HomeMy WebLinkAbout2016 May 11 Minutes
MEMBERS: Gerry Sablan Anthony Millican Ternot MacRenato Peter Mabrey Henrietta Harb Jose de la Garza Patty Chavez Norma Cazares Gustavo Bidart Martin Barros
MINUTES
A REGULAR MEETING OF THE COMMUNITY ADVISORY COMMITTEE
CHULA VISTA POLICE DEPARTMENT COMMUNITY ROOM
315 FOURTH AVENUE May 11, 2016
CHULA VISTA, CA 91910 3:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER: 3:05 PM
ROLL CALL:
Present: Ray Aragon, Gustavo Bidart, Norma Cazares, Patty Chavez, Jose de la Garza,
Henrietta Harb, Peter Mabrey, Ternot MacRenato, Anthony Millican and Gerry
Sablan
Not Present: Martin Barros
City staff present: Bejarano, Kennedy, Sallee, Turner, Alegre, Trujillo and Miller
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
No public comments.
AGENDA ITEMS:
1. Approval of Minutes for November 18, 2015. CAC member Cazares expressed
concern about Agenda Item #4 - Body Worn Camera (BWC) Policy and requested the
minutes go back to capturing question and answers to help those who are unable to
attend one of the bi yearly meetings. A search of the police department’s website was
not explicit in the BWC policies.
Chief Bejarano discussed the following:
The White House Police Data Initiative will be discussed later in the meeting but CVPD
is 1 of the 53 law enforcement agencies to take part in a national initiative that will
post police data in a national data base.
Since January, 2016, the San Diego County Chiefs and Sheriff’s Association has been
working on a countywide protocol for the release of body worn video involving officer
involved shootings. The protocol is expected to be finalized by June 2016. This change
in policy is part of San Diego law enforcement’s commitment to transparency and
enhancing public trust.
Requested members to email command staff if questions arise prior to the next
meeting.
In regards to the CVPD BWC, not only was feedback solicited from the Chief’s Advisory
Committee (CAC) but CVPD also met with ACLU and the District Attorney’s office
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before adopting the policy.
Chief Bejarano will be attending a community discussion with several chiefs regarding the
proposed County BWC protocol tonight at 6:00 pm at the Jacobs Center. Another community
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meeting is scheduled for May 17 at 6:30 pm in City Heights.
CAC member Harb asked if it is tougher on the police department now that BWCs are used.
Having BWCs in the department increases transparency, trust, accountability, collection of
evidence and reduction in citizen complaints.
CAC member MacRenato wondered why it took a year to release the Midway video and felt it
showed a general perception of hiding something. Chief Bejarano said it would depend on the
DA’s determination if the use of force was justified under the law. If an officer faced criminal
charges, the video would not be released until presented in criminal court proceedings.
CAC member de la Garza was concerned about how an OIS video would be released. He also
voiced concern over the discretion of when to start the filming. The video camera has the
capability to capture 30 seconds before the BWC is activated. Captain Kennedy pointed out
that even though this technology is a new element in law enforcement, immediate training is
conducted and now academy recruits are being trained with dummy cameras to ensure the
activation of cameras becomes routine.
Officers are allowed to view video to ensure accuracy in written reports. Discretion is used in
OIS incidents on whether to allow review during the investigation. An officer has the same
rights as a citizen, however can be compelled to give a statement for internal investigations.
The new protocol will ensure agency investigations will be completed within 90-120 days, and
DA review within 90 – 120 days. The video released would have blurred faces of all involved,
end the video footage after the last shot is fired and the only editing would be to circle the
weapon or points of interest. In the future, emerging technology should trigger video
automatically to reduce human error in turning on the camera.
CAC member de la Garza believed video should be reviewed by impartial parties who could
make a fair judgement. That would occur during a criminal and/or a civil trial.
Chief Bejarano discussed the high integrity standards officers are held to and lying is
unacceptable and would result in termination.
CAC member Aragon made a motion to approve the November 18, 2015 minutes seconded by
CAC member MacRenato. One abstention, the ayes have it.
2. Welcome and Recap of Crime 2015 - Chief Bejarano welcomed everyone and thanked
members from taking time from their busy schedules to attend. SANDAG released crime stats
for 2015. Stats increased in 2015. Some of the increase could be related to Prop 47. Regional
violent crimes increased by approximately 3.5% per 1000; however CVPD only increased 2.7%
per 1000. Street level robberies increased, as did rape (the definition of rape changed in 2015).
