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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/18/2015 Board of Public Safety MeetingPLBLIC AGENDA SESSON MARCH 18. 2015 27 The Board of Public Safety met in the Public Agenda Session at 8:09 a.m, on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 in the Auditorium, South Bend Police Station, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, Indiana, with Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, Luther Taylor, and Daniel Jones present. Also present was Police Chief Ronald Teachman, Fire Chief Stephen Cox, and Board Legal Counsel Tasha Outlaw. Board members discussed the following agenda items: Police Department Hiring of Probationary Officers Chief Ronald Teachman stated this group of candidates graduated last week from the academy and performed very well. - Changes to Duty Manual Chief Ronald "feachman stated he asks the Board to consider a draft form of a new General Order regarding Explosives and Improvised Explosive Devices for approval. - Special Police Commission Chief Teachman explained at a previous meeting last month, the Board decommissioned one of the Block by Block parking enforcement commissions. This approval is to fill that parking enforcement vacancy. - Donation Chief Teachman noted this donation of $1,600.00 worth of equipment came from an anonymous donor to be used for the Swat team. - Monthly Statistical Analysis Chief Teachman stated he came to the Board in January with a high spike in the statistics, now that has been cut in half from 27% to 13 %. He noted one thing that is unique is the increase in commercial burglaries; those numbers are unusually high. He added, however, that he is pleased that rape and aggravated assault are down for the year. - Grievance Appeals Chief Teachman stated that Officers Wayne Boocher and Eric Downey have mirrored grievances. Attorney Stephanie Steele informed the Board that during this grievance review, there will be evidence presented. She explained that, therefore, it is the City's feeling that there needs to be a hearing officer present She stated without one present, she will leave it to the Board to determine whether they would like to continue this item. Fire Department - Monthly Statistical Analysis Chief Cox noted that fire volume is down more than usual. He added that allowed for an increase in inspections and prevention training. - Request for Hearing Attorney Tasha Outlaw stated ibis Request for all earing from Firefighter Michael Brown will be an addition to the agenda. Chief Cox stated he submitted a recommendation to the Board after allegations of misconduct were brought to his attention. He stated they performed an investigation over the last weeks, and feel there is adequate information to terminate FirefighterBrown, Chief Cox stated a letter recommending the termination was sent to Firefighter Brown on Monday, and his legal Counsel sent an email yesterday requesting a hearing. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board the meeting adjourned at 8:19 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY o Jo ollins, President Eddie �Miller, Member � Luther Taylor, Mem PUBLIC AGENDA SESSON MARCH 18 2015 28 Daniel Jones, Member ATTEST: L' a M .Martin, Clerk — EXECUTIVE SESSION MARCH 18, 2015 The Board of Public Safety met in the Executive Session on Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 8:25 a.m. The meeting was held in the Auditorium, South Bond Police Station, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, Indiana for the purposes specified in I.C.5- 14- 1.5- 6.1(b)(6)A). Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, Luther Taylor, and Daniel Jones were present. Also present were Police Chief Ronald Teachman, Fire Chief Stephen Cox, and Legal Counsel Tasha Outlaw. Board members did not discuss any subject matter other than the subject matter as specified in the Public Notice. The meeting adjourned at 9:05 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFI; • v 3 — ", 0 ollins, President Eddie Miller, Member Luther Taylor, e er Daniel Jones, Member ATTEST: da M. Martin, Clerk REGULAR MEETING MARCH 18, 2015 The Board of Public Safety met in the Regular Meeting at 9:15 a.m. on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, with Board President Laura Vasquez and Board Members Eddie Miller, John Collins, Luther Taylor, and Daniel Jones present. Also present were Police Chief Ronald Teachman, Fire Chief Stephen Cox, and Legal Counsel Tasha Outlaw. The meeting was held in the Auditorium, South Bend Police Station, 701 W. Sample St., South Bend, Indiana. ADDITIONS TO TI4E AGENDA President Vasquez noted the addition to the agenda of a Request for a Hearing from Firefighter Michael Brown. APPROVE MINUTES OF PREVIOUS MEETINGS Upon a motion by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Board approved the Minutes of the Special Meetings of February 27, March 5, and March 11, 2015 and the Public Agenda Session, Executive Session, and Regular Meetings of February 18, 2015, as presented. POLICE