Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/21/13 Board of Public Safety Meeting MinutesAGENDA REVIEW SESSION AUGUST 21 2013 65 The Board of Public Safety met in the Agenda Review Session at 8:07 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, with Board President Patrick D. Cottrell, and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor present. Board member Laura Vasquez was absent. Also present were Attorney Cory Hamel, Police Chief Ronald Teachman, and Fire Chief Stephen Cox. The meeting was held in Classroom No. 1, Central Fire Station, 1222 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana. Board members discussed the following items from the agenda: - Swearing In of Probationary Firefighters Fire Chief Steve Cox stated the Fire Department started with nine individuals, however one (1) didn't meet the academic requirements and one didn't meet the medical qualifications. He stated they are keeping her on light duty until she gets medically sound and can complete all of her testing at which time she will be brought back for swearing in. Chief Cox noted she has almost completed all of the required training. - PERF Buy -Back Confirmation Letter — Fire Department Fire Chief Steve Cox stated Captain Brad Fuelling has provided the Board with a letter from PERF confirming his buy back of time, as requested by Mr. Taylor when the Board approved his retirement at their last Board meeting. - Permanent Promotion — Police Department Police Chief Ronald Teachman stated Lieutenant Patrick Hechlinski was assigned to the Crime Prevention Bureau in Special Assignment last year. The Common Council recently passed a chronic nuisance ordinance and Lieutenant Hechlinksi has been selected to oversee the ordinance regulations, with his permanent promotion.. - Request for Hearing — Police Department Attorney Cory Hamel stated Sergeant Wayne Boocher has requested a review of a discipline determined by Chief Teachman below the statutory limit of five (S) days. Chief Teachman stated Sergeant Boocher got a written reprimand and was assigned an unmarked vehicle. He noted Sergeant Boocher has a pattern of stopping female motorists who don't recognize him as an officer. Chief Teachman stated he has been talked to about this previously and since it has occurred again, his discipline is to make him recognizable to the public in uniform and a marked car. Mr. Hamel noted it is discretionary; the Board can decide if they wish to recommend more or less, but they can only review the number of days off. The Chief has the authority to assign a marked car. - Employees of the Month — June and July — Police Department Police Chief Ronald Teachman explained that Lieutenant Steve Noonan responded to a call of a domestic issue at the Irish Hills Apartments and was the first on the scene to deal with the victim injured by her husband. The victim made Lieutenant Noonan aware that her husband was still in the house. When Lieutenant Noonan tried to get the perpetrator to open the door, there was no response, so he kicked the door in. Once inside he observed the man straddling his daughter and stabbing her. Lieutenant Noonan shot the man when he would not stop and carried the victim outside to an ambulance. She later died, but his response was considered exemplary under the circumstances. Patrolman John Gast was selected for the month of July for his observance of a car in an alley with the trunk open. When approached, the owner ran off. Patrolman Gast found several thousands of dollars in liquor and cigarettes in the trunk, and was able to tie the merchandise to that of a liquor store robbery. - Monthly Statistical Analysis — Police Department Police Chief Ronald Teachman stated that homicide is down and rapes are up, but only due to the change in the definition of rape that he has been talking about for the last couple of months. Chief Teachman noted a robbery unit has been formed in an attempt to bring those statistics down. He stated when extra people are on patrol, the intent is to put them in the Lincoln Way corridor where statistically most gun shots occur. Chief Teachman noted they are also trying to incorporate technology for shots fired. He explained the Board of Works will review a contract for acoustic sensors that when put in place, can sense gun shots and map locations of the gunshots. Chief Teachman added this will tell the Police where and when gunshots are happening, and determine if it they actually are gunshots. He noted the technology