02/20/1996 Meeting Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

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Council Minutes of 2/20/96 .~. similar idea except that it was a program with a beginning and end and COPS is a philosophy to be practiced at all levels of the department. The program will require on- going changes for many years, but the process of training officers in the philosophy has begun. Officer Gorden Goodman has traveled to other police departments around the country to observe and learn from their community policing programs. Internal organization meetings have been held to solicit input and to provide information. The Police Department is committed to the community policing program. Chief Viola recognized Capt. George Ruple, Capt. Kevin Whalen and Lt. Jamie Gallagher for their invaluable help in the start-up of this program. The Chief also introduced the transition team who will staff the community policing office: Officer Russ King, Officer Gorden Goodman, Officer Carol Wilson and Officer Glenn Adamson. As the spokesperson for the group, Officer Goodman explained that he and the other officers had attended various seminars and conferences in order to prepare for the implementation of the community policing program One important point they learned was that community policing should be adapted to the needs of the individual community. This can be accomplished by working closely with members of the community through a community committee to learn about their concerns, which often focus on their homes, property and neighbors. Through the community policing program, the department hopes to address a wider array of community problems than the traditional police issues. The Police Department hopes to build a partnership with residents and the community to solve problems that are of concern to them Some methods which the department hopes to use to foster a better relationship with the community are as follows: • A citizen police academy to acquaint the public with the various specialties of the Police Department such as evidence training. • Citizen patrol--allowing citizens to ride with officers as observers. • Firearms demonstration. • Crime prevention education. • A satellite police office. • Meetings with school personnel, homeowners' associations, civic organizations, business owners and mall representatives. • Follow-up contact with victims of crimes. • Improvement and expansion of the Safety Town and D.A.RE. programs. At the request of President Boehmer, Mr. McKay moved that Council take a short recess to allow the audience and media to address questions to the Police Department representatives. The motion was seconded by Mr. O'Grady and passed unanimously. Council recessed at 8:35 p.m. Council reconvened at 8:45 p.m. REPORTS Law Director Gareau: 1) An arbitrator has been chosen for a NOMBL grievance. 2) A seconded amended complaint has been received in the Grilli case. 3 _..: ,.. ... ~.a,