HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-2006 Police Citizens Review Board
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AGENDA
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
September 12, 2006 - 5:30 P.M.
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM
410 E. Washington Street
CALL TO ORDER and ROLL CALL
CONSIDER MOTION ADOPTING CONSENT CALENDAR AS PRESENTED OR
AMENDED
. Minutes of the meeting on 08/08/06
. ICPD SOG #01-23 (Recruitment/Selection)
. ICPD Department Memo 06-29 (March-June Use of Force Review)
. ICPD Use of Force Report - July 2006
. Correspondence from Howard and Madonna White
OLD BUSINESS
. City Code Section 8-8-6(E) / Policy & Procedure for extension requests
NEW BUSINESS
. Select Nominating Committee
PUBLIC DISCUSSION
BOARD INFORMATION
STAFF INFORMATION
CONSIDER MOTION TO ADJOURN TO EXECUTIVE SESSION based on Section
21.5(1 )(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required or
authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a
condition for that government body's possession or continued receipt of federal funds,
and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel records of public bodies
including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22-7(5)
police officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in
the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are
made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those communications
from such persons outside of government could reasonably believe that those persons
would be discouraged from making them to that government body if they were available
for general public examination.
MEETING SCHEDULE and FUTURE AGENDAS
. October 10, 2006, 5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
. November 14, 2006, 5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
. December 11, 2006, 5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
. January 9,2007,5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room
ADJOURNMENT
MEMORANDUM
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
DATE:
TO:
FROM:
RE:
September 8, 2006
PCRB Members
Kellie Tuttle
Board Packet for meeting on September 12, 2006
Enclosed please find the following documents for your review and comment at the next board
meeting:
. Agenda for 09/12/06
. Minutes of the meeting on 08/08/06
. ICPD SOG #01-23 (Recruitment/Selection)
. ICPD Department Memo 06-29 (March-June Use of Force Review)
. ICPD Use of Force Report - July 2006
. Correspondence from Howard and Madonna White
. PCRB Complaint Deadlines
. PCRB Office Contacts - August 2006
Other resources available:
National Association for Civilian Oversight of Law Enforcement
NACOlE provides information regarding civilian oversight in law enforcement nation wide. For
more information see: www.NACOlE.orQ
CALL TO ORDER:
MEMBERS PRESENT:
MEMBERS ABSENT:
STAFF PRESENT:
STAFF ABSENT:
OTHERS PRESENT:
DRAFT
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
MINUTES - August 8, 2006
Chair Greg Roth called the meeting to order at 5:35 p.m.
Candy Barnhill, Elizabeth Engel, Loren Horton, Michael Larson
None
Staff Kellie Tuttle
Legal Counsel Catherine Pugh
Cap!. Tom Widmer of the ICPD
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL
(1) Accept PCRB Report on Complaint #06-02.
CONSENT
CALENDAR
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
PUBLIC
DISCUSSION
BOARD
INFORMATION
STAFF
INFORMATION
Motion by Engel and seconded by Barnhill to adopt the consent calendar.
. Minutes of the meeting on 07/11/06
. ICPD General Order 00-05 (Off-Duty Conduct: Powers of Arrest)
. ICPD Use of Force Report - June 2006
Motion carried, 5/0.
Meetinq times - Motion by Barnhill and seconded by Larsen to move the meeting time to
5:30 for the next six meetings as a trial period and re-evaluate at that time. Motion
carried, 5/0.
Citv Code Section 8-8-6(E) / Policv & Procedure for extension requests - Motion by
Barnhill and seconded by Engel to table the discussion until legal counsel is available.
Motion carried, 5/0.
None.
None.
None.
None.
PCRB
August8,2006
Page 2
EXECUTIVE
SESSION
REGULAR
SESSION
Motion by Horton and seconded by Larson to adjourn into Executive Session based on
Section 21.5(1 )(a) of the Code of Iowa to review or discuss records which are required
or authorized by state or federal law to be kept confidential or to be kept confidential as a
condition for that governrnent body's possession or continued receipt of federal funds,
and 22.7(11) personal information in confidential personnel records of public bodies
including but not limited to cities, boards of supervisors and school districts, and 22-7(5)
police officer investigative reports, except where disclosure is authorized elsewhere in
the Code; and 22.7(18) Communications not required by law, rule or procedure that are
made to a government body or to any of its employees by identified persons outside of
government, to the extent that the government body receiving those communications
from such persons outside of government could reasonably believe that those persons
would be discouraged from making them to that government body if they were available
for general public examination.
