HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026 02-18 BPS Meeting Minutes - FinalFEBRUARY 18, 2026 6
I.REGULAR MEETING
The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9: 15 a.m. on Wednesday,
February 18, 2026 with Board President Dan Jones, and Board Members Al Kirsits, Pamela
Claeys, and Charles King III were present. Also, Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski, Fire Chief Carl
Buchanon, and Attorneys Tom Panowicz, Adam Taylor, Kylie Connell and Board Clerk
Hillary Horvath were in attendance. The meeting was held on the Council Chambers 3rd
Floor, South Bend City Hall Bldg., 215 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Blvd., South Bend,
Indiana and virtually via Microsoft Teams at the following link:
https://tinyurl.com/2025-2026-BPS
Attorney Panowicz 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 Panowicz 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 Pam Claeys, seconded by Al Kirsits and carried by roll call, the Board
approved the Minutes of January 21, 2026, regular meeting.
C.POLICE DEPARTMENT
1.ACKNOWLEDGE YEARS OF SERVICE
Jose Aguilar
Daniel Lawecki
Chief Ruszkowski stated the above officers have retired from SBPD. Chief noted
that Officer Aguilar was a lateral officer with a retirement date of January 24, 2026
and Officer Lawecki served over twenty-five (25) years with a retirement date of
February 6, 2026Chief Ruszkowski asked the Board to join him, wishing them
success in their endeavors, along with thanking them for their many years of
service with the SBPD.
2.APPROVE LEXIPOL POLICES
334 - Public Safety Video System
606 – Unmanned Aerial System
Attorney Kylie Connell provided a brief overview of the Lexipol policies, explaining
that the software incorporates best practices and legal updates and is used to
determine which changes the Police Department will implement. Attorney Connell
further stated that Policies 334 and 606 are being presented for approval due to
recent revisions and updates.
Attorney Connell explained that, due to rapidly evolving technology and the
implementation of the Real Time Crime Center, the Police Department is updating
Policies 334 and 606 to better align with current practices and equipment.
Policy 334 (Public Safety Video System) includes a minor revision adding
unmanned aerial systems (drones) so live drone footage may be monitored through
the Real Time Crime Center. Policy 606 (Unmanned Aerial Systems) updates the
authorization process to reflect actual operations, clarifies that drone use will
follow Policy 334 and FAA regulations (including potential nighttime deployment),
removes outdated or misleading warrant language while maintaining constitutional
protections, and adds a definition for “drone as a first responder.” The department
is exploring this technology for priority 911 calls, as drones may reach incident
scenes more quickly than responding personnel. Approval of the policy revisions
FEBRUARY 18, 2026 7
was requested.
Attorney Connell explained that drones have recording capability, and any footage
captured is treated similarly to other public-safety cameras. Routine recordings in
permitted public areas are considered standard security video and are retained for
a set period before deletion, while footage identified as evidence is preserved for
longer according to retention requirements.
Chief Ruszkowski clarified the distinction between routine monitoring and
investigative surveillance: drones will not be used in areas requiring a warrant
without obtaining one, and constitutional protections remain in place. At the time a
recording is made, personnel classify the footage in the system, which determines
how long it is stored and whether it must be preserved as part of a criminal case.
Upon a motion by Al Kirsits, seconded by Pam Claeys and carried by roll call, the
Board approved the Lexipol Polices 334 and 606.
3. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR JANUARY 2026
Police Chief Scott Ruszkowski submitted the January 2026 Monthly Statistical
Report and noted that, for the first time in several years, there was a 4% monthly
increase in Part I crimes. The most significant change was homicides, which rose
from zero to three incidents. There were also notable increases in residential
burglaries (up 79%) and non-residential burglaries (up 400%). No arsons were
reported. Chief Ruszkowski indicated the burglary increases were likely related to
the holiday season, when residents were away and returned to discover incidents
had occurred. Chief also noted that rapes had a decrease as well for the past 2
months.
FEBRUARY 18, 2026 8
D. FIRE DEPARTMENT
1. FILE MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT FOR JANUARY 2026
Chief Buchanon submitted the monthly statistical analysis report for January 2026.
Chief reported that the department’s monthly statistical report had been overly
streamlined and will be expanded to include clearer explanations and year-to-year
comparisons so the Board can better understand the data.
Chief noted in January 2026, the department responded to 2,060 calls, including 24
fires, 1,479 EMS calls, and 557 other incidents (such as alarms, rescues, hazmat, and
public assistance). There were also 52 false alarms. The department continues
proactive fire-prevention efforts, including smoke alarm and carbon monoxide
detector installation and follow-up visits to residents, often supported by partners
like the American Red Cross and donated equipment.
Pam Claeys asked if FD informed residents and businesses that these safety
measures and the city’s ISO Class 1 rating may help with insurance discounts. Chief
Buchanon noted they do inform the residents and businesses to reach out and
inform there insurance providers of there safety measures.
The Chief emphasized a focus on prevention rather than only response and agreed
to include additional reporting details, including activity by individual fire stations,
to help identify service trends and planning needs.
FEBRUARY 18, 2026 9
E. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR
Attorney Panowicz reminded the public to use the hand-raising function of Microsoft
Teams to indicate their desire to speak during Privilege of the Floor. He reminded
attendees that they would be allotted three (3) minutes to speak.
Board Member Pam Claeys thanked the South Bend Police Department for
assisting with the St. Margaret’s House Winter Walk, noting the event raised
approximately $70,000, exceeding the previous year. Pam also acknowledged that
the state legislature passed a law recognizing firefighters who die from cancer as
line-of-duty deaths. Chief Buchanon confirmed the law was passed and noted it has
been a long time coming.
Attorney Tom Panowicz concluded the meeting with the introduction and
welcome of new board member Pastor Charles King III.
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
9:51 a.m.
BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY
Daniel Jones, President
______________________________
Al Kirsits, Member
______________________________
Pamela Claeys, Member
______________________________
Charles King III, Member
ATTEST:
___________________________
Hillary Horvath, Clerk