further discussion, the Board accepted the recommendation of Employee of the Month as outlined above. ACCEPT AND FILE DONATION TO SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT Chief Teachman, Police Department, advised the Board of a generous donation of a large number of books and other school supplies from the Galien School system for distribution in the Police Department's Hispanic Outreach program. He noted the books will be passed on to La Casa de Amistad and other organizations. There being no further discussion, the donations were accepted and filed. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — SEPTEMBER 2014 President Vasquez stated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the statistical analysis report for the month of September 2014, as submitted by the Police Department, would be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for filing: SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER YEAR TO DATE PART i OFFENSES 2013 2014 CHANGE 2013 2014 CHANGE MURDER 1 1 0 6 13 + 7 RAPE 9 9 0 68 76 + 8 ROBBERY 32 24 8 260 223 - 37 AGGRAVATED 16 15 1 146 175 + 29 ASSAULT BURGLARY RESIDENT 94 68 26 794 636 - 158 BURGLARY NON RESIDENT 28 29 + 1 230 207 23 LARCENY 299 297 2 2297 2307 + 10 MOTOR VEHICLE 28 27 1 236 223 - 13 THEFT ARSONS 3 3 0 21 23 + 2