09-27-04 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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/ ;sod Mlle Safety Committee Council Member Dieter then made a motion, seconded by Citizen Member Isabel Gonzalez that Bill No. 04-114 be recommended favorably to Council. The motion passed. Council Member Puzzello then called for an update on the Volunteers in Policing program also known as VIPS. Chief Fautz and Lt. Powers welcomed the opportunity to present information to the Council. They noted that there were VIPS present, including Juanita Dempsey, Viola Sims, Barbara Leavell and Cindy Davis. Lt. Powers and VIP members then passed out several documents which included a 9-page handout entitled "SBPD volunteers In E.olice Services", 3-page Inter-Office Memo dated September 27, 2004, 2-page handout entitled "VIPS Assignment Sheets for Weeks September 27, 2004-October 8, 2004", 1-page Safety Belt Usage Survey Form, 3-page "An Invitation to Join Our South Bend Police `Volunteers in Policing' Corps", and a 2-page Value of Volunteer Time handout(copies attached). Juanita Dempsey then gave copies of a VIPS brochure which was developed in 2002 (copy attached). She noted that she is the co-chair of VIPS which "consists of average citizens who give their time to assist officers when required, and also relieve officers from time consuming duties, such as traffic control". VIPS must be 18 years of age, have a valid driver's license, submit to a background check,must be willing to be trained and to give at least eight(8) hours per month to volunteer activities. Lt. Powers noted that since April of 2003,three(3)VIPS classes have graduated. A total of 68 persons have been trained. Seven (7) former police vehicles have been turned into VIPS vehicles. VIPS are used for traffic detail and 60 special events. In response to a question from Council Member Puzzello, Lt. Powers stated that 1,885 volunteer training hours have been given,and that they meet once per month in meetings. Chief Fautz stated that grant monies are used for VIPS ID's, hats,jackets, raincoats, etc., and that 7,065.75 hours have been donated in training and service since the program began. VIPS frees up the police officers and provides an"extra set of eyes and ears". Lt. Powers noted that the VIPS assignment sheets are updated every two (2) weeks. A series of photographs of VIPS on assignment were then circulated. He noted that they need to address radio communications when outside of their cars. Council Member Kelly stated it is a great program and he thanked the VIPS persons who were present. There being no further business to come before the Committee, Council Member Puzzello adjourned the meeting at 5:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Council Member Ann Puzzello,Chairperson Health and Public Safety Committee a KCF:kmf Attachments Health and Public Safety Committee Meeting of September 27,2004 Page 2