DEPARTMENT REGULAR MEFTIN G MARCH 18, 2015 29 APPROVE HIRING AND SWEARING IN OF PROBATIONARY. POLICE OFFICERS - RANDALL MCMURRAY - SIENNA VALDEZ - TRAVIS KUKLA - DEVON GILBERT - JOSHUA BROOKS - CHRISTOPHER BUTLER In a letter to the Board, Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that the six candidate listed above be accepted for employment on aprobationary basis with the South Bend Police Department effective. March 18, 2015. He stated they have all met the requirements of the application process of the South Bend Police Department and graduated from the Indiana Police Academy on Friday March 13, 2015. Chief Teachman elaborated on each of the candidate's qualifications. He stated Randall McMurray is the grandson of a pastor and nephew of a former Police Chief in Muskegon, Michigan. He is a graduate of Grand Valley State University. He worked as a security officer at the University before agreeing to take this position with the South Bend Police Department. Chief Teachman stated Sienna Valdez attended Missouri Baptist University where she studied criminal justice, and is the first female to receive a scholarship to wrestle in the State of Indiana at the collegiate level. Her volunteer work included a reserve Police Officer at the Roseland Police Department and a head coach with the Penn High School Wrestling Team where she went on to lead her team to three (3) consecutive championships. Travis Kukla is a graduate of Mishawaka High School and has worked at the St. Joseph County jail, and is currently working towards a degree in business at IUSB. Devon Gilbert graduated from Purdue University and was employed at the South Bend Parks and Recreation Department as a Director of the Children's Summer Program, and graduated with honors from the Indiana Law Academy, 3`a in a class of 137. Joshua Brooks received his Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Muskegon Community College and his Bachelor's degree from DeVry University. He is also a graduate of both the Indiana and Michigan police Academies. He served with the Indiana Department of Corrections for many years, and Federal Bureau of prisons and most recently as a parole agent for recovering sexual offenders for the South Bend's parole district. Christopher Butler graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in law enforcement and justice administration and previously worked as a corrections officer at the LaPorte County jail. Chief Teachman introduced Mayor Pete Buttigieg. Mayor Buttigieg apologized for running late and stated he didn't want to miss the opportunity to take part in the swearing -in ceremony. He stated he is proud of the candidates and noted the newer classes go through in a different way than previously done; they've already been though a number of rigorous steps in training and qualification and are already a credit to South Bend by performing above and beyond what is expected of them. Mayor Buttigieg stated they will wear the name of the City on their badge, and it is already stitched to their shoulder. He noted not a lot of City employees are able to say that and one of the reasons that is so important is they represent the City; they represent the most fundamental thing about government; the fact that government has a monopoly on the legitimate use of force. The authority of the force of our government to do good on behalf of the people of our community is placed in their hands. He stated theirjudgement, forbearance, and training will mean everything when it comes to justifying that trust that the residents of the community place in all of us in public service, trusting us with their money, and trusting us with their lives. He noted they are on the forefront of that and that's why they wear the name of the city on their uniform. He stated when you wear the name of the City on your uniform, you are the uniform; a lot of people who see you won't know you; they won't know your Personality, they won't know your family, they won't know your story, they won't know your sense of humor. All they know is that you represent the City. He stated how they conduct themselves will mean everything and they will be a credit to the City in terms of the relationship people have with them in both good times and bad. He noted the hope is they will come to know the neighborhoods they control and the residents, and notj ust in an emergency, but in good times also so there is a true authentic relationship of trust. Mayor Buttigieg made note of all of the brass present, the Board of Safety, and the chain of command and stated there are two things the new recruits can come to expect; they can expect their supervisors to be supportive and demanding. He noted they are going to be supportive because they want to be a great employer because they're glad the new officers are here because they were selected from a great number of applicants, and because this is a career the City values, we value the work they put in. They are also going to be demanding because of the importance of the work they put in and how important it is