Motion carried, 5/0. Open session adjourned at 5:42 P.M.
Returned to open session at 6:34 P.M.
Motion by Engel and seconded by Barnhill to forward the Public Report as amended for
PCRB Complaint #06-02 to City Council. Motion carried, 5/0.
MEETING SCHEDULE
. September 12, 2006, 5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room - Time Changed
. October 10, 2006, 5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room - Time Changed
. November 14, 2006, 5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room - Time Changed
. December 12, 2006, 5:30 P.M., Lobby Conference Room - Time Changed
ADJOURNMENT
Horton will not be available for the September meeting.
Motion for adjournment by Horton and seconded by Larson. Motion carried, 5/0.
Meeting adjourned at 6:37 P.M.
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Iowa City Police Department -
Standard Operating Guideline
SOG#:
01.23
Subject:
RECRUITMENT / SELECTION
Section:
ADMINISTRATION
Cornman Si tu:7"
Effective date:
Au ust 28, 2006
Reference:
Issue #:
1 .
Origina//ssue:
DECEMBER 28, 2001
Purpose: The Iowa City Police Department recognizes the necessity of attracting
quality personnel for sworn and civilian positions who are motivated, intelligent,
ethical, progressive and dedicated and whom will be representative of the lowa:Qity
Community. Q ?
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Definitions:
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Recruitment
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While all members of the Department should act as recruiters during their daily
contacts with the public, the responsibility and authority of the recruitment
program belongs to the Human Resource/Personnel Department of the City of
Iowa City.
MEMBER INVOLVEMENT
In conjunction with the City's Director of Human Resources/Personnel, the Chief
of Police may establish a team of police department employees for the purpose
of recruiting quality police department personnel. The Director of Human
Resources/Personnel will coordinate the formal recruitment efforts of the
department with members of the team being utilized as needed.
The chief of police may assign an employee(s) to specific recruitment
assignments as available. These assignments include but are not limited to:
1. appearance at school career days
2. appearance at college "job fair" days
3. appearance at law enforcement training programs
4. appearance at community groups and organizations
5. appearance at other gatherings / community groups which may serve as a
contact source for potential candidates
Prior to initiating recruiting activities, those personnel involved will receive
training that provides both knowledge and skills relevant to the recruiting
program. This training may include but is not limited to the following topics:
1. The City's policies regarding equal employment opportunity objectives
2. The recruitment plan used by the Department
Employees appearing. at the above type occasions will submit a "Request for
Service" report to the Commander of Administrative Services or designee.
Upon the beginning of the next formalized hiring process or every three years,
whichever is less, the Chief of Police shall direct that an evaluation of the
recruitment contacts from the previous process be conducted. This evaluation
should, to the extent possible include:
1. determination of racial, ethnic, and gender composition of the most recent
group of applicants
2. determination of the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of those
advancing to the different stages of the testing process
3. determination of the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of those being
placed on the certified civil service list
4. determination of the racial, ethnic, and gender composition of those being
hired from the civil service list .
5. determination of the manner in which those persons representative of under
represented groups were made aware of the most recent testing process
6. recommendations by members of under represented groups for increased
participation in the application I testing process by other members of the
group
Upon completion of the evaluation process, a written report shall be compiled
summarizing the findings. This report shall be submitted to the Chief of Police
along with any recommendations for increasing the number and quality of
applicants with specific recommendations for the active recruitment of members
of under represented groups.
JOB ANNOUNCEMENTS
Job announcements shall be posted at all City governmental offices and other
public places deemed appropriate. Announcements shall also be posted through
various forms of media including but not limited to newspapers and the internet.
Announcements shall include the following information:
1. Title of the available position
2. Salary range
3. Description of duties and responsibilities
4. Minimum education, skills and other qualifications required
5. How to apply for the position
6. Closing date for receipt of the application
7. A statement that the City is an equal opportunity employer
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The Police Department, through the City's Human Resource/Personnel
Department, maintains contact with the applicant from the initial application to the
final employment disposition. Applicants will be informed in writing of all the
elements and activities of the selection process, the planned duration of the
selection process and the City's policy on reapplication. Applications will not be
rejected because of an error or omission that can be corrected prior to the testing
or interview process. In such a situation, the applicant will be contacted as soon
as the error or omission is noted for the correction to be made. Whenever an
applicant or application is rejected, notice of such rejection will be mailed to the
applicant by the City's Human Resource/Personnel Department. All applicants
not selected for positions will be informed in writing.
