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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-12-1999 Minutes POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD MINUTES - September 28, 1999 Lobby Conference Room CALL TO ORDER Chair L. Cohen called the meeting to order at 7:00 P.M. ATTENDANCE Board members present: L. Cohen, P. Hoffey, P. Farrant, J. Stratton and J. Watson. Staff present: Legal Counsel C. Pugh and Administrative Assistant S. Bauer. Also in attendance was Captain T. Widmer of the ICPD. CONSENT CALENDAR Motion by P. Hoffey and seconded by P. Farrant to adopt the Consent Calendar. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present. RECOMMENDATION TO COUNCIL None NACOLE P. Farrant shared information with the Board about the National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement. NACOLE is an outgrowth of discussions that were held by an international group, International Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement, founded in the early '90's. Out of a concern for human rights, internationally, they had their international meeting in the U.S. and in 1993 decided to set up a U.S. version of the same kind of group. So NACOLE was founded in 1995, The "Key Issues of Interest" that NACOLE wishes to cover is attached. NACOLE does claim that as of 1998, 71 of the 100 largest cities in the U.S. had some form of citizen review entity, and they helped in some way with 20 of them. Their main communication tools are the newsletters, which were distributed by Farrant to Board members. The reasons that Farrant believes the Board should affiliate are: 1. it would give the Board access to up-to-date information on a timely basis about new boards, events around the country, projects, publications, organizations that the Board might want to have some liaison with or acquire information from. 2 2. It would give a context for the Board's activities in the larger community. 3. Credibility. 4. It is important to support the efforts of a group like this. 5. Avoid duplication of effort on the Board's part. Following further discussion, Farrant recommended that Board members read the material distributed to enable a discussion at the next meeting as to whether to ask the City to pay for a membership ($300.00) on behalf of the PCRB. FORMAT OF PCRB REPORTS · Chair Cohen stated there seems to be a fair amount of complaint forms going out, but none coming back. Cohen suggested some sort of tracking to see how many forms go out as compared to how many complaints are actually filed. Watson suggested something (possibly a self-addressed return postcard) be included with the complaint form, requesting "if you decide not to file a complaint, please let us know why." Cohen also questioned whether the length of the front page is "intimidating," and thereby diminishing the intent to make the form clear and simple. · Discussion followed regarding the format of PCRB reports. Bauer distributed copies of a possible new format, which uses the PCRB letterhead. Watson stated the reason for changing is to make the report look more official and formal. This format would include who receives the report. The Board's consensus was to use this format on their next report. A signature line for the Chair will also be included on the report. NEW BUSINESS Watson inquired about the trip to Camp Dodge this fall. The Board agreed it is still interested. P. Hoffey will followup with the Director about possible dates; he will also distribute the information he has on this. 3 MEETING SCHEDULE Regular Meeting October 12, 1999, 6:00 P.M. Special Meeting October 26, 1999, 7:00 P.M. · Regular Meeting November 9, 1999, 7:00 P.M. · Special Meeting November 23, 1999, 7:00 P.M. PUBLIC DISCUSSION None BOARD INFORMATION L. Cohen - commented that she heard on the news that the Monticello City Council had agreed to contact Iowa City for a copy of their PCRB ordinance. J. Watson - received a telephone call from a mother of one of the teens involved in the incident in Monticello. Watson told her about the ordinance in Iowa City. She indicated she and others might want to come to a PCRB meeting in Iowa City. L. Cohen - stated she was contacted by Rick Spooner, a council candidate. STAFF INFORMATION C. Pugh, Legal Counsel - checked with the City Attorney, who checked with the Chief's secretary who assured her that copies of the Chief's Reports are sent to the complainants, as well as the officers. With regard to the e-mail issue, Pugh stated a system has been set up with the Clerk's office to report their contacts by forwarding a summary of each contact. What the Board is after is the "big picture" so they know who is calling in, what are the questions, and what do people want. A good summary of those contacts is sufficient, including e-mail and telephone calls. The Board agreed to this plan. The Clerk's office will be preparing a report, similar to what Bauer prepares. ADJOURNMENT Motion for adjournment by J. Stratton and seconded by P. Hoffey. P. Hoffey thanked the Chair for doing a fine job this past year. Motion carried, 5/0, all members present. Meeting adjourned at 7:58 P.M.