gives more accurate locations so the officers aren't roaming around the neighborhood looking for the suspect and get caught in gunfire. Mr. Miller questioned if there are video cameras used with the technology. Chief Teachman stated there are not, but he would like to add camera in neighborhoods where shots are being fired. He noted cameras can work with the sensors by telling them which direction to turn when gunshots are fired. Mr. Miller explained he wondered if you put a camera up, do you have to let the public know; is it an invasion of their privacy. Chief Teachman stated it is not, the technology is only looking at public streets and sidewalks. AGENDA REVIEW SESSION AUGUST 21, 2013 66 Chief Teachman added they are not at that point yet though. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Cottrell declared the meeting adjourned at 8:32 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Patrick/ID. Cottrell, Mem_er Vasquez, Member Eddie Miller, Member ATTEST: JUd'a�M�Martin; Cle EXECUTIVE SESSION AUGUST 21 2013 The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, at 8:35 a.m. The meeting was held in Classroom No. 1, Central Fire Station, 1222 South Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana for the purposes specified in I.C. 5- 14- 1.5 -6.1 (b) (6) (A). Board President Patrick Cottrell, and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor were present. Board member Laura Vasquez was absent. Also present were Attorney Cory Hamel, Police Chief Ronald Teachman, and Fire Chief Stephen Cox. Board members did not discuss any subject matter other than the subject matter as specified in the Public Notice. The meeting adjourned at 9:15 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Patr' m k D. Cottrell, Me ber bkiraNasquez, Member Eddie Miller, Member J Collins, Member Luther Taylor, Merrier ATTEST: rnda M. Martin, Clerk REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 21, 2013 67 The Board of Public Safety met in the regular meeting at 9:26 a.m. on Wednesday, August 21, 2013, with Board Members Patrick D. Cottrell, Eddie Miller, John Collins, and Luther Taylor present. Board member Laura Vasquez was absent. Also present were Fire Chief Stephen Cox, and Board Attorney Cory Hamel. The meeting was held on the Apparatus Floor, Central Fire Station, 1222 South. Michigan Street, South Bend, Indiana. ACCEPT MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Mr. Cottrell stated unless there were objections, the minutes of the Agenda Review Session, Executive Session, and the Regular Meeting of July 17, 2013, the Special Meeting of July 30, 2013, and the Special Executive Session of August 14, 2013 would be accepted as presented. FIRE DEPARTMENT APPROVAL OF HIRING AND SWEARING IN OF PROBATIONARY FIREFIGHERS - Andrew Pavolka - Jason Denman - Brian Patterson - Lisa McCreary - Kenyon Lederman - Tyler King - Brian Piper In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox recommended that the above individuals be accepted for employment on a probationary basis with the South Bend Fire Department effective August 13, 2013. In his letter, Chief Cox noted that all of the firefighters have successfully completed a twenty (20) week recruit academy successfully. The required certifications included Firefighter 1 and 2, EMT Basic, Rope Rescue Operations, Technical Rescue Awareness, Hazmat Operations, and graduation of the Indiana Rescue School. The Ceremony opened with the South Bend Fire Department Honor Guard Presentation of Colors, followed by the Invocation led by Pastor Ricardo Taylor. Battalion Chief John Corthier, Fire Chief Stephen Cox, and Mayor Pete Buttigieg addressed those present and congratulated the new firefighters. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the recommendation for the above individuals to be accepted for employment as probationary firefighters was approved. The family members of the firefighters were asked to join them in standing for the swearing in. Mr. John Voorde, City Clerk, administered the Oath of Office to the above listed individuals, and Chief Cox and Mayor Buttigieg presented and pinned the badges on the firefighters. The Board and the Chiefs wished them well in their endeavors with the South Bend Fire Department. RECESS AND RECONVENE At 9:58 a.m. Chief Stephen Cox announced the Board of Safety would recess and reconvene in Classroom No. 1 to finish their meeting. He stated everyone was welcome to join the meeting. The meeting reconvened at 10:12 a.m. in