SELECTION
All facets of any tests and/or interviews shall be administered, scored, evaluated and
interpreted in a uniform manner. The selection process shall use only those criteria
that are job related. Civilian positions shall be filled based on a combination of
background investigation and interview. Interviews shall be conducted using valid,
useful and nondiscriminatory procedures. Sworn positions are filled based on the
process described in SOG #01-14.
Background investigations shall be conducted on candidates for all positions on the
Department. Those personnel tasked with conducting background investigations
shall be trained in the collection of such information. The investigation shall include
but is not limited to:
1. Verification of pertinent credentials
2. Criminal history
3. A minimum of three personal references
DISPOSITION OF APPLICATIONS
Applications and records of persons applying for sworn positions shall be governed
by the procedures set forth in SOG #01-14. Records and applications of persons
applying for non-sworn positions shall be maintained by the City's Human
Resource/Personnel Department for three years. Records shall be maintained in a
secure locked manner until destroyed. ......,
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lOW A CITY POLICE DEPARTMENT
USE OF FORCE REPORT
July 2006
OFFICER DATE INC# INCIDENT FORCE USED
55 072806 36520 Fight in Progress Officer used control techniques to
effect the arrest of a subject who had
attempted to flee on foot and resist
arrest.
55 072805 36548 Traffic Stop Officer used control techniques to take
a resistive subj eet into custody for an
assault investigation.
34,37 072706 36165 Mental Subject Officers used control techniques to take
a subject into custody who had
assaulted an Officer.
48 072506 35899 Assault Officer drew sidearm during the arrest
of a subject who was displaying a knife.
The subj ect was taken into custody
without incident.
06 072306 35673 Intoxicated Subject Subject had been placed under arrest
and resisted handcuffmg efforts.
Officer used control techniques to place
the subject in handcuffs.
95 072306 35550 Intoxicated Subject Subject had been placed under arrest
and resisted handcuffmg efforts.
Officer used control techniques to place
the subject in handcuffs.
52 072006 35093 Fight in Progress Officer drew sidearm when a subject
threatened another with a baseball bat.
Subject put the bat down and was taken
into custody without incident.
25,31 072006 34927 Intoxicated Subject Subject was placed under arrest and
resisted handcuffing efforts. Officers
used control techniques to place the
subject in handcuffs.
09 071806 34593 Alarm Officer drew sidearm when responding
to an alarm and confronting a suspect
who had attempted to run. Subject was
\i~f n, \1/v"01 taken into custody without incident.
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SRT 071606 34269 Suicidal Subject Officers displayed long weapons and
less lethal weapons to take an armed
suicidal subject into custody without
incident.
09 071506 34045 Fight in Progress Officer used a chemical irritant to
separate two subjects involved in a
physical altercation after they did not
respond to verbal directives.
45 071406 33970 Public Assist Subject had been placed under arrest
and resisted handcuffing efforts.
Officer used control techniques to place
the subject in handcuffs.
25 071206 33502 Intoxicated Subject Subject had been placed under arrest
and resisted handcuffing efforts.
Officer used control techniques to place
the subject in handcuffs.
13 070906 33099 Theft Subject had been placed under arrest
and resisted handcuffing efforts.
Officer used control techniques to place
the subject in handcuffs.
29 070906 32976 Suspicious Activity Officer drew sidearm while detaining
two subjects believe to be burglarizing
a residence. Subjects were taken into
custody without incident.
59,05 070806 32911 Traffic Stop Officer used control techniques to
prevent being assaulted.
05 070806 32896 Trespass Officer drew sidearm to search a
residence for a subject that was wanted
on an arrest warrant. Subject was taken
into custody without incident.
SRT 070606 32460 Search Warrant Officers displayed sidearms and long
weapons while serving search warrants
where suspects were believed to be
armed. Subjects taken into custody
without incident.
20 070406 31971 Intoxicated Subject Subject had been placed under arrest
and resisted handcuffmg efforts.
Officer used control techniques to place
the subject in handcuffs.
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DEPARTMENT MEMO 06-29
TO:
Chief Hargadine
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FROM:
Captain Widmer
REF:
March-June Use of Force Review
DATE:
August 11,2006
The "Use of Force Review Committee" met on August 10,2006. It was composed of Captain
Widmer, Sgt. Lord and Sgt. Hart.
