Police Commission

LACONIA POLICE COMMISSION MINUTES FEBRUARY 20, 2014 PRESENT: Commissioner Douglas A. Whittum, Commissioner Armand E. Maheux, Chief Christopher A. Adams, Captain William F. Clary, Captain Matthew J. Canfield, Lieutenant Alfred Lessard, Lieutenant Richard E. Simmons, and Deborah M. Simkins EXCUSED: Chairman Warren C. Clement, Prosecutor James A. Sawyer GUESTS: Councilor Brenda Baer, Gail Ober Commissioner Maheux called the meeting to order at 3:00 p.m. Councilor Baer led the Pledge of Allegiance. ITEM#1 Personnel Matters. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #1A Commendations & Awards. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #1B Training. Lieutenant Lessard advised the recruits are doing well, on week seven, half way through, but we have not yet received the date of graduation. ITEM #1C Miscellaneous – Laconia Links. Chief Adams advised there was an article with regard to the Goals and Objectives from 2013, Goals and Objectives for 2014, and Problem Oriented Policing for 2014. ITEM #1D Resignations/Retirement. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #1E Hirings. Lieutenant Lessard advised there are currently two applicants in the background process who are scheduled to begin on April 1, 2014. ITEM #1F Promotions/Reorganization. Chief Adams advised Officer Robert Cameron will begin his Sergeant position beginning on March 1, 2014, and Sergeant Swett will be moving into BCI, beginning March 1, 2014. ITEM #2A Support Division. Captain Clary advised the Detective Division has been extremely busy from the recent serious crimes. Captain Clary advised even though there has been an arrest in the arson incidents, these investigations will still require a lot of time. Captain Clary advised we have one Detective out on Family Leave as well, leaving the Division shorthanded. ITEM #2B Operations Division. Captain Canfield advised motorcycle week planning has already begun. Captain Canfield advised an Active Shooter presentation was also recently done. Laconia Police Commission February 20, 2014, Minutes Page 2 Captain Canfield noted a considerable increase in the number of accidents recently and advised we are cautioning people to pay close attention at intersections due to the high snow bankings. ITEM #2C Legal Division. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #3 Orders and Bulletins. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #4 Approval of January 16, 2014, Minutes. Commissioner Maheux entertained a motion to approve the minutes as presented, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. ITEM #5A Department Monthly Highlights. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5B Monthly Fleet Report. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5C Criminal Investigative Unit Statistics. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #5D Monthly Patrol Division Statistics. Chief Adams noted a 61% increase in Crimes Against Persons, a 23% decrease in Crimes Against Property, a 69% decrease in Crimes Against Society, and an increase of 12% with regard to Group B Offenses. ITEM #5E Budget Print-Out. Captain Clary advised we do have a couple of line items that are over expended, but our bottom line is fine. ITEM #5F Monthly Traffic Statistics. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #6 Correspondence to and from the Department. Chief Adams noted all positive correspondence received, internally and externally, including accolades for our assistance during the Mayor and Council Inauguration. Chief Adams advised Officer Cameron had received very complimentary comments regarding his compassion shown at a recent untimely death. Chief Adams advised we also received a thank you from one of the members of the recent Citizen’s Academy. ITEM #7 Chief’s Report and Requests for Commission Action. ITEM #7A Performance Assessment Report Cards. Chief Adams advised the majority of the report cards were A’s with the exception of one poor rating. Chief Adams advised he spoke with this individual with regard to her concerns. ITEM #7B 2014 Goals and Objectives. Lieutenant Lessard advised we have purchased a program called DMS (Document Management Systems) to assist with the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) process. The Lieutenant advised this program prevents the copying of numerous documents and also includes training Laconia Police Commission February 20, 2014, Minutes Page 3 information to streamline things very well. Lieutenant Lessard advised IMC tracks our training, but specific requirements for CALEA will be maintained in this system. Captain Clary advised we have cut back on our outside consultant and have named Robin Moyer as our in-house Accreditation Manager which gave us the funding available to purchase this program. Captain Clary advised Chief French is still available for consultation if needed, however, with a day-to-day process; a number of man hours will be saved. Chief Adams advised Texting/Distracted Driving is a very hot topic and we have all seen people driving and talking on their cell phones. The Chief advised this is a dangerous combination and through heightened awareness, education and enforcement campaigns, is hopeful the