that they meet the the very high standards REGULAR MEETING MARCH 18.2015 30 that are expected of them. He added that cycle of support and expectations is something they will live into as well. IIe stated he also wanted to address the family and friends that are here today because the type of public service work of the Police Officer is not possible without the support of the family and friends. He noted they are all serving the public in a way, by virtue of the fact that they will be supporting these new officers as they serve the public, and so he wished to say thank you on behalf of the City for all the families are going through to support these officers. Mayor Buttigieg ended by saying thank you to all officers in the room and all others that represent the department and stated he knew they would welcome these new officers into the ranks with both a supportive and demanding spirit to make sure they continue to do credit to the City of South Bend. Mayor Buttigieg ended by congratulating all of the new candidates and their families. Chief Teachman stated these six (6) candidates came from a pool of 80 to almost 90 candidates. They went through a vigorous process of testing and training. He stated he is now presenting them to the Board for their approval. President Vasquez noted a lot of the Board members actually sat in on the interviews and are excited to have these candidates join the City. Upon a motion made by Mr. Tones, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the Chief's recommendation to hire the six (6) listed candidates was approved. Mr. John Voorde, City Clerk, was present and administered the Oath of Office to the above listed individuals. The Board wished them well in their endeavors withthe South Bend Police Department, Chief Teachman introduced each family member to pin the officer's badges. The Board joined the Chief in congratulating the newly pinned officers. ACCEPT AND APPROVE DECLARATION OF RFTIREMENT — GREGORY VIOLETTE President Vasquez advised that Police Chief Ronald Teachman has submitted to the Board the Application and Declaration for Retirement for Patrolman Gregory Violette effective March 30, 2015. Chief Teachman noted that he is retiring in good standing after serving the Department for thirty -three (33) years, six (6) months, and one (1) day. ChiefTeachman joined the Board inthanking _ him for his years of distinguished service to the South Bend Police Department and the citizens of South Bend. Members also wished him a long and happy retirement. Upon a motion made by Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the retirement was accepted and approved. ACCEPT AND APPROVE DECLARATION OF RETIREMENT — MILLARD HILL President Vasquez advised that Police Chief Ronald Teachman has submitted to the Board the Application and Declaration for Retirement for Patrolman Millard Hill effective April 7, 2015. Chief Teachman noted that he has served the Department for thirty-three (33) years, and seven (7) days. Chief Teachnianjoined the Board in thanking him for his years of distinguished service to the South Bend Police Department and the citizens of South Bend. Members also wished him a long and happy retirement. Upon a motion made by Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the retirement was accepted and approved. ACCEPT AND APPROVE DECLARATION OF RETIREMENT — DAVID MODT IN President Vasquez advised that Police Chief Ronald Teachman has submitted to the Board the Application and Declaration for Retirement for Patrolman David Modlin effective April 1, 2015. Chief Teachman noted that he has served the Department for twenty -six (26) years and two (2) days. Chief Teachman joined the Board in thanking him for his years of distinguished service to the South Bend Police Department and the citizens of South Bend. Members also wished him a long and happy retirement. Upon a motion made by Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the retirement was accepted and approved. APPROVE CHANGES TO DUTY MANUAL GENERAL ORDERS EXPLOSIVES/fMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICES Chief Teachman presented anew General Order for approval to provide guidance for officers when responding to, investigating, and /or handling explosive devices to prevent death or injury, and to protect property. Chief Scott Ruszkowski informed the Board that the duty manual stated the Police were nothing more than mutual aid; this specifically addresses explosives. He noted that at the end of this month the FBI will impose sanctions on the Police Department for not having a policy in place. He noted this policy contains mandated FBI specifics and some of their own specifies. It creates the PSAT area, which they should have had and have not had. Ile added there was nothing in their policy, no guidelines, to guide them. Upon a motion by Mr. Miller, seconded by Mr. Collins and REGULAR MEETING MARCH 18.2015 31 carried, the change to the Duty Manual in the form of a General Order was approved. APPROVAL OF 2015 SPECIAL POLICE COMMTSSION — BLOCK BY BLOCK Police Chief