11-01-94 Health & Public Safety - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committee Minutes Health and Public Safety November 1, 1994 Page 2 Chief Marciniak noted that by state law retiring Police Officers who retire in good stead are entitled to a lifetime personal protection permit to carry a weapon. The Chief stated that he would like the program to continue but would be willing to work with the Council and the City Administration on the issue. Council Member Kelly inquired as to the cost of the semi-automatics and was informed that they are valued at$658.00 per weapon.Approximately 35 to 40 retirees have retired since the policy was enacted by the Common Council in 1988 and to the best information of the Police Chief there has been no misuse of any of those weapons. Council Member Kelly believes that this is an important issue with regard to morale and believes that officers are well trained with regard to the weapons usage. Council Member Ladewski stated that he has talked with several retired officers and that perhaps the City could charge a lesser amount so that the retiring officer could purchase the weapon if he or she desires to at time of retirement. He also noted that he has been informed that three out of every five go into some sort of security work after retiring from the South Bend Police Department. The Police Chief noted that this could be a secondary position. Council Member Coleman stated the he feels very strongly on this issue.He stated that it raises the question of what does the City of South Bend stand for and what should the City of South Bend stand for.He believes that the City should not be in the business of selling handguns or semi-automatics to anyone including Police Officers, the Mayor, the Common Council,or any individual. Council Member Coleman believes that the message - to allow a retiring Police Officer to retain his or her weapon is the wrong message. He further stressed that the authority of a Police Officer is not represented by the gun, but is rather represented by the badge. He applauded the Chief for bringing the issue back to the City's attention. Chief Taylor stated that prior to the OSHA requirement where the City was obligated to purchase new fire helmets for the entire Fire Department, that helmets were purchased by the individual Fire fighters. Chief Taylor stated that he would work with the Administration and the Council to work out the most acceptable policy. Council Member Slavinskas stated that he is perplexed by what should be the City's policy and what kind of message is being sent to other City Employees. He believes that perhaps a City-wide policy should be considered in light of the fairness issue. He complimented both Chief's for fighting for the men and women who work and dedicate themselves to Public Service. In response to a question raised by Council Member Coleman, it was noted that a plaque is given at the time of retirement with a small retirement badge and other personal items provided by the Police Chief. Council President Puzzello suggested that perhaps a program of gift giving with strings back to the City on such gifts upon death or incompetency should be further discussed. Chief Marciniak stated that there would be a problem of recollecting such items.