11/19/2014 Board of Public Safety Minutes

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REGULAR MEETING NOVEMBER 19.2014 78 chosen to pin on their badges and the badges were pinned on the officers. Mayor Pete Buttigieg congratulated the new officers and welcomed them. He noted the Oath of Office has a lot of expectations written into it. Mayor Buttigieg stated that each officer has the city name onthe logo on their shirt, noting they act as officers on behalf of the city. He stated the stakes have never been higher on the success of the city. He congratulated and thanked the family members who make it possible for their loved ones to serve the City of South Bend. APPROVE PROMOTIONS TO PATROLMAN V CLASS - ROBERT ANTON - NATHAN GATES - TRAVIS TEAGUE In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that Patrolmen 2ntl Class Robert Anton, Nathan Gates, and Travis Teague be promoted in the rank of Patrolman I` Class effective December 14, 2014. Chief Teachman stated in a letter to the Board that all of the candidates have successfully completed three (3) years of service with the South Bend Police Department. Chief Teachman noted they have all perforated admirably. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the recommended promotions were approved. SET HEARING OF DISCIPLINARY CHARGES — THEODORE ROBERT In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman stated a letter was sent to Officer Theodore Robert on November 7, 2014 notifying him of the Chief's recommendation that he be terminated from employment with the South Bend Police Department, pursuant to IC 36- 8- 3 -4(b). Subsequently on November 7, 2014, Linda Martin, Clerk of the Board, sent a letter to Patrolman Robert notifying him of his right to a hearing of the charges by the Board of Public Safety. Patrolman Robert delivered a letter on November 10, 2014 to the Clerk of the Board, requesting a hearing. Attorney Doug Grimes was present and stated he had requested a preliminary hearing before the date is set for the hearing. He stated the dates of the pre - hearing will determine the date of the hearing. Attorney Cory Hamel stated that Indiana Code is very clear that the hearing date must be set fourteen (14) to thirty (30) days out from the date of the request for a hearing. Mr. Grimes stated the Board of Safety's Rules state a pre - hearing conference may be set. President Vasquez stated the Board has decided to set the pre -trial hearing for December 8, 2014, and the hearing for December 15 or 18, 2014 subject to confirmation. Therefore, upon a motion by Mr. Jones, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Hearing of Disciplinary Charges was approved for December 18, 2014, and the pre - hearing for December 8, 2014 subject to confirmation from the hearing Judge, Roland Chamblee. APPROVE REQUEST FOR VOLUNTARY DEMOTION TO PATROLMAN 1sT CLASS DAVID RYANS In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman, stated that Lieutenant David Ryan, has requested he be demoted to Patrolman in Class in order to return to the Uniform Patrol Division. Upon a motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the request for voluntary demotion was approved effective November 13, 2014. DISCUSS DRAFT CHANGE TO DUTY MANUAL GENERAL ORDERS — EYEWITNESS IDENTIFICATION AND SHOTSPOTTER POLICY Chief Teachman stated the main consideration with the Eyewitness Identification policy is that an officer not involved in the investigation be in charge of photographs and statements from witnesses. He noted further, that a narrative will be prepared for the officer interviewing witnesses. Chief Teachman stated one leading cause of wrongful identification is witness identification and they are trying to make sure the officer in charge of the interviews is not involved in the investigation. He noted that intentionally or not intentionally, those involved in the investigation can affect the answers of the witnesses. Chief Teachman added he will come back next month with a final form of the policy after the Board reviews the draft and makes any comments. Chief Teachman stated the shot spotter policy is currently in draft form drawn mostly from the manufacturer of the equipment. The policy will determine the procedure for taking the dispatch, and what the Police responsibility is in the field. Chief Teachman stated he gives a lot of credit to Assistant Chief Scott Ruszkowski for tailoring this policy to going to homes in the immediate proximity to the crime m talk to residents and show thetn the Police care about them and make them feel safe.