Ronald Teachman recommended that a Special Police Commission for Block by Block Parking Enforcement be issued on March 18, 2015, . until revoked, for Jon Preston Abplanalp. These Commissions are issued for the on- street patrol parking enforcement personnel and they do not include the carrying of a weapon or the powers of arrest. The aforementioned individual has met the Commission requirements of the South Bend Police Department. Upon a motion made by Mr. Taylor, seconded by Mr. Collins and carried, the Special Police Commission was approved. ACCEPT AND FILE DONATION TO SOUTH BEND POLICE DEPARTMENT Police Chief Teachman advised the Board of a generous donation made to the South Bend Police Department. He noted the donation of specialized equipment with a value of $1,600.00 will be utilized by the Department's SWAT Team and Bomb Squad and is from an anonymous donor. There being no further discussion, the donation was gratefully accepted and filed. FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSIS REPORT— FEBRUARY 2015 President Vasquez stated that unless there were questions or objections by members of the Board, the statistical analysis report for the month of February 2015, as submitted by the Police Department, would be accepted for filing. There being no objections, the following report was accepted for tiling: FEBRUARY FEBRUARY YEAR TO PART I OFFENSES DATE 2014 2015 CHANGE 2014 2015 CHANGE MURDER RAPE $ 1 0 1 4 + 3 ROBBERY 11 + 3 18 15 - 3 9 21 + 12 35 42 + 7 AGGRAVATED ASSAULT 9 8 - 1 26 23 - 3 BURGLARY RESIDENT 44 37 7 103 112 + 9 BURGLARYNON RESIDENT 9 11 + 2 22 34 + 12 LARCENY 177 151 - 26 361 402 + 41 MOTOR VEHICLE THEFT 14 17 + 3 40 51 11 ARSONS 0 0 0 2 2 0 GRAND TOTAL 271 257 - 14 608 685 + 77 RATIFY FINDINGS OF FACT — JACK STILP President Vasquez slated at the Board's Special Meeting of February 27, 2015, the Board entered the Findings of Fact for Officer Jack Stilp, approving a letter of reprimand to be placed in his file. She stated at this time the Board is presenting the Findings to be ratified. Upon a motion by Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the Findings of Fact in the discipline charges against Officer Jack Stilp were ratified. TABLE APPEAL OF GRIEVANCES — WAYNE BOOCHER AND ERIC DOWNEY In separate letters to the Board, Sergeants Wayne Boocher and Eric Downey stated on January 27, 2015, and January 22, 2015 respectfully, they filed a grievance regarding being placed on -call with restrictions for their location, activities, and off -duty personal time. Sgt. Boocher and Sgt. Downey sought overtime pay and were denied by Chief Ronald Teachman. Subsequently, both officers are appealing the Chief's decision to the Board of Safety, pursuant to Article 8, Section 1, and Step 4 of the 2015 -2016 Working Agreement. President Vasquez stated the Board would table the hearing of these two grievances for a later date in order to allow time to review evidence. FIRE DEPARTMENT FILING OF MONTHLY STATISTICAL ANALYSTS REPORT — FEBRUARY 2015 Fire Chief Stephen Cox submitted to the Board the monthly report for February, 2015 compiled by the Prevention/Inspection Bureau of the Fire Department. Ms. Vasquez stated if there were no objections, the Board would accept the report for filing as presented. A summary is as follows: REGULAR MEETING MARCH 18 2015 32 FEBRUARY FEBRUARY 2014 2015 STRUCTURE FIRES Properly Damage -- Buildings & Contents Estimates) $164,600.00 $50,450.00 INSPECTION DIVISION 276 Inspections 37I Total Inspections (80 Re-Inspections) 135 Re-Inspections) INVESTIGATION DIVISION 13 8 Investigations Investigations 0 Incendiary 1 Incendiary 8 Accidental 3 Accidental 0 Natural 0 Natural 5 Undetermined 4 Undetermined TABLE REQUEST FOR HEARING — MICHAEL BROWN President Vasquez stated the Board would table this request for a hearing to allow for the hearing officer to provide dates upon which he would be available. PRIVILEGE OF THE FLOOR Firefighter Michael Brown stated that according to the contract, he is supposed to be heard today and a decision is supposed to be made at the next Board of Safety meeting. Attorney Tasha Outlaw stated at this time the Board is tabling this item for further review of evidence. Mr. Taylor stated he would like to say thank you to Laura Vasquez who has been with the Board for over five (5) years and is moving on to take another assignment from the Mayor. Mr. Taylor stated she has done a tremendous job, always faithful and hard working. He thanked her on behalf of the — Board. Ms. Vasquez stated it's been an honor to serve the Fire and Police Departments. She stated she believes the City is going to lead the State. She stated she wished to say thank you for everybody's hard work and time away from their families. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business to come before the Board, upon a motion by Mr. Collins, seconded by Mr. Taylor and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:48 a.m. BOARD OF PUBLIC President die Miller, Me.{mber Y�-CV Luther Taylor, Memb r Daniel Jones, Member ATTEST: Linda M. Martin, lerk