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CAC member Harb mentioned a frightening experience with police in her front yard searching
for a suspect. She was directed to give Captain Kennedy the date and time to research the
incident.
3. 2016/2017 Budget / Bond Measure – ASM Alegre discussed City staff presenting to council
on May 17 a proposed ballot measure of a half-cent sales tax increase to fund backlogged
infrastructure projects that are not in the City’s budget. Revenue from a half-cent sales tax can
address critical needs such as streets, traffic signal systems, park infrastructure, fire stations,
police vehicles and 911 Computer-Aided Dispatch system, etc. If approved by Council, this
measure will be placed on the November 2016 ballot. If the measure is approved by the voters,
the City anticipates receiving $15M per year for critical infrastructure needs. CAC member
Cazares asked what the Prop number was, but there is no number at this time.
The FY 2016-2017 budget process is still underway. The City Manager will present the
proposed budget to Council on May 24. Council adoption of the budget is scheduled on June 7
or 14. The Police Department’s FY17 budget remained mainly flat when comparing to the FY16
budget, but it includes the addition of two officers dedicated to the Homeless Outreach Team
and one hourly Homeless Outreach Coordinator.
The county approved 7 additional PERT clinicians and CVPD will be assigned 1 of the 7,
increasing full time PERT clinicians to three. PERT clinicians help deescalate some situations
dealing with mentally ill citizens as well as homeless encounters.
CAC member de la Garza asked how many sworn officers at CVPD. Budgeted for 225 officers,
but there are 8 vacancies. If the Homeless Outreach Team is approved, the staffing will be 227.
Chief Bejarano discussed that prior to 2008 recession, CVPD had sworn staffing at 260 officers.
The department continues to strive for excellence and has the hybrid schedule which allows
increased staffing in the field on weekends and CSO are covering a multitude of calls which also
allows officers to handle higher priority calls. A private security transport also allows officers to
be in the field more by transporting 90% of arrestees. A question was asked on officer salary.
An officer at E Step is $145,000 for salary and benefits.
CAC member Cazares discussed Channel 10’s comments on patrol response time. Chief
Bejarano discussed the city’s demographics and current GMOC thresholds of handling Priority 1
calls within 7 minutes and Priority 2 calls within a 12 minute average. However the east side
generally takes longer because of the large area of coverage, 125, traffic, etc.
A discussion followed on a concern mentioned with a shoplifting incident at Lowes. The
incident is being investigated and although there is no excuse for the delay, a cursory
investigation showed three other critical incidents occurred simultaneously (infant death; adult
death and an urgent request for CVPD assistance from the fire department).
CAC member Bidart asked how CVPD is handling recruitment. Chief Bejarano described the
intense process which usually nets 3 potential candidates out of 100. One of the best recruiting
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tools is to have existing officers reach out to interested applicants and do ride-alongs. Lateral
hires have a $5,000 incentive if hired.
CAC member Bidart asked what the attrition rate for CVPD was – command staff said it is very
rare and cannot remember the last move to another agency. CAC member Bidart asked if the
department has a lot of diversity; which it does.
CAC member MacRenato asked what is the PD policy for drug use and tattoos when hiring.
Tattoos must be covered and absolutely no swastikas or offensive depictions. Drug use is
determined by years (no marijuana usage in two years; no hard drugs in seven). Recruits must
complete a questionnaire while filling out background packets that expedites potential hiring.
Applicants must also go through a psych test and medical examination. Voice stress analyzers
are giving way to polygraphs in the future to help with applicants’ interviews.
CAC member Millican asked about applicants’ bad credit – each case is reviewed. If the
applicant is irresponsible then they are advised to pay off their debts and reapply in two years.
Other consideration in hiring is the applicants’ traffic incidents (speeding, collisions etc.). Once
on the department, the City has EAP which encourages family counseling, legal and financial
advice that can be used as an employee. Officer wellness is paramount when it comes to
health, family and finances.
CAC member MacRenato asked if writing skills are taken into account and they are.
CAC member Chavez asked if beliefs are taken into account for hiring. Captain Sallee expressed
that hate group or Anti Americanism is taken into account. Political preferences are not.
CAC member Millican thanked the department for the work done with less sworn and asked
what CAC members could do to increase the numbers. All encouraged to contact their elected
officials to express the need to identify and fund additional officers.
CAC member Harb asked if the half percent sales tax would help fund officers. This money
would be applied to the City infrastructure needs city wide, including the police department.
CAC member Chavez asked about the needs going to the different districts. City manager and
staff will identify critical needs for all districts.
