MINUTES 03-05-18 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Mr. O'Leary expressed support for deferral to allow more time for colleagues and because he opposes the Resolution and the memorandum of understanding. He explained his opposition, stating that the work of public safety should be conducted by public forces accountable to the public. He expressed doubt that officers of the Cleveland Clinic Police Department would receive the same treatment as officers of the Lakewood Police Department in a situation requiring discipline. He questioned the need for Cleveland Clinic to have its own private police department and suggested that if there are true safety concerns about downtown that they be addressed as a stand -alone issue. Mr. Bullock provided examples of cases where on -site safety forces would be preferable such as cases of trauma, drugs, and gun violence in the Cleveland Clinic ER. He asked Chief Malley to explain if and how the MOU affects LPD officer staffing levels. Chief Malley remarked that the MOU can be amended to address concerns about the handling of officer misconduct. He noted that the Cleveland Clinic Police Department is larger than the LPD and so Lakewood sees it as adding resources to the City's public safety effort. He explained the Cleveland Clinic public safety staffing. Cleveland Clinic staffs its facilities with sworn officers during its day shifts. As a result, LPD would not have to respond to criminal activity issues during that time. During afternoon and evening shifts, Cleveland Clinic hires off -duty LPD officers. If the MOU is not approved, Cleveland Clinic would maintain security officers on duty 24/7 and they would have to make arrangements to hire more off -duty Lakewood Police officers or Sheriffs to cover their day shifts. Mr. Litten expressed support for the Resolution but is also agreeable to deferral to allow colleagues more time. He asked for an explanation of any problems resulting from operating without an MOU. Director Butler explained that the original lease permits amendment by mutual agreement but that that cannot go on indefinitely. Mr. Anderson argued that because the Cleveland Clinic Police Department is subject to subject to Ohio Sunshine Laws, due process laws, and public records requests that it is basically a public police department. He asked Chief Malley how easy it is to have off duty officers accept shifts at Cleveland Clinic. Chief Malley responded that LPD does not do the scheduling for Cleveland Clinic. Off -duty work is approved by the Chief of Police but not scheduled or managed by the Chief. If Cleveland Clinic is unable to fill a shift with an LPD officer it is filled with a Cleveland Clinic sworn officer. He explained the work performed by the sworn officers in the ER — such as dealing with people coming in with contraband, drugs, or weapons, acting disorderly or intoxicated. He stated that it is a benefit to LPD to have a Cleveland Clinic sworn officer present to handle these situations so LPD does not have to take an officer off the road to respond to these calls.