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improvements, such as adequate ventilation and improved equipment storage, would help the <br /> members of his union. <br /> Councilmember Neff acknowledged the Chief's focus on morale and likened the situation to <br /> losing probation officers at Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court due to their high level of training <br /> desired by other communities. She added that facilities matter in the retention of talent. <br /> Councilmember Rader asked about Covid infection rates in the department and what protocols <br /> LPD is taking to keep its officers safe from Covid. Chief Kaucheck indicated that LPD is largely <br /> ok currently, and that the officers that have contracted it have not been debilitated by it. He <br /> spoke to the high level of difficulty getting officers protected with proper PPE at the beginning <br /> of the pandemic. <br /> Councilmember Shachner likened the police recruitment process to the men's college football <br /> recruitment process. He stated that in his work as a prosecutor, he often finds officers' quality of <br /> work reflects the quality of facilities in which they worked. <br /> Councilmember Kepple thanked the chief for being proactive with the HR grant to attract <br /> minority applicants to LPD. She also stated that bike patrols and uniform differentiation for <br /> auxiliary police were well done. She asked whether the facilities items were being worked out in <br /> the capital budget. Members of the administration indicated those items will be explored and <br /> addressed in 2023. <br /> Chairman Bullock expressed support for facility updates and more cameras on streets. Mayor <br /> George stated her administration worked quickly to install more throughout the city after some <br /> high-profile crimes, which ultimately cost$110,000. The additional high-tech cameras that were <br /> installed will cost$100,000 annually moving forward. Discussion ensued on whether city <br /> cameras could be used to pick up crime on private property. Area merchants are able to acquire <br /> and pay for systems and give police access to them. <br /> Chairman Bullock asked how many applicants Lakewood Police are getting for its civil service <br /> exams. Chief Kaucheck indicated between 60 and 80, compared to 600-800 people when he was <br /> hired years ago. There has been a decline over the last 10 years, when 200-300 people typically <br /> took it. <br /> Chief Kaucheck expressed that he and his department feel that Council and the administration <br /> have supported the police and thanked them for that. <br /> Councilmember Kepple asked whether the women's locker room has been addressed. Chief <br /> Kaucheck stated that it was done and addressed by him when he first became chief. He indicated <br /> that LPD has more females now than ever before and that the building is running out of building <br /> space for its employees. He stated Lakewood Police will have to make do with what the space <br /> that they have, and make improvements upon it. <br /> ORDINANCE 39-2021 - AN ORDINANCE to take effect immediately provided it receives the <br /> affirmative vote of at least two thirds of the members of Council, or otherwise to take effect and <br /> 7 <br />