11/27/07 Health and Public Safety Minutes

Home Browse Search

Health and Public Safety Committee November 28, 2007 Page 3 . Police Chief Fautz stated that the police department follows FBI guidelines. When "he first heard from Carrie he did not turn a blind eye. If there is a problem, he will look at how it should be addressed" He noted that they met at Ivy Tech and that "they do not know what all this means". Investigative Division Chief Rick Bishop stated that most criminal arrests are non- discretionary. He questioned by so many police officers are killed in the city but not in Indianapolis or Gary. Community Relations Division Chief Gary Horvath stated that he has reviewed Department. of Justice studies and that socio-economic data such as income, age and sex are included in their studies. Census track information is available. He questioned whether the study looked at whether the person was passing through South Bend or whether they were residents? Were higher density populations areas taken into consideration? He questioned how this information was incorporated into Ms. Erlin's study. Uniform Division Chief Boykins stated that South Bend Police Officer "take great pride in their community and in being a police officer" Many like himself work closely with youth. In light of where people live there would be disproportionate trends. The department has been making progress in many areas. Similar problems are taking place in the South Bend Community School Corporation. Chief Boykins stated that "you cannot say that this is just a police department problem, but rather a social problem". Council Member White stated that the goal is to "make our community better". She then thanked Ms. Erlin for sharing her information. She stated that she hopes that there would be more discussions and that concerns should be sent to her and the Office of the City Clerk. Eva Patterson and other TAP members then presented two (2) handouts to the Committee; one entitled TAP and the other entitled "The Civil Rights and Immigration Committee of TAP" (copies attached). Ms. Patterson stated that she moved her from Tennessee in 1980 and is the co-leader of the Civil Rights and Immigration Committee. Roman Rodriguez and Patricia Frazier then addressed the Committee. They noted that TAP is a faith-based organization who have shared spiritual values and include a diverse group of individuals. The are "addressing problems which they are passionate about". They are inter-denominational and wish to work with "power leaders and position leaders". Their four (4) issue committees include: Youth and Violence, Education, Civil Rights and Immigration and Community Revitalization. Mr. Rodriquez stated that he has lived here for 57 years; and that many are afraid to report a crime because they might be questioned about their status. Ms Frazier stated that she has lived at 25575 Kern Road for 28 years and is a member of the Kern Road Mennonite Church.