The review of submitted reports for March (13 incidents-20 reports), April (23 incidents-35
reports), May (17 incidents.22 reports) and June (10 incidents-I 5 reports) revealed one policy
clarification, but no training concerns. Of the 63 incidents, 4 were for the destruction of an
animal and 10 were for a drawn sidearm (building search or felony stop).
As a matter of policy clarification, group Use of Force Reports (drawn sidearm only or SRT
response) does not include medical assists, welfare check or committals in which use of force is
called for by more than one officer. Ifuse of force is required in subduing a suicidal person,
each officer involved in the use of force is to submit a report.
A question of active countermeasures (specifically, leg-strikes outside instructed pressure point
tactics) to force a person to be seated in patrol vehicles for transport came up, In this situation,
active resistance to being placed into the rear seat is a level three. The officer is allowed to use
active countermeasure/personal weapon defense leg strikes at a level four after the normal level
three counter-measures have proven to be unsuccessful (see OPS 03.11, paragraph B).
Remember "reasonableness" is the key to evaluating the force.
Officers and supervisors are to be commended for their reporting during this period. The
enhanced supervisor accountability on the form has eliminated errors and lack of information,
Copy: City Manager, PCRB, Watch Commanders, Review Connnittee
September 12, 2006 Mtg Packet
PCRB COMPLAINT DEADLINES
PCRB Complaint #06-03
Filed:
Chiefs Report due (90days):
Chiefs Report filed:
PCRB Report due (45days):
08/04/06
11/02/06
POLICE CITIZENS REVIEW BOARD
OFFICE CONTACTS
August 2006
Date
Description
None
POLICE CITIZENS RIEVIEW BOARD
A Board of the City of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City IA 52240-1826
(319) 356-5041
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TO: City Council
Complainant
Stephen Atkins, City Manager
Sam Hargadine, Chief of Police
Officer(s) involved in complaint
FROM: Police Citizen's Review Board
RE: Investigation of PCRB Complaint #06-02
Date: August 8, 2006
This is the Report of the Police Citizens Review Board's (the "Board") review of the
investigation of Complaint PCRB #06-02 (the "Complaint").
Board's ResDonsibilitv
Under the City Code of the City of Iowa City, Section 8-8-7B-(2), the Board's job is to review the
Police Chief's Report ("Report") of his investigation of a complaint. The City Code requires the
Board to apply a "reasonable basis" standard of review to the Report and to "give deference" to
the Report "because of the Police Chief's professional expertise", Section 8-8-7B(2). While the
City Code directs the Board to make "Findings of Fact", it also requires that the Board
recommend that the Police Chief reverse or modify his findings only if these findings are
"unsupported by substantial evidence", are "unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious" or are
"contrary to a Police Department policy or practice or any Federal, State or Local law", Section
8-8-7b(2) a, b, c.
Board's Procedure
The Complaint was received at the Office of the City Clerk on March 2, 2006. As required by
Section 8-8-5(B) of the City Code, the Complaint was referred to the Chief of Police for
investigation.
The Chief's Report was due on May 31, 2006; a 30-day extension was requested on June 1,
2006 and approved by the Board on June 12, 2006. The Chief's Report was filed with the City
Clerk on June 27, 2006.
The Board met to consider the Chief's Report on July 11, 2006 and August 8, 2006.
The Board voted to review the Chief's Report in accordance with Section 8-8-7b(1)(a), "on the
record with no additional investigation."
Findinqs of Fact
The complainant alleges that Iowa City police officers harassed, threatened and intimidated
members of his family including himself and that they refused to allow the family to pray for their
family member who was an inpatient at the Iowa City Veteran's Affairs Medical Center (VAMC).
Interviews were conducted with all officers of the ICPO, VAMC police, VAMC and UIHC medical
staff who were involved with this event. The complainant refused to speak with investigators; no
positive identification of any family members was made during the event therefore investigators
were not able to speak with any family member for investigative 'fact-finding' purposes.
The general timeline and facts of the incident are not in dispute by non-family personnel.
The father of the complainant was an inpatient at the VAMC. Family members were loud,
agitated and created a disruption in the hallway outside the patient's room which disturbed other
patients and work staff. The situation escalated and VA officers on scene requested assistance
from the ICPO. VAMC police requested ICPO to charge the complainant and family members
with criminal trespass.
