Police Commission

Police Commission Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 6:00 PM, Zoom/Contois Auditorium When: Oct 28, 2025 06:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) Topic: Police Commission 10.28.2025 Join from PC, Mac, iPad, or Android: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89909576045 Phone one-tap: +13052241968,,89909576045# US +13092053325,,89909576045# US Join via audio: +1 305 224 1968 US +1 309 205 3325 US +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 646 558 8656 US (New York) +1 646 931 3860 US +1 301 715 8592 US (Washington DC) +1 669 900 9128 US (San Jose) +1 689 278 1000 US +1 719 359 4580 US +1 253 205 0468 US +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) +1 346 248 7799 US (Houston) +1 360 209 5623 US +1 386 347 5053 US +1 507 473 4847 US +1 564 217 2000 US +1 669 444 9171 US Webinar ID: 899 0957 6045 International numbers available: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kAFY7wyk1 1. Agenda 1.1. Call to Order 1.2. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum 1.3. Additions or Modifications to Agenda 2. Adopt Minutes 2.1. Motion to adopt previous meeting's minutes 3. Public Forum (Time Limited 10 Minutes) 3.1. The public is invited to address the Commission Page 1 of 24 4. Commission Business (Time Limited 45 Minutes) 4.1. Committee Reports from All Committees Complaints Committee General Info Retreat Update 4.2. Commission Meetings in other Community Locations 4.3. Commissioners Attending NPA Meetings 4.4. Additional Commissioner Education and Training 4.5. Holiday Meeting Schedule Planning 5. Chief's Report 5.1. Chief's Report October 2025 6. Commendations (Time Limited 15 Minutes) 7. Announcement of Next Meeting Date - 11/25/2025 8. Proposed Executive Session 8.1. Proposed Executive Session in order finalize a disciplinary matter that requires discussing personal and sensitive information about an individual. 9. Adjournment 9.1. Motion to Adjourn 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Subject 10.1. This agenda is available in alternative formats upon request. For more information on access, call Lori Olberg, Licensing, Voting and Records Coordinator (802-865-7136)(TTY 802-865-7142). Persons with disabilities who require assistance or special arrangements to participate are encouraged to contact 802-865-7000 (voice) or 802-865-7142 (TTY) at least 72 hours in advance so that proper arrangements can be made. This meeting will also air on Town Meeting TV the Wednesday after the meeting, starting at 8:00 pm and repeating at 1:00 am and 7:00 am the following day. The City of Burlington will not tolerate unlawful harassment or discrimination on the basis of political or religious affiliation, race, color, national origin, place of birth, ancestry, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, veteran status, disability, HIV positive status, crime victim status or genetic information. Meeting October 28, 2025 - Police Commission Meeting - Tuesday, October 28, 2025, 6:00 PM, Zoom/Contois Auditorium Category 10. Informational and Non-Discrimination Statements Department Council and Board Type Page 2 of 24  Police Commission Tuesday, August 26, 2025 Remote via Zoom and In-person in Contois Auditorium City Hall Burlington, Vermont DRAFT MINUTES Members Present: Commissioner Depper and Commissioner Ginorio Members Online: Commissioner Cox, Commissioner Comerford, Commissioner Finneran and Commissioner Brooks Fast Staff Present: Interim Chief Burke present, Interim Deputy Chief Young present, Command Staff Assistant Shibe Couchman online Public Present: None 1. Agenda 1.1. Call to Order Meeting called to order at 6:01pm by Commissioner Depper. 1.2. Roll Call and Determination of Quorum All Commissioners present except Commissioner Paul. 1.3. Motions for Additions or Modifications to Agenda (Time Limited: 15 Minutes) N/A 2. Adopt Minutes 2.1. Motion to Adopt Draft Minutes from July 22nd, 2025 Commissioner Ginorio proposed additional language to previous section 4.5. which was passed. 3. Public Forum (Time Limited: 10 Minutes) 3.1. The Public is Invited to Address the Commission No public present to comment. 4. Commission Business (Time Limited: 30 Minutes) 4.1. Committee Reports from All Committees Complaints Committee Chair Depper comments about updating the website and how that process has started. Commissioner Cox asks if all complaints will be posted to the SharePoint for all Commissioners to be able to review. Commissioner Comerford asks for clarity on who will review the complaints. Chief Burke suggests that the Police Commission Complaints Committee engages with DC LaBarge on reviewing complaints. 