Classroom No. I of the Central Fire Station. APPROVE PERMANENT PROMOTION TO THE RANK OF CAPTAIN FROM SPECIAL ASSIGNMENT — PATRICK KOTTKAMP AND RYAN ORT In a letter to the Board, Fire Chief Stephen Cox recommended that Patrick Kottkamp and Brian Ort be permanently promoted to the rank of Captain, no longer in Special Assignment, effective July 19, 2013. Chief Cox stated that Captains Kottkamp and Ort were placed in Special Assignment as Captains on July 18, 2012 and both have completed all requirements of the position in outstanding fashion. Therefore, upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the recommendation for promotions were accepted and approved. ACCEPT AND FILE PERF LETTER CONFIRMING BUY -BACK OF SERVICE TIME — BRAD FUELLING In a letter to the Board, Chief Stephen Cox, submitted paperwork from PERF confirming that Captain Brad Fuelling bought back his service time from October 20, 1993 through April 12, 1997. Chief Cox noted the Board approved the adjustment of Captain Fuelling's official hire date from June 1, 2001 to December 8, 1997 at their July 17, 2013 meeting, subject to receipt of the PERF documentation affirming their consent. The Board accepted the PERF letter from R. Thomas Parker, Director of Police Officers' and Firefighters' Pension and Disability Fund for filing. REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 21, 2013 68 FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL REPORT — JULY 2013 Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly statistical report for the month of July 2013 compiled by the Prevention/Inspection Bureau of the Fire Department. A summary is as followq- JULY 2012 JULY 2013 STRUCTURE FIRES - Property Damage -- Buildings & Contents (Estimates) $83,201.00 $111,800.00 INSPECTIONS (Fire PreventionlIns ection Bureau) 207lnspections 228 Inspections 69 Re -Ins ections 70 Re- Inspections INVESTIGATIONS - (Police/Fire Arson Bureau) 20 21 Investigations Investigations 3 1 Arsons Arson `116 ilv iuiuiVx ul; �uWiMull, ivlr. UOL rett statea the Monthly Matlstical Analysis would be accepted for filing. POLICE DEPARTMENT ACCEPT AND APPROVE PROMOTIONS — GREGORY HOWARD AND NICHOLAS POGOTIS- Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that Patrolmen 2nd Class Gregory Howard and Nicholas Pogotis be promoted to the rank of Patrolmen I" Class effective August 25, 2013. Chief Teachman stated in his letter to the Board that the candidates have completed three (3) years of service with the South Bend Police Department. Upon a motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Chief's recommended promotions were approved. APPROVE PERMANENT PROMOTION -- PATRICK HECHLINSKI In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that Sergeant Patrick Hechlinski be promoted permanently to the rank of Lieutenant in Crime Prevention, no longer in Special Assignment, effective August 15, 2013. Chief Teachman stated in his letter that Sergeant Hechlinski was placed in a special assignment as a Lieutenant in Crime Prevention on August 15, 2012. His supervisor, Captain Robert Hammer, made an evaluation of the progress of Sergeant Hechlinski and recommended a permanent promotion based on his progress. Upon a motion made by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr.Collins and carried, the Chief s recommended permanent promotion was approved. APPROVE AND ENTER FINDINGS OF FACT — CHARGES NO. 2013 -01 — THEODORE ROBERT Mr. Cottrell stated on January 16, 2013, former Police Chief Chuck Hurley recommended charges against Patrolman Theodore Robert be filed. President Cottrell presented Findings of Fact regarding Charges 2013 -01 to the Board stating that Patrolman Robert be suspended from duty without pay for a period of one - hundred, twenty (120) consecutive days beginning August 21, 2013; upon his return to duty, Officer Robert be reduced in rank from Patrolman First Class to Patrolman Second Class for a period of six (6) consecutive months; and upon his return to duty, Police Chief Teachman consider placing Officer Robert in field training for a period of time deemed sufficient by Chief Teachman. Therefore, upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Findings of Fact regarding Charges 2013 -01 were approved, Mr. Miller recused himself from the vote stating he was not present at all of the Hearing dates. DENY REQUEST FOR HEARING — WAYNE BOOCHER In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman stated Sergeant Wayne Boocher was notified on July 18, 2013 the