number of accidents will decrease. Chief Adams advised the Human Trafficking Awareness and Education Campaign is becoming more predominant as it is a growing concern in the Country and the State of New Hampshire. Chief Adams advised there will be another presentation coming up in March or April with regard to this concern and members of the Department have already participated in several awareness events with more scheduled for 2014. Chief Adams advised the educational campaign will include the general public and police personnel. Chief Adams advised the Employee Assistance Program focuses on ensuring the well being of all department members and to educate all employees on available services to ensure the resources available are adequate. Chief Adams advised the Department is encouraging employees to engage in physical fitness and healthy living. The Chief advised the health of our employees is beneficial on multiple levels, including work productivity, a decrease in sick time usage, and overall mental health. Chief Adams also discussed the Anti-Bullying Campaign as this is a growing epidemic across the Nation. Chief Adams advised educating employees on the latest issues and best practices relating to bullying and partnering with the Laconia School District and other organizations is key. ITEM #7C 2014 Problem Orientated Policing Projects. Chief Adams advised the Problem Orientated Policing Projects for 2014 will include; Domestic Violence, Underage Drinking, Accident Reduction, Mental Health/Suicide Prevention, Reduction of Drug Overdoses/Drug Activity and Robbery Reduction. The Chief advised the assignments for each project will be announced at next month’s meeting and presentations for each will be made during meetings throughout the year. ITEM #7D Laconia Police Department Twitter. Captain Clary advised the Police Department now has a Twitter account at laconianhpolice. Captain Clary advised you have to sign up to follow it and it will include updated information on major incidents as well as public reminders, storms, and eventually we will be attaching links for Press Releases. Commissioner Whittum inquired if this could be used for Wanted Persons as well and Laconia Police Commission February 20, 2014, Minutes Page 4 was advised yes and photographs can be attached to it. Captain Clary advised this is a very valuable tool for mass communication. Lieutenant Lessard advised we currently have eighty followers on Twitter. ITEM #7E New Interview Room. Chief Adams advised it had been suggested that another interview room would be very beneficial to the Department. Chief Adams advised the Armory has now been converted into a second interview room at a minimal cost to the Department. ITEM #8 Old Business. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #9 New Business. Chief Adams reminded everyone of the Winni Dip which is scheduled for March 8, 2014, at the Margate Resort to benefit Special Olympics. ITEM #10 Confirm Date of Next Regular or Special Meeting. The March Meeting was scheduled for March 20, 2014, at 3:00 p.m. in the Community Room at Laconia Police Headquarters. ITEM #11 Other Business. There was no discussion with regard to this Agenda Item. ITEM #12 Citizen Comments. Councilor Baer inquired if we receive calls during the subzero temperatures from people with regard to the loss of heat. Councilor Baer advised she is trying to open a shelter for such emergencies. Councilor Baer advised the Laconia Middle School has been used in the past as an emergency shelter, but is trying to gather information with regard to this concern. Councilor Baer inquired if the Department has ever been called on to rescue anyone and was advised we would contact the Fire Department. Gail Ober inquired how often the Laconia Police Department conducts Polygraph Exams for another Department. Captain Clary advised Polygraphs are done if they do not interfere with our schedule or manpower needs, and focus on priority cases and major incidents. Captain Clary advised we do not turn other Departments down, but they understand our availability as well. ITEM #13 Non-Public Session. On a motion by Commissioner Maheux, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously, in accordance with RSA 91-A:3 II (a), the Laconia Police Commission entered into Non-Public Session at 3:35 p.m. At 3:40 p.m., the Non-Public Session ended on a Motion by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, with a unanimous vote to maintain the Minutes as confidential, in accordance with RSA 91:A:3, III. Commissioner Maheux entertained a motion to approve of a two-day suspension as a result of a discipline issue, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. Laconia Police Commission February 20, 2014, Minutes Page 5 Commissioner Maheux entertained a motion to approve a one-day suspension as a result a discipline issue, moved by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously. There being nothing further to come before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned on a motion by Commissioner Whittum, seconded by Commissioner Maheux, and passed unanimously at 3:40 p.m. _______________________________ Douglas A. Whittum, Clerk Laconia Police Commission /dms