4. SP14 – Captain Turner was unavailable – this item tabled.
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5. 4 Annual “An Evening with Heroes” – Captain Kennedy gave two complimentary tickets to
CAC members and encouraged them to share on Facebook and talk to friends and family. This
is the major fundraising event to help the police department fund the K9 program, SVP, the
Explorer program. A transport van was purchased for the Explorer events, SWAT earpieces
were purchased as well as providing over 500 families meals during the holiday and supplying
shoes and socks to needy children. Tickets are $100 each and call 691-5150 to RSVP or order
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additional tickets. On-line fundraiser now accessible and can be found at
www.biddingforgood.com.
CAC member MacRenato discussed at the last Evening with Heroes he spoke to a civilian
employee who came across unprofessional until CAC member MacRenato explained his
position as a committee member. He asked if there was a way to share with PD employees the
group’s intentions. This will be followed up by staff.
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Captain Kennedy thanked members for attending the May 5 Award Ceremony which
highlighted community members as well as officers. CAC member Harb asked about the Dream
Center relationship and Captain Kennedy gave a short history of the Dream Center and other
community members providing housing to a man who seems to have turned his life around.
Members might also see the new city ordinance on RVs. 72 permits a year to residents ($2
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each) will be good for 24 hours. Enforcement of the ordinance will take effect May 16, a
month after educating the public. A visible placard will be placed in the windshield to help
identify who is using permits. CAC member Chavez mentioned the homeless families
encountered during the homeless count. Chronic homelessness versus displaced families was
discussed.
CAC member MacRenato asked if officers can determine a homeless drug user or someone with
Alzheimer’s or autism. Captain Kennedy discussed a database which will help when
encountering people with disabilities. The program, “Take Me Home”, will provide law
enforcement with the information for the disabled, but will only be good if families provide the
information.
CAC member Harb discussed her neighbor’s adult son who was struck by a vehicle and because
her neighbor is elderly there is concern with placing him in a home. CAC member Harb was
instructed to give Captain Kennedy the information so she could follow up with possible help.
CAC member Sablan asked what the intervention solution would be for the mentally ill. PERT
clinicians are trained with specialized strategies that can be used to improve quality of life. CAC
member Chavez gave PD kudos for the work done with the youth and community when
identifying and working within these areas.
CAC member MacRenato asked about the myth of a woman becoming homeless within 48
hours is she susceptible to a breakdown. No one was aware of any credible data to support this
statement.
CAC member MacRenato wanted Captain Kennedy recognized at next year’s award ceremony
since she is the driving force behind its success. Captain Kennedy, although touched by the
sentiment, expressed the wish to recognize the officers and community.
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6. Expanded Services (IT, Digital Evidence Unit, Special Investigations Unit) – Captain Sallee
discussed the new SIU Lieutenant who handles the special unit task force which regulates
businesses and have a high level of sensitive areas.
Digital evidence unit created because of SB178 - privacy act which was effective in January
2016. Phones need a search warrant and this unit will assist with writing search warrants to
enhance the investigative ability.
The new three person technology team has made significant accomplishments:
Deployed 100 new MDCs in the patrol fleet
Deployed 140 new desktops
Deployed new secure Wi-Fi system
Reconfigured and upgraded entire PD network
Embarking on upgrading obsolete CAD system at 1.4 million dollars
CAC member Mabrey asked if officers can use their personal phones on researching responding
to areas in the City and they can.
CAC member MacRenato asked if dispatchers are bilingual. Most are, but all of them have
access to the translation services which is used for the many languages now encountered.
7. White House Police Data Initiative – Captain Sallee discussed the White House sponsored
initiative which will increase community trust via open data. The department will post the
information on a website. Officer demographics, OIS and citizen complaints will be the first set
of data followed by future sets of community meetings attended, use of force statistics, traffic
and pedestrian stops. CAC member Bidart questioned policing in general. Law enforcement
pursuing efforts to enhance trust relationships.
CAC member Chavez discussed grants and the data needed to create collaborative that use best
practices. She asked if DV Smart Policing would be used – that DV grant is almost done. The
results will be posted on the web site.
8. Digital Electronic Sign – Captain Sallee discussed the new marquee in front of the police
department. This was funded by PEG, which is noted on the Cox bill. Not only PD functions are
posted but civic information like the Mayor’s State of the City address and Harbor Days. CAC
member Chavez asked who to contact to post DV awareness. Committee members can contact
Captain Sallee.
IN CLOSING:
The meeting concluded at 4:45 pm. Members will be contacted in the future to the next date
to meet.
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