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Home My WebLink About2025 07-16 Board of Public Safety Meeting MinutesJULY 16.2025 51 I. REGULAR MEETING The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, July 16, 2025 with Board President Dan Jones, and Board Members Darryl Heller, Al Kirsits, and Pamela Claeys were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Assistant Fire Chief Mike Damiano, and Attorneys Danielle Campbell Weiss, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell, and Board Clerk Hillary Horvath. The meeting was held in the Council Chambers 41h Floor, County -City Bldg., 227 W. Jefferson Blvd., South Bend, Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link: hqps://tinMrl.com/2025BPSHybrid Attorney Weiss asked that everyone mute their microphone when not speaking and reminded attendees that comments from the public should be saved for the Privilege of the Floor portion of the meeting. Attorney Weiss then read through the agenda to note any additions or corrections. A. ROLL CALL OF MEMBERS Board President Dan Jones welcomed the public, called roll, and confirmed the presence of the Board Members. B. APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Upon a motion by Darryl Heller, seconded by Pam Claeys and carried by roll call, the Board approved the Minutes of the June 18, 2025, regular meeting. C. POLICE DEPARTMENT 1. APPROVE AND RESCIND SPECIAL POLICE COMMISSIONS In a letter to the Board, Chief Ruszkowski recommended that the following Special Police Commissions be issued for the newly hired employees for 2025 in the following departments: SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT It is my recommendation that the following South Bend Police Department personnel be commissioned as members of the South Bend Police Department Special Police Unit, but do not have the authority to be armed nor do they have powers of arrest: Public Service Officer Cassidy Tigrett Brenda Mcclung It is also requested that you rescind the special commission of Tracey Pittman, she is no longer employed as a Public Service Officer. Revision to June BPS Special Commission of Neighborhoods Division. Brittni Gendron was listed as DCI-Neighborhoods Enforcement Officer, but she is actually Animal Welfare Officer Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Darryl Heller and carried by roll call, the Board approved the special police commissions. 2. APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. 07-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPOINTING AN AGENT/CHIEF NEGOTIATOR TO REPRESENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE UPCOMING POLICE DEPARTMENT NEGOIATIONS RESOLUTION NO. 07-2025 A RESOLUTION OF THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA, APPOINTING AN AGENT/CHIEF NEGOTIATOR TO REPRESENT THE BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY FOR THE UPCOMING POLICE DEPARTMENTNEGOTIATIONS WHEREAS, the Board of Public Safety is the administrator of the Police Department and has the "exclusive control over all matters and property relating" to it and the authority to adopt the rules governing the Police Department pursuant to Indiana Code §36-8-3-2; and WHEREAS, pursuant to Indiana Code § 36-8-3-3(d), the Common Council has JULY 16.2025 52 until November 1, 2025, the exclusive authority to fix by ordinance the annual compensation for all members of the South Bend Police Department; and WHEREAS, the 2023-2025 Working Agreement between the City of South Bend and the Fraternal Order of Police South Bend Lodge No. 36 will expire on December 31, 2025; and WHEREAS, the Board of Public Safety desires to appoint a Chief Negotiator who would appoint his or her own advisory City Negotiating Team to represent it and to provide updates during executive sessions called for the purpose of discussing strategy with regard to collective bargaining pursuant to Indiana Code § 5-14-1.5-6.1(b)(2)(A); and WHEREAS, the Advisory City Negotiating Team shall not be considered a "governing body" or "public agency" under Indiana Code § 5-14-1.5-2; and WHEREAS, the City of South Bend Administration and the Board of Public Safety believe that this Resolution is in the best interest of promoting positive and harmonious labor negotiations. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of Public Safety of the City of South Bend, Indiana, as follows: Section I. The Board of Public Safety of the City of South Bend, Indiana hereby appoints the Corporation Counsel for the City of South Bend, or his/her designee, as its Agent for the upcoming labor negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police South Bend Lodge No. 36. The Corporation Counsel or his/her designee shall be the City's Chief Spokesperson and Chief Negotiator concerning all matters related to the working conditions and other matters addressed in the Working Agreement except the annual compensation of the police officers. Section II. Ever respectful of the Common Council's legitimate interest with respect to annual compensation, Corporation Counsel or his/her