The family attempted to shut the door to patient's room in order to pray. An ICPO officer
informed them they could not shut the door but they could pray. The family members continued
to be disruptive and threatened officers and staff.
Additional ICPD officers were requested. A Sergeant and additional officer arrived on scene.
After conferring with a VA police officer, the ICPD Sergeant informed the family that a transfer of
the patient to another facility was in process.
Officers escorted family members to a waiting area in the lobby. The ICPD Sergeant infQrmed
the complainant/family that if they returned to the patient's floor, they would ~charg~ with
trespassing. Sergeant dismissed remaining officers and radioed 'clear'. :> Cr..
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Bya vote of 4-0 with 1 member absent, the Board set the Level of Review ~8>'8-7@(1)a;~
believing there to be enough information in the Chief's Report, the relative polic~eporti?~.Jadio
traffic report, and interviews with V AMC police and clinical staff to substantiate that no lo'ftla City
Police Officer did anything inappropriate and that officers treated the family members with
respect and acted in a professional manner toward them during the event.
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The Board concludes that the findings of the Chief's Report are supported by substantial
evidence; are not unreasonable, arbitrary or capricious; and are consistent with Police
Department policy and practice and those of any federal, state or local law.
Allegation #1: Intimidation, Harassment, Threats - Not Sustained. No evidence of any
intimidation, harassment or threats being made by members of the ICPO was found during the
interview process. See Comment section of the Board's report.
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Allegation #2: Officers refused to allow prayer - Not Sustained. At the request of the VA
Officer in charge of the event, ICOP officer(s) did not allow the family to close the door to the
patient's room but did inform the family that they could pray.
Comment
The Board feels that the investigative report compiled by the ICPO investigator(s) and the
Chief's Report is very comprehensive and thorough. It was commented in multiple
interview/supplemental reports from VA and UIHC staff that the ICPO officers were very patient
and respectful with the family while attempting to de-escalate the situation without use of
physical means or arrests. No one observed any ICPO officer do anything disrespectful or
inappropriate in action or speech while dealing with the family.
Members of the Board felt that it was important to note that the complainant refused to speak
with investigators.
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Howard R. and Madonna O. White
204 Dartmouth Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
August 20, 2006
Police Citizens Review Board
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Dear PCBR,
I was disappointed that I could not find a place on the Iowa City Police web page
to send a Dositive note about the excellent service we have received from the
Iowa City Police Department.
All too often we focus on the negatives, spending our time and energy trying to
define and correct the wrong that happens in this world. It happens in all walks
of life, in every business that exists. We benchmark against the "national norms"
and measure and dissect the low scores. Human nature, but still very sad.
We are sending you a copy of a letter we mailed to the Chief of Police
commending the actions of the department and, in particular, one
OUTSTANDING detective.
Maybe some good news will make your day a bit better, your job a little less
tryi ng.
Sincerely,
-iPw~vJ~~ ~ ~~~DLD~
Howard R. White and Madonna O. White
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Iowa City, Iowa 52240
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Howard R. and Madonna O. White
204 Dartmouth Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52245
August 20, 2006
Dear Chief Hargadine
Please allow me to extend a heartfelt appreciation for the active role that your
department and specifically, one detective in particular, played in getting a most
despicable criminal off the streets of Iowa City.
In March of 2004 my husband and I were the victims of a scam. Seeing that in
print now makes it seem a bit trivial, yet it has been far from that. I feel
compelled to write our story to you so that the officers and detectives involved
receive proper recognition and our deepest gratitude.
In 2003. after much research and planning, we secured a second mortgage on our homa, interviewed several contractors, and
hired Brett Anderson of Allied Construction to remodel our house on Dec. 17, 2003. We paid him a total of $18, 973.00
between 12/17/03 and 2/10104. He did a little of the work, gutted our home, d_oyed the hard wood floor finish, ruined carpet,
flooded the basemant 3 times and finally disappeared. The last time we had seen him was 315104. He was to deliver materials
and services for this project on 319104, but never showed.
I contacted ICPD on 3110104 to see what we could do. We were told tt was a cMI problem. Later that day we talked with our
attorney, found out what tt would coet to pursue him in the cMI courts and made anangemants to do just that. We also found
out that he had been sued in small claims courts for several similar events. We were advised to send him 2 letters, 1 certified
letter stating what we wanted, and 1 identical letter delved to his addr.... We did that.
