03-10-14 Health and Public Safety

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HEALTH & PUBLIC SAFETY MARCH 30, 2014 4:46 P.M. Committee Members Present: Derek Dieter, Henry Davis, Dr. Fred Ferlic, Tim Scott Other Council Present: Valerie Schey, Dr. David Varner, Oliver Davis, Karen White, Gavin Ferlic Others Present: SBPD Chief Ron Teachman, Melissa Fershone, Ernie Galos, Kathy Cekanski - Farrand, John Voorde, Mr. Davis (Owner of Club Fever) Agenda: 1. Bill No. 13 -14 Amending Police recruit pay (10192 -12) 2. Update —Club Fever 3. Shot Spotter Presentation 4. Update South Bend Animal Control Special Committee Chairing his Health & Public Safety Committee, Chairperson Derek Dieter called upon SBPD Chief Ron Teachman to explain Bill No. 13 -14. This Bill submitted by the Chief would change the way police recruits are paid, in fact returning to previous long- standing policy. That 1s to send police recruits to Plainfield training before being sworn in as police officers. Therefore allowing police pay to be based on their graduation from the Police Academy. The Chief said this would provide incentive for recruits to complete the training and perform well while there. Compensation would be provided during training. Currently recruits are sworn in as police officers priorto being sent to the training academy. Council Attorney Kathy Cekanski - Farrand said this system works for the Fire Department recruits. After brief discussion Tim Scott moved to send to full Council favorably. Dr. Fred Ferlic seconded and all affirmed. Chief Teachman then provided an update on the "Shot Spotter" system implemented on January 25`h. The Chief said the system has successfully exceeded expectations. The system will listen and identify screening them from other gunshot like sounds. The Chief added that the rank and file sees the tool as a valuable asset. During the Council session Derek Dieter asked the Chief the cost of the system. The Chief said it was approximately $45,000.00 to cover a square mile with three square miles currently covered. Dr. Ferlic said it sounds like a good device, but resources should be balanced to increase "on street' patrols.