4.2. Directive Review DD14.1 – Body Worn Camera Systems Commissioner Ginorio gives her opinion on body worn cameras as context for her questions about the directive. Commissioner Ginorio then asks Chief Burke questions for clarity on the Page 3 of 24 directive. Upon answering all questions, the Commission votes on the directive. Unanimously passed. DD29 – Online Crime Reporting Commissioner Ginorio asks Chief Burke for definitions for terms “computer crime” and “theft of rental property”. Upon clarification, the Commission voted and unanimously passed the directive. 4.3 Retreat Agenda Discussion Potential Speakers Potential Topics Both simultaneously opened to discussion. Commissioner Ginorio has reservations about only having the Police Commission and BPD in the room. Commissioner Comerford presents the idea of having an environment where Commissioners make speak more freely and get to know each other. 5. Police Department Business (Time Limited: 30 Minutes) 5.1 August 2025 Chief’s Report Deputy Chief Young introduces himself to the Commission as it is his first meeting. Chief Burke reviews data on downtown foot patrols/directed patrols, monthly downtown arrest totals, 2025 & 2021-2024 top BPD incident averages, and day/night shift activity in 2025 calls for service vs officer initiated. Chief Burke also talks about the social media and recruitment efforts, as well as current initiatives. Commissioner Comerford asked for additional data for next Commission 6. Commendations (Time Limited: 15 Minutes) 6.1 BPD Commendations CSL Brigid was recognized for her work. 7. Commission Chair Nominations Commissioner Finneran nominates Chair Depper. 8. Commission Chair Vote Chair Depper unanimously voted to be Chair, passed. Commissioner Comerford proposed the idea of co-chairs which will be added to the next meeting’s agenda. 9. Announcement of Next Meeting Date September 23, 2025 10. Adjournment 8.1. Motion to Adjourn The Commission adjourned the public meeting at 7:21pm. Page 4 of 24 October 28th, 2025 Chief’s Report – Burlington Police Commission Personnel: The department continues to recruit for open positions; Emergency Communications, Community Service Officers, Community Support Liaisons and Police Officers. The recruiting team did a fantastic job with the BPD booth at the Champlain Valley Fair, which proved to be an excellent point of engagement with the public. Police officer application numbers have exceeded the total number received in 2024 by 10%, the team’s efforts on social media marketing has likely been a strong influence: Facebook Instagram Page 5 of 24 Promotions: I am very proud to announce that the department held a Sergeant Promotion Process in September. When I assumed the role of Interim Chief, there were several critical vacancies within the sergeant ranks. Following a competitive process, Cpl. Eric Kratochvil and Cpl. Deidre LaCouture have been selected for promotion. These new sergeants will complete a three-week field orientation to the role before being assigned to a patrol team. Their promotions will ensure that each patrol team within the Uniform Services Bureau has a dedicated sergeant to provide leadership and oversight—a critical component of our operational effectiveness. Sergeants play an essential role in directing daily staff activities, making independent decisions related to operational priorities and risk management, and providing mentorship and training to their assigned personnel. Leadership Development: The department continues to prioritize leadership development and has been intentional in providing employees with access to a variety of training and educational opportunities during FY 2026: International Association of Chiefs of Police Annual Conference Project Management Certification FBI Supervisor Leadership Institute Washington DC Police Leadership Academy These efforts are essential in developing staff for succession, there is a wide breadth of talent within the ranks of BPD – sworn and professional staff alike. High Profile Incidents: Detectives worked tirelessly to solve the murder which occurred on Church Street in August. This was a complex investigation given the nature of the assault, multiple assailants, and the number of juveniles involved. I am very impressed by how the team in DSB leverage technology and dogged investigative steps to solve this case efficiently. I am equally pleased with how closely our team works with the State Attorney’s Office to ensure the correct evidentiary standards are met – this is critical in setting shared expectations related to outcomes. The Drug Unit has been an essential element in response to the conditions in City Hall Park and on the adjacent streets. Our unit has partnered with federal authorities to investigate drug trafficking downtown and has identified crack cocaine as the prevailing drug type available on the street. One investigation of note identified a male subject who was selling crack cocaine in Page 6 of 24 City Hall Park while using Decker Towers as a place to live. This case highlights how different areas are connected through the drug trade and offered the opportunity for BPD to work with the Burlington Housing Authority