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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-16-03 Informal Meeting email Zeport Informal Ataing of nit gout. 5:IMO b (Common Q ouuui1 The April 16, 2003 monthly Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council with City Department Heads was called to order by Council President Karen L. White at 4:03 p.m. in the Council Informal Meeting Room. Persons in attendance included Council Members Kelly, White, Varner, and Kirsits; Mayor Stephen Luecke, Police Chief Thomas Fautz, Uniform Division Chief Jim Hassig, Community Relations Division Chief Gary Horvath, Services Division Chief Richard R. Kilgore,Captain Phil Trent, SWAT Police Officer Keith Sweitzer, Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer, and Council Attorney Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand. Council President White welcomed everyone to the monthly Informal meeting with Department Heads and urged everyone to attend the 2nd lecture scheduled for this evening at 7 p.m. at the Century Center. She noted that the first lecture presented by William Hudnut, former Indianapolis Mayor was excellent, and was very well attended. Council President White then called upon the Director of the Division of Community Development Pam Meyer to provide an update on the Weed and Seed Program. Pam Meyer provided a spiral-bound book entitled "Weed & Seed 2001 South Bend, Indiana Application for Official Recognition (copy attached). She then reviewed a 3-page handout (copy attached) which summarized: What is Weed&Seed? Weed&Seed Process and Components Timeline South Bend Weed&Seed Alliance, Inc. Financial Resources Management Neighborhood Planning Process Ms. Meyer noted that the City has not heard officially whether they are a Weed & Seed (W & 5) which has a two-pronged approach, namely: "1) law enforcement/criminal justice cooperate to"weed out" criminals in designated areas; 2) social services & community/economic revitalization are brought in to "seed" the area to promote long term change and better quality of life for residents". She noted that there are(4) committees in place which would be aimed at providing"safe haven"in multiple sites within geographic areas. They are currently working on budget revisions and have been informally advised that will be a W & S. The City was to hear last September on the designation and they have been told that they have moved to the "award stage". $225,000 is the maximum amount which can be awarded. The City is not concerned that we are behind since the City is doing many of the items addressed as a W&S. In response to a question from Council President White, Chief Fautz stated that the "Volunteers in Policing"would not be a part of W&S, but rather would be focusing on much smaller geographic areas. Last month representatives from the City went to Indianapolis, and the Chief noted that he is not concerned that they are behind since they are doing many of the W&S activities. Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council April 16, 2003 Page 2 Pam Meyer stated that the W & S designation would be for a five-year period. Ms. Meyer then provided a 4-page handout entitled "Copperfield Status Report" (copy attached) and noted that there are no significant major problems that she is aware of on this project. Division Chief Gary Horvath noted that 60% of the municipalities who apply for the W & S official recognition do not receive approval. Police Chief Fautz then introduced Uniform Division Chief Jim Hassig who is an 18-year veteran on the South Bend Police Department; Captain Phil Trent, and SWAT Police Officer Keith Sweitzer. He noted that they have been instrumental along with Division Chief Horvath in studying the "use of force continuum" and have focused their attention on beanbag guns and tasers, as less than lethal options for the South Bend Police Department. Chief Fautz noted that the City of Indianapolis is going to such options. Chief Fautz noted that today's presentation is the last one, noting that the Board of Public Safety has seen the presentation and were receptive to it. He noted that the police department is considering phasing in these less than lethal g a options over a number ber of years. Video and power point presentations were then presented on the "takedown ower" of the advanced taser". Captain Phil Trent, SWAT Officer Keith Sweitzer and Division Chief Gary Horvath then provided several handouts to the Council, namely a 4-page handout entitled "Advanced Taser Summary with Q&A's";a 6-page handout from the Taser International website; a one-page breakdown of projected costs; and a 2-page draft of the "Use of Force Co „ Option- Conducted nducted Energy Weapons"(copies attached). It was noted that there are no contamination issues with the tasers, like there are with the pepper sprays, etc. The use of tasers would also reduce injuries sustained by police officers. 8-AAA batteries power a taser and it would be placed in a holster on the weak side of a police officer. The estimated cost for the equipment would be $200,000 for the entire police department; however the estimated cost savings to the department for a total tat de to ment would y ld be $50,000; with a cost savings of $25,000-$30,000 for a partial deployment and a similar savings in less injuries being sustained by police officers. Lt. Sweitzer then showed a video of the taser training school which he attended in Indianapolis, where over fifty (5) police officers from throughout rou hout . the state were in attendance.tendance The video showed Lt. Sweitzer being taken down by the taser which resulted in his immediate loss of muscle control and falling. It was noted that the advanced taser fires two (2) probes up to a distance of twenty-one feet (21'), with the probes being connected to the weapon by a high-voltage insulated wire. When the probes II make contact, the advanced taser transmits electrical pulses. The advanced taser can be used in water and a police officer is able to protect his or her weapon. The laser light and electrical charge were then demonstrated to the Council. An advanced taser and cartridge were then passed around the room. There may be secondary injuries when the person taken down by the taser fall to the ground. The normal transmission of electrical pulses is five (5) seconds. Chief Fautz noted that there is a data port on each advanced taser which records how many times it has been deployed. Lt. Sweitzer explained that when an advanced taser is deployed that confetti- like markers are evident.on the person being taken down. Chief Fautz stated that the"bear bones" Informal Meeting of the South Bend Common Council April 16, 2003 Page 3 number of advanced tasers being considered would be forty(40). Division Chief Horvath noted that discussions are ongoing for the possible to have an advanced taser at the front desk of the Police Department as well as in the Mayor's Office. He noted that such weapons would be in a lock box which could be opened by a secret code. Mayor Luecke inquired into the "life expectancy" of an advanced taser. Division Chief Horvath noted that this type of technology has been in effect since the Johnson Administration, however it has improved over the years. It is also being used on major airlines. He also noted that reports would be required to be filed with supervisors when advanced tasers have been deployed. Council Member Kelly voiced concern over having the advanced tasers in a locked box,noting that time is usually of the essence in such instances. He believes that having them in the Mayor's Office and the front desk at the Police Department are good ideas. Pam Meyer inquired whether these advanced tasers are available to the general public. It was noted that the 21-foot taser series are available only to law enforcement, however the 15-foot cartridge type taser are available to the general public. In response to questions from the Council Attorney, it was noted that the 1-sheet addressing the projected costs does not include any overtime costs for training. It was noted that much of the training may take place on duty on Sundays. It was also noted that it is not anticipated that the Duty Manual would be amended,and that a Special or General Order would be issued instead. In response to a question from Council President White, it was noted that the County Jail utilizes two (2) advanced tasers, and that there is no discount regardless of how many tasers are purchased. Council President White thanked everyone for their very informative presentation and then adjourned the meeting at 5:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council President Karen L. White SOUTH BEND COMMON COUNCIL KCF:kmf Attachments