HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-25-04 Health & Public Safety Health and Public Safety Committee
Committee Report
The October 25, 2004 meeting of the Health and Public Safety Committee was called to
order by its Chairperson,Council Member Ann Puzzello at 4:30 p.m.
Persons in attendance included Council Member Puzzello, Pfeifer, Kelly, Kuspa, Kirsits,
Coleman, and White; Mayor Stephen J. Luecke, Manager of Secretarial Services Mary Ann
Myers, City Clerk John Voorde,Rita Kopola, Sgt. Dave Newton,Community Relations Division
Chief Gary Horvath and Kathleen Cekanski-Farrand,Council Attorney.
Council Member Puzzello noted that the members of the Committee included Council
Members Kirsits,Dieter,Kelly and herself. She stated that she called the Committee meeting so
that the Police Administration could give a presentation on CALEA.
Community Relations Division Chief Gary stated that CALEA stands for "Commission
on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies". He stated that they had briefed the Mayor
about this system which professionalizes departments through an accreditation process.
Sgt. Dave Newton then presented a power point presentation and showed a video on
CALEA. He noted that it develops a"brand image". The accreditation process takes 2-3 years
and that they are looking at monies within their current budget. CALEA began in 1979 and
develops "universal law enforcement standards and expectations". It requires a self-assessment
of the department; a mock assessment of the department; an on-site assessment; and the
development of community review policies. Once accreditation is received it must be updated
every three(3)years. The process is designed to increase citizen awareness, develop confidence,
and enhance efficiency. CALEA helps develop "what to do" and leaves to the department"how
to do it".
CALEA standards involve a statement; commentary; and level of compliance. South
Bend would be a "D" agency based on its size. There are 439 standards in 39 chapters in
Version#4 of CALEA; of which 349 of the standards are mandatory; and 90 of the standards are
optional. It helps control liability and possibly would lower pay-outs. CALEA certified
departments may have a stronger defense in civil law suits and provides assistance to
government officers. It also requires the updating of SOP's and the Duty Manual. INPAC
support would be provided and there would be six(6)training sessions per year.
CALEA fees include:
$ 250.00 Application fee
$13,075.00 Fee for certification process
$ 7,395.00 Maintenance fees
Some of the cities in Indiana that are CALEA certified include Evansville, Kokomo, and
Michigan City; with Fort Wayne having let their certification lapse. Elkhart County Sheriff's
Department is also certified by CALEA. CALEA is run from Fairfax,Virginia.
Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting of October 25,2004 Page 1
dean and Public Safety Committee
Community Relations Division Chief Gary stated that CALEA "makes allot of sense",
and cited"use of force"national standards as an example. The Police Department would like to
kick off the program by January 1,2005.
Council Member Puzzello suggested that the police department should consider
preparing a video which could be shown to the public on various "use of force" techniques so
that there is a better understanding of training and education in this area; and specifically noted
that many questions have been raised about the proper use of stun guns.
Chief Horvath stated that "change is controversial". The department held their first
"media academy"on"use of force".
Dr. Varner inquired whether "testing" was part of the CALEA certification process.
Chief Horvath stated that it was,however it was optional and that they would prefer evaluations.
Council Member Kirsits noted that there are at least seven (7) similar-type agencies on
the fire side. He noted that fire personnel look to NFPA and OSHA for guidance and standards.
He inquired whether there are other police accreditation companies.
Sgt. Newton stated that there are at least two (2) other private organizations in this area.
Chief Horvath stated that ILEA provides a fifteen (15) week program, however it is very basic;
and noted that the Indiana Police Academy is thought of highly.
Council President White inquired about the levels of accountability in the CALEA
program. She noted that in light of the lateness of time, she would like a formal response to:
-the role of the Board of Public Safety and the CALEA process
-the time frame and all of the steps involved in the CALEA process
- more detail on the proposed dollars which the police department believes it can
use from their 2005 budget and how the department plans to pay for the other
ongoing CALEA costs.
Chief Horvath noted that the overall CALEA process would take 2-3 years.
Council Member Puzzello thanked Chief Horvath and Sgt. Newton for the information.
She then adjourned the committee meeting at 5:08 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member Ann Puzzello, Chairperson
Health and Public Safety Committee
Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting of October 25,2004 Page 2