in keeping their property safe. The United States Attorney’s Office has been a fantastic partner in this work - adopting several of the unit’s recent cases for Federal prosecution. Uniform Services: The staff assigned to USB has had a busy summer and fall. In addition to responding to calls for service across the city, staff have spent a great deal of their time in the Downtown District in response to the recent City Council Resolution. This month there will be a separate data presentation to the Commission outlining the police activity downtown. Deputy Chief Young has been reestablishing some of the effective partnerships BPD historically used to improve conditions in the city. DC Young is in weekly contact with Department of Corrections personnel assigned to Burlington Probation and Parole. The agency’s shared goal is to work together at the field level to effectively supervise community members under DOC supervision – there is ample overlap in our work. DC Young and Sgt. Byrne have been working with the Department of Liquor and Lottery Investigators as it relates to Burlington’s downtown nightlife scene. Liquor and Lottery Investigators have attended rollcall with our night shifts to explain their role in licensee compliance. DC Young has also been in communication with the City Clerk’s Office to reinstate the entertainment permit violation process. The foundation of Burlington’s vibrant nightlife scene is public safety, the most critical partner in this work are responsible cabaret operators. BPD will be engaging cabaret owners again to hold ongoing meetings to support one another in maintaining this vital part of the downtown economy. Policy / Direction - The department is working on the following initiatives: • DD 11 Victim Witness Assistance Directive Updated – pending Commission review in October. • DD 43 Community Service Officer Program Directive – pending Commission review in October. • Written guidance issued to Street Outreach and Community Support Liaisons (CSLs) as primary responders. • Launching a web based policy management software application. Page 7 of 24 Police Commission Data OCTOBER 28 T H , 2025 Page 8 of 24  Downtown Foot/Directed Patrols Downtown foot patrols & directed patrols have surpassed the totals of any in the previous five years Data 1/1/2020 – 10/15/2025 Page 9 of 24  City Hall Park Incidents, 2025 Rolling Counts To what extent are patrols and calls for service correlated? (note the differing Y-axes) Officer- initiated incidents ‘Downtown core’ removed defined as Pine & Main to Bank & S. Data Winooski 12/25/2024– 10/15/2025 Page 10 of 24  Downtown Arrests Downtown arrests have been higher than the past four years – particularly the summer into September Data 1/1/2020 – 10/15/2025 Page 11 of 24  Downtown Drug Arrests by Month July, August & September had the highest drug arrest totals in the last five years Includes all arrests that have at least one drug- Data 1/1/2020 related – 10/15/2025 charge Page 12 of 24  Downtown Calls For Service Mapping Valcour incidents to resolution language Acts of Violence: Assault, Domestic Assault, Reckless Endangerment, Homicide Disorderly Conduct: Disorderly Conduct Disturbance Unlawful Mischief: Vandalism Vandalism - Graffiti Open Drug Use: Drugs Drugs – Possession Officer- initiated incidents Data removed 1/1/2020 – 10/15/2025 Page 13 of 24  Downtown Acts of Violence Downtown acts of violence have remained steady since 2023 – though Aggravated Assaults have increased Officer- initiated incidents Data 1/1/2020 removed – 10/15/2025 Page 14 of 24  Gunfire Incidents, 2020 - 2025 Data 1/1/2025– 10/13/2025 Page 15 of 24  Gunfire Incidents, 2020 - 2025 Data 1/1/2025– 10/13/2025 Page 16 of 24  City Hall Park Incidents, 2025 Rolling Counts Officer- initiated incidents removed Data 12/25/2024– 10/15/2025 Page 17 of 24  City Hall Park Incidents, 2025 Rolling Counts Officer- initiated incidents removed Data 12/25/2024– 10/15/2025 Page 18 of 24  Battery Park Incidents, 2025 Rolling Counts Officer- initiated incidents removed Data 12/25/2024– 10/15/2025 Page 19 of 24  Top 20 People Downtown, 2025 Proactive incidents removed (Foot Patrols, Traffic Stops, etc.) Data 1/1/2025– 10/15/2025 Page 20 of 24  Top 20 Housing Status All but 2 of these top 20 have a most recent Valcour address of 'Homeless' or a shelter/hotel. Data 1/1/2025– 10/15/2025 Page 21 of 24  Top 20 Top Incidents Top downtown incidents for the top 20 people Data 1/1/2025– 10/15/2025 Page 22 of 24  Top 20 Top Incidents Top downtown incidents for the top 20 people & department-wide These top 20 make up around a quarter of some downtown incident types like Mental Health Issue, Disturbance, and Trespass. Data 1/1/2025– 10/15/2025 Page 23 of 24  Top 20 People / Top 20 Arrestees Matching colored bars indicate the same person. For example, the person with 121 incidents (Top Contact 1) has 7 arrests (Arrestee 12). Data 1/1/2025– 10/15/2025 Page 24 of 24