designee shall attempt to coordinate with the South Bend Common Council's designated Agent concerning strategy, negotiation times, scheduling of executive sessions, advisory team membership, and other matters pertaining to negotiations. Section III. This resolution shall be in full force and effect from this date until a Working Agreement is signed by this Board. Adopted this 16th day of July 2025. s/Daniel Jones, President s/Darryl Heller, Member s/Lee Ross, Member s/Alfred Kirsits, Member s/Pamela Claeys, Member ATTEST: s/Hillary Horvath/Clerk President Jones asked who Sandra Kennedy was. Attorney Connell stated she was corporation counsel. Attorney Wiess added she was the head of the City legal department and could appoint one (1) of the other City attorneys to represent in negotiations. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Darryl Heller and carried by roll call, the Board approved Resolution NO. 07-2025. 3. APPROVE LEXIPOL POLICIES 318 — Victim and Witness Assistance 701 — Personal Communication Devices 1007 — Personnel Complaints JULY 16.2025 53 Police Attorney Kylie Connell stated the above Lexipol polices were submitted for review and the May 21, 2025 Board of Safety Meeting and is now asking for approval. Ms. Claeys pointed out several grammatical among errors among the Lexipol Policies and Attorney Connell made note to correct them. For 318 Ms. Claeys asked who the Crime Victim Liaison was. Attorney Connell stated it was the point of contact for victims and is more commonly referred to as victim advocates. This advocate is typically in the detective unit, the special victims unit, and/or prosecutor's office. For 318 Mr. Heller asked for clarification about what the UVs and TVs are. Attorney Connell clarified they are U Visa and T Visas for immigration status for victims of crimes that qualify someone for immigration status after more violent or sexual crimes such as assaults, rapes, and human trafficking. She noted that part of the approval process is having the police department or prosecutor's office sign off that they were a victim in a case and there is an existing report. For 701 Mr. Heller asked if there was a reason a personal device would be used for work - related tasks. Chief Ruszkowski stated there were very few reasons to use a personal phone for work. For 701 Mr. Kirsits asked if officers are given stipends for phones or issued phones by the department. Chief Ruszkowski said very few have stipends for phones and those in the detective and special units are issued a phone. For 1007 Ms. Claeys asked how often personnel complaint forms in other languages were used. Attorney Connell stated it was very rare and could only recall once in the past year. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Darryl Heller, Lexipol policy 318 was accepted. Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Darryl Heller, Lexipol policy 701 was accepted. Upon a motion by Darryl Heller, seconded by Pam Claeys, Lexipol policy 1007 was accepted. 4. FILE QUARTERLY REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED SCHOOLS Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the 2nd Quarter report for specialized training and travel associated with members of the SBPD. Chief Ruszkowski stated the expense total for this quarter was $43,692.69 Ms. Claeys noted there were a couple categories with zero (0) training hours. Chief Ruszkowski stated those were civilians who received credit and certification but they did not get tracked as hours for Indiana Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) purposes. A few of the other zero (0) training hours were officers who traveled out west to go look at and learn about potential tech for the department, but it was not formal training. Mr. Kirsits emphasized the importance of the future of technology in the fire and police departments. Chief Ruszkowski agreed and stated drones could be used in the near future. JULY 16.2025 54 Q —00 A wrt W 5pe1a11ee05[hp.N Q2 2025 (April 1st -June 30th) xm•w. �fmnma �..�-..�..... ..� ai...w.� uumx yaxm � i a s Ham s mm t rsw �wsansw•unswi�,f•nr antlm..-. niu �� iw � rm Hurt. wxm nvtvm • a o s imw r lwiw s smm f V>•.m. toawl, �. w�l Io•�I. x..n �m•rpwveweomm� lopani, em,ao.e..reon uame m. vmxt VW ro n. c sari f .Ei,.w _ - f s w f .u�iw. cye ran-n rn xaww W.wt nwtw w s w s tn�m f �w.m i �Emw s iEmm •s�tm fye•rWf nnrv'nwn.m•lmiW >•a•+i r. .-- _ F vuvma >.xfrm v E • � ><_ -_ s _._� � �� sam t a:. S Issc ). aari4 owrtnmhkbo p.+vr�.�, r e p nny,n Wax Wms r � m s sawm s sm t uww s a¢w i �a=+f a�^an•vxl �n�ior .nen.n rpaga n..wew tA� ws mm�f w� n t uwca t rAcs,w t s,sue0 S 2]tl.M 5 9,Niu 5 q+tam 5. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR JUNE 2025 Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for June 2025. He noted an overall eight percent (8%) decrease in the grand total of Part 1 Offenses when comparing June 2024 to June 2025. Chief Ruszkowski asked people not to blindly believe the media headlines without understanding the stats as the headlines alone could be deceiving. He emphasized the importance of the department trying to be transparent. The JUNE 2025 analysis im as fellows: YEAR TO DATE PART 1 OFFENSF 2024 Imo' CHANGE 2024 2025 CHANCz HOMICIDE 2 1 -1 5 1 -4 JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE' 1 -1 2 2 0 RAPE 12 7 -5 36 42 6 ROBBERY 16 4 -12 109 67 -42 AGGRAVATED ASSLT 122 96 -26 561 492 -69 BURGLARY RES 38 37 -1 199 152 -47 BURGLARY NON RES 17 24 7 SB 91 3 LARCENY 177 189 12 903 957 54 MOTOR VEH THEFT 59 30 -29 231 166 -65 ARSONS S 5 -3 20 22 2 GRAND TOTAL 451 393 58 2152 1990 -162 Ras tfuq submitted, �R k Chief of Police Month: JUNE 2425 PART 1 OFFENSES 2024 2025 CHANGE HOMICIDE 6 1 -80% JUSTIFIABLE HOMICIDE' 2 2 0% RAPE 36 42 17% ROBBERY 109 67 -39% AGGRAVATED ASSLT S61 492 -12% BURGLARY RES. 199 152 -24% BURGLARY NON RES. 88 91 3% LARCENY 903 957 fi% MOTOR VEH THEFT 231 166 -28% ARSONS 20 22 10% GRAND TOTAL 2152 1990 -8°1t€� -13% CHANGE IN PART 1 CRIMES THROUGH JUNE 2025 ' This number does not go into the totals as it is not a crime, D. FIRE DEPARTMENT 1. RECEIVE LEXIPOL POLICIES 301 Emergency Response 304 Safely Surrendered Baby Law Attorney Adam Taylor gave a brief description of the Lexipol policies and changes such JULY 16.2025 55 as more time for a parent to make a decision on surrendering a baby in 304 and state law in 301. For policy 304, Attorney Weiss mentioned the limited space in the baby box. Mr. Kirsits noted the box is on alarm system and triggers employees to rush to the box to tend to the surrendered baby. Upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Darryl Heller, Lexipol policy 304 was accepted. For policy 301, Attorney Taylor noted the attempt to address emergency responses such as safe driving procedures and siren use. He noted a new section that just deals with railroad crossings and references state law. Lexipol policy 301 was received instead of accepted in order to have more time to review the policy. 2. FILE QUARTERLY REPORT FOR TRAVEL AND TRAINING EXPENSES Chief Buchanon submitted the quarterly report for travel and training expenses which totaled $2,422. Assistant Chief Mike Damiano was available to answer questions for the board in Chief Buchanon's absence. Ms. Claeys noted it seemed like there wasn't a lot of training. Assistant Chief Damiano stated a lot of it was done in-house at the station and sometimes not tracked until the end. Mr. Heller asked what peer fitness training is. Assistant Chief Damiano stated it was certified instructors working with recruits in the recruit academy on physical training. He emphasized that peer training helps prevent injuries down the road. SOUTH BEND FIRE DEPARTMENT Quarterly Travel d Training E x pe nxs: Apr I W une 2025 '* GrJ R. Bneharron, Fire Chler MONTHLY FXPFNSF 11MUSOFATTENOM t1ESTINATION JUSTIFICATION COST j EXKNSES 61C Chris Baker Hwuan, T% Indiana National Guard $1689.on May - pSBq Cant- Brent Varrih—a May r9-23 Teaaa $area Training Aldaim, W.I. meal. June $833 Chief Buchanon indlanap011S, IN Board Meeting $W 611812025 Indiana Flra Chiefs Assoc. meal perdiem FF Bevan LalGla Hollywood, FL EMS Conference sponsored by W3 J une 8-3 I ndla ma DIstrlct 7 Healthcare meal perdiern Paige Burkus, 5. DeC yter, T. King, W-tield, IN S3e6 Peer Fitness Tra Icing T. McGrath, TP1atz,A Tuttle 611612e25 meal perdiem QUARTER TOTAL • $2,422 3. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT JUNE 2025 Chief Buchanon submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for June 2025. Ms. Claeys asked how 1000 inspections were done in a month. Assistant Chief Damiano stated they have been very busy and the inspectors are making several inspections a day for facilities that require that licensing. He noted there are also firefighters that do inspections on their day off in addition to the full-time inspectors. He stated the Brycer System has also assisted in compliance with reports and follow ups. JULY 16.2025 56 TO: BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY FROM: CARL R BUCHANON, CHIEF RE: JUNE 2025 - MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS DATE: IULY 2025 JUNE JUNE 2024 2025 STRUCTURE FIRFS Property Damage-6ai -91 & CO teats (Estimates) $214,400 $107,192 rrW4 C KIN CdVISON 1241napeeti— 65B laspatinas 533 ReiasP.m.. IMVESTIGATION DNisON 19 13 lavcatigations lnveatiyatiaas I Incendiary 3 lueeadiary 4 A-idtntai 9 Accidental 6 Undetcrmioed 0 Nanxral 2 Uoder [nveatigadon 2 Uadetcrminrd E. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Attorney Weiss reminded the public to use the hand -raising function of Microsoft Teams to indicate their desire to speak during Privilege of the Floor. She reminded attendees that they would be allotted three (3) minutes to speak. No one wished to speak. F. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits, and carried by roll call, the meeting was adjourned at 10:02 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY 9)CC4 0—r— Daniel Jones, President Darryl Heller, Member 0` 1�nl Ross Lee, Member � ?;� L Al Kirsits, Member 1 o &`' yaf Pamela Claeys, Member ATTEST: XA '( Amd Hillary Horvath, Clerk