We did a complete inventory of our gutted home and we again called ICPO on 3/11/04 to report that the contractor had stolen 8
custom granila cutting board and we wantad to press charges. This time an o",lcer came by the house and talked to us, looked
around the house and was truly aghast at the condttion that our home was in. We are embanassed to admit, we do net
remember his nama. He was poltte and respectful, professional in his empathy, and he reiterated that what had happened was
net criminal in the State of Iowa. Since we r"IIy weren1 POSITIVE that Mr. Anderson took the cutting board, we didn1 and up
fling a complaint. The officer did say he would make i!I report of the condition of our home. His manner was reassuring, and his
empathy was appreciated, tt truly fell sincere.
We continued to do some r....rch into Mr. Anderson and discovered that he was NOT licensed to be a contractor in iowa.
and he never obtained any permtts to do this demolttion, electrical or plumbing in Iowa Ctty. We reported this to the Ctty of Iowa
Ctty, Iowa Attorney Generals orr... of Consumar Protection and the Department of Labor. We also discovered that he was
wanted on a felony forgery charge, and that an arrest warrant had been issued in Johnson County just 3 days before we
hired him! We did some cold-calling (he left phone numbers written on a plywood work surface in our homa) and we found a
woman that had hired him in February 2004 to do a total house drywall project, had already paid him $1200.00, but had not
seen him in over 7 days. We told her not to give him any more money, explained what he had done to us and said our good-
byes. We became very suspicious!
On 3112/04 we filed a small claim against Mr. Anderson and his company for $5,000.00 for part of the materials and services
net delivered, and a $5,000.00 small claim ageinst the "accountant" for his company, his girlfriend Angel Bou. Her nama was
on all but one of the checks we wrote.
Johnson County Sheriff Dept. served the small claim against him on 3/17104. They called to tell us about tt on 3/19104, we
asked why they had net arrested him on the felony wanant. They were not aware of the warrantl We told them about ~ and they
said they "would check into tt."
We continued to look for others who had been duped by this man. We found them. LOTS OF THEMI
We also placed calls to the contractors cell phone, advising him that we would not rest until he was in prison for what he had
been doing. He called me back at 1235 on Friday 3119104 screaming at me, saying that "we had burned up all the money'" and
"there wasn't any left." He then said "Remember Madonna, I know where you live and I know where Max and Donovan go to
schoof'. I called ICPD once again, and reported this, I was terrified that he would come back to the house or bother my young
sons at schoot An offICer, Troy Lawf8lJCe came out and talked with us, checked on the warrant and said it was still actM!.
OffICer Lawrence said he would talk to his supervisor. His plan was to go to the contractors house and tell him to slop calling
(we were advised to slop calling him, and we did stop).
Officer Lawrence called back the next day, a Saturday morning, and left a messaga, telling us he had talked wtth the
contractor and told him to stay away from us and to stop calling. Then he went on to say he had talked to his supervisor, an
ICPD detective, and someone at the county attomeys office and they were very interested in talking to us.
Our next contact with the ICPD was through Detective Scott Gaarde. He
called and asked if we could meet with him. And...as they say..... the rest is
history.
Detective Gaarde is responsible for the successful investigation and
subsequent charges for "On Going Criminal Conduct" filed against Mr. Anderson
by the State of Iowa in Johnson County. Detective Gaarde spent COUNTLESS
hours interviewing victims and collecting information and preparing his report,
finally presenting the information to the Johnson County Attorney's office in the
late summer of 2004. His enthusiasm for his work was contagious. He was
always checking back and letting us know what the progress was on the
investigation. He made himself available by phone or e-mail in case we had a
question or remembered any additional information. He is a professional,
dynamic, personable, authentic, sincere policeman.
Detective Gaarde exceeded our expectations. Far to often you hear about the
negatives associated with police departments. We were at a low point in our
lives, and by his diligence he brought this man to justice. Detective Gaarde
deserves to be recognized for his excellent work and dogged determination to
collect all of the evidence needed to get this criminal off the streets of Iowa City
and behind bars where he belongs.
We are sending a copy of our letter to you Chief Hargadine, and to the Police
Citizens Review Board as well. We feel that Detective Gaarde went above and
beyond the call of duty doing the investigation of this case and we want
everyone to know how much we appreciate Detective Gaarde for everything he
has done for us.
Sincerely,
+I~(2/Wl,~ ~ I.M..d~Q.w~
Howard R White and Madonna O. White
Copy to:
PCRB
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
356-5041
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