Chief's recommended discipline against him of one (1) day of suspension from duty without pay and the loss of an unmarked take home vehicle for one (1) year beginning February 26, 2013, for violation of the South Bend Police Department Duty Manual, Section 302.00(A)(32) entitled Rules of Conduct. Chief Teachman noted that Sergeant Boocher was informed at that time, of his right under IC 36- 8- 3- 4.1(b) to request, in writing within forty -eight (48) hours after receipt of the notice, the Board's review of the Chief's recommendation. Attached to his letter, Chief Teachman included a letter from Sergeant Wayne Boocher, dated July 18, 2013, stating he disagreed with Chief Teachman's findings and requested the Board of Public Safety hold a hearing in this matter to review any and all evidence REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 21, 2013 69 and testimony regarding this charge. Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Board rejected Sergeant Boocher's request for a Hearing and approved Chief Teachman's recommend discipline of one (1) day of suspension from duty without pay. CITY TOWING LIST RESOLUTION Attorney Cory Hamel stated as it relates to the Board's Towing Resolution, the Board has chosen not to make any changes to the Resolution at this time. He confirmed that the Resolution stays as it stands today, with the amendments made last year. He offered to meet with the representatives from the towing companies present after the Board's meeting to answer any questions. FILING OF QUARTERLY REPORT FOR SPECIALIZED TRAINING -- APRIL, MAY, AND JUNE 2013 Lieutenant Dave Hecklinski, Training Division, South Bend Police Department, submitted to the Board a written Quarterly Report for Specialized Training for the period of April, May, and June of 2013. The report indicated the specialized training attended; the names of the officers who attended; and the costs involved. There being no questions concerning this report, the Quarterly Report for Specialized Training as submitted was accepted and filed. ACCEPT RECOMMENDATION FOR EMPLOYEES OF THE MONTHS — JUNE AND JULY 2013 In a letter to the Board, Chief Teachman stated that Lieutenant Steve Noonan was selected as Employee of the Month for June 2013, and Patrolman John Gast was selected for the month of July 2013. The award is to recognize officers, civilian employees, on the South Bend Police Department who have demonstrated actions noted by supervisors or citizens from both a professional law enforcement position and in support of the community policing efforts with citizens of South Bend. Chief Teachman outlined the details of Lieutenant Noonan's exceptional response to a domestic violence call that resulted in a murder; and Patrolman Gast's actions that resulted in the recovery of thousands of dollars of items taken in a liquor store robbery. There being no further discussion, the recommendation was accepted. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT — JULY 2013 Chief Teachman stated the Common Council made an adjustment to an Ordinance requiring precious metals and pawn shops to do online tracking of items to help resolve burglaries, which continue to see an increase. Chief Teachman noted that overall, the murder rate is down. He stated new technology has been requested for the Board of Work's approval using an acoustic system to track when and where shots are fired in real time. Mr. Cottrell indicated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the statistical analysis report for the month of September 2011 as submitted by the Police Department would be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for filing: JULY JULY YEAR TO DATE PART I OFFENSES 20t2 2013 CHANGE 2012 2013 CHANGE MURDER 1 2 +- 1 9 5 - 4 RAPE 3 9 + 6 25 53 + 28 ROBBERY 33 38 + 5 165 194 + 29 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 23 23 0 130 95 - 35 BURGLARY RESIDENT 135 102 - 33 747 588 - 159 BURGLARY NON 31 48 + 17 264 173 - 91 RESIDENT LARCENY 233 324 + 91 1647 1673 + 26 MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 33 28 - 5 174 163 - 11 ARSONS 3 1 - 2 19 13 - 6 GRAND TOTAL 495 575 + 80 3180 2957 - 223 ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, Mr. Cottrell declared the meeting adjourned at 10:43 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY Patrick D. Cottrell, Member REGULAR MEETING AUGUST 21, 2013 70 , If �- Laura Vasquez, Member Eddie Miller, ember T� J Collins, Member &erLuther Taylor, M ATTEST: \ .y Li da M. Martin, Clerk