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PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE
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The September 19, 1991 meeting of the Public Safety
Committee was called to order by its chairperson, Council
Member William Soderberg at 5:00 p.m. in the Council
informal meeting room.
Persons in attendance included Council Members: Duda,
Soderberg, Puzzella, Luecke, and Slavinskas; James Caldwell,
Division Chief Larry Bennett, Don Porter, Heather Salsick,
David Kirchner, Aneel Chabloni, John Glover, Grabriela
Villalba, and members of the News Media.
Council Member Soderberg noted that the purpose of the
meeting was to hear concerns from Notre Dame students. An
introduction of all individuals present then took place.
Aneel Chabloni stated that all of the individuals present
are seniors at the University of Notre Dame. They believe
that there is a safety issue and are coming to the City for
assistance. He then handed out an article from the
scholastic magazine entitled "Students vs Police?", which
highlighted an incident which took place at his home on
Notre Dame Ave. on August 23, 1991.
Council Member Puzzello noted that there is a problem with
crime, especially stolen property around the University
area. She also noted, however, that there is a problem
related to large parties of 300 or more individuals. Often
times offensive deeds take place, including offensive
language, noise, and urination on neighboring properties.
She also noted that parties that take place during the week
and the lack of cooperation with the neighborhood are all
very real problems.
Aneel Chabloni agreed that in some instances the items
outlined by Council Member Puzzello take place. The
students, however, are seeking assistance in security in
general for off-campus students. They see a polarization of
the police in the Notre Dame student population who live off
campus. The purpose of the request today is to establish
and promote better relationships, particularly with the
South Bend Police Department.
Jim Caldwell, the Mayor's Administrative Assistant, noted
that since the fall semester began that there have been two
major incidences involving the police. He stated that the
City is not interested in breaking up parties and that the
issue of theft has been a point of concern. He noted that
students should call the police department and if a problem
arises with regard to an officer that the Police Chief and
the Mayor's office should be notified. He stated that a new
system was implemented during student breaks to help deter
break-ins of student residences. He stated that the "Home
Watch Program" began last year and has been quite successful
to date. He did acknowledge that oftentimes Notre Dame
students are "prey to the neighborhood lowlifes".
He also noted that many Notre Dame students have given of
their time in many positive causes, such as Big Brothers,
Big Sisters, Christmas In April, helping the elderly, and
helping those with disabilities. He also noted that the
Notre Dame police department patrols in the five points
area, but cannot assist since they have no jurisdiction off
campus.
Gabriel Villalba noted that the students would like to
dispel the sterotypes. That police officers should tell the
students what violations are taking place and should not
yell or curse or push the students around.
Assistant Chief Bennett stated that the police department
are there to help. He noted that communication is a two-way
street and that in his twenty-three years the best
information is to use common sense. He stated that parties
should not spill into the yards nor onto porches.
Council Member Slavinskas stated that at a recent meeting of
the Area Plan Commission that a letter was quoted by the
President of the Town Council of Roseland stating that Notre
Dame Police would not respond at all off campus. Mr.
Caldwell was unaware of this letter.
Council Member Luecke noted that rights and responsibilities
must be taken seriously and that Notre Dame students should
be treated equally. He highlighted the N.E.S.T. Teams and
that any inappropriate behavior of City employees should be
brought to the attention of the Police Department and the
Common Council. He specifically wishes to dispel any
student verses police frictions.
Council Member Duda believes that with proper and
responsible behavior of all individuals that the City and
the students can work positively to promote better
relationships and improve security.
Council Member Soderberg noted that the Notre Dame students
were acting as responsible adults in bringing their concerns
to the governmental system. He stated that the City would
do all that is necessary to establish a better relationship.
Council Member Duda and James Caldwell suggested that the
students ride with the police to get a better understanding
of how the police respond when carrying out their
professional duties. Division Chief Bennett stated that he
would like to have a meeting at the Police Department so
that the students could have first hand working knowledge of
how the Department works. He noted that each fall Officers
come to campus for a meeting to discuss concerns which the
students may have. He noted that typically no one shows and
that, because of a lack of participation, these meetings
have not been successful.
Council Member Soderberg noted that he would like to
challenge the Notre Dame students and the South Bend Police
Department to build a quality working relationship. He
stated that as chairperson of the Public Safety Committee he
would continue to encourage open dialogue so that there is a
safe and secure area for students to live. It was then
suggested that a meeting be arranged between the Notre Dame
students at the Police Department within ten days to two
weeks to continue discussion.
There being no further business to come before the committee
the meeting was adjourned at 5:45 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Council Member William Soderberg, Chairperson
Public Safety Committee
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