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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCitizen Review Board - Minutes - 10/17/2001Citizen Review Board Regular Meeting Wednesday, October 17, 2001 CIC Room, City Hall West Present: Rick Aulino, Monica Garcia, Carole Stansfield, Maria Martinez, Jay Molok, Becky Richardson Staff: Lt. Karen Carlson, Greg Tempel, Assistant City Attorney, Wendy Hartzell, Secretary Guests: Mayor Ray Martinez, Council Liaison Chuck Wanner, John Fischbach, City Manager, and Police Chief Dennis Harrison. Absent: Brian Carroll Public: Richard Miller, Human Relations Commission Liaison, Bob Lenk, Human Relations Commission Chair, Carmen Luvane, Parker Preble Meeting was called to order at 5:36 p.m. Review of Minutes: The Board reviewed the minutes from September. Rick Aulino made a motion to approve the minutes as written and Carole Stansfield seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion passed 4-0. Absences: Brian Carroll's absence was properly excused. Voice Mail: No messages. New Business: Pending cases - Subcommittee names were drawn for Case #2001-16 1. Becky Richardson 2. Rick Aulino 3. Monica Garcia 4. Brian Carroll 5. Carole Stansfield 6. Jay Molok 7. Maria Martinez Discussion of Trends Introduction — Becky Richardson stated to the guests that nine cases had been reviewed by the CRB since it was formed and that the members firmly believe that the Board is not a rubber stamp for Police Services. Each case has been completely and thoroughly analyzed and discussed at length. Becky also recognized Greg Tempel and Lt. Carlson for their work with the Board. Complaints — Rick Aulino stated that many times the complaint is not well defined. There appears to be confusion with the chain of command and department heads, the CRB and the complainant. The CRB would recommend that each person in the chain of command address each complaint and that an explanation of differences in recommendations be given. Internal Affairs will now be making findings and this may lessen the confusion. A positive trend has been that witness statements are now signed. A draft of a form to be included in the investigation was presented; this would help clarify the complaint for the CRB. Lt. Carlson will include a form in the investigation which outlines specific complaints and the corresponding finding. Providing information on filing a complaint at the scene — Carole Stansfieki explained the card drafted by the CRB which provides information for making a complaint could be handed out at a scene by police officers to potential complainants. Chief Harrison stated that this has been discussed with every patrol officer and that cards (in English and Spanish) will be provided to every officer. Positive trends — Becky Richardson stated that the reports have improved, along with the signing of witness statement forms, which has helped the Board tremendously. Jay Molok asked the Chief if a public relations -type officer could be available. The Chief stated that they already have a press officer, but he believes that putting an officer solely on public relations duties would take away from the other officers. All officers should be held to the same standards, and he wouldn't want to create a "special" group of officers. Rick Aulino asked if each officer has an identification number, and the Chief informed the Board that each officer now has a serial number. All business cards will have each officer's serial number and assignment. IA Report changes — Maria Martinez stated that the reports have improved with every case reviewed by the Board. The Board would ask that a time line of events be included. Lt. Carlson will make this adjustment. Post -incident handling of situation — Rick Aulino asked about the prevention of complaints, who is in charge at a scene and how this information is relayed to the officers. Chief Harrison stated that the initial responding officer is responsible for the case. If a supervisor is called to the scene, that person is in charge. Higher -ranking officers at the scene would not take over. If they do, an announcement is made to change command. The Chief stated it is a judgment call as to whether someone is too emotionally involved. Officers are expected to do their jobs and recognize when it's too much. He trusts his officers to do their jobs. Customer service/budget— Jay Molok asked about multiple complaints against a specific officer and how those are handled. Chief Harrison responded that he cannot tell the outcome of any case to the complainant, but they do receive a letter that explains the outcome of the investigation as far as its impact on certain policies, procedures, etc. Also, complaints are tracked by the yearly report prepared by Lt. Carlson. Rick Aulino asked if officers receive customer service training. Chief Harrison said the officers receive customer service type training and explained that their computer system automatically tracks complaints for each officer and supervisors review these accordingly. If an officer has frequent injury reports, this is also an indication that more training may be needed. Jay Molok asked about the possibility of training and outreach money to let the public know about the CRB. John Fischbach stated that the CRB can present him with a proposal for a specific project and the City will try to find a way to fund it. Conclusion — Becky Richardson stated that there are three positions opening on the Board and a few current members will reapply. She asked that the interview committee consider reappointing these members for another term due to the level of familiarity each member has with reviewing the cases and the amount of time it took for each member already has invested in the Board. Becky also requested John Fischbach, Mayor Martinez, Chief Harrison, or Chuck Wanner educate and information citizens about the CRB when they have an appropriate audience. Feedback from guests: Chief Harrison stated that he does not view the CRB as an adversary or as a rubber stamp. In fact, he will be requesting the Board's review of a new policy regarding a weapons delivery system in the near future. The CRB helps to keep the police investigations honest, straightforward and complete. The CRB has had an impact on operations. John Fischbach acknowledged the work of Greg Tempel, Lt. Carlson and the Board members and thanked them for doing a fantastic job. He thought also that the Board has had an impact and that they have a very positive relationship. Chuck Wanner stated that if the Board ever felt like it was being stonewalled, it can request an outside investigation. He is happy that it has never had to ask for one. He is content that Board members enjoy the work and will attend a meeting when he is needed. Ray Martinez stated that he also appreciates the Board and the amount of time that each member dedicates to each case. The Board represents the community and is an internal mechanism to look inside Police Services. Rick Aulino asked if anything should be changed on the Board's memo to the Chief. Chief Harrison stated that the memo is fine as is, and that he reads the CRB's findings first, then the supervisor's findings and lastly the case. Public Comment: Bob Lenk, Chair of the Human Relations Commission, stated that the HRC had a similar function before the CRB was formed. Its Citizen Liaison Program provides information to the public on filing complaints. The HRC also has a Police Subcommittee, which helps citizens with issues regarding Police Services. He requested that the Citizen Liaison Program be considered a part of the process and be included in resource materials. Carmen Luvane stated that she attended the meeting as an interested applicant for one of the open positions on the Board. Parker Preble, member of the Human Relations Commission, stated he had an experience with the clerical staff of Police Services regarding the location of the meeting. This was discussed and resolved with Lt. Carlson. The location of CRB meetings is posted at City Hall and on the City's web site. This has been communicated to office staff. Adjournment: Rick Aulino made a motion to adjourn the meeting. Jay Molok seconded the motion. There was no discussion and the motion passed 6 — 0. The meeting was adjourned at 7:00 p.m. Next Meeting: The next meeting will be Wednesday, November 21, 2001, in the CIC Room at City Hall, 300 Laporte